Rafting on the Gave de Pau with Workshops on the Desman, Hautes-Pyrénées

Have you ever heard of the Pyrenean desman? Also known as the “water mole”, this small mammal native to the region is an excellent swimmer that lives only in unspoilt, unpolluted rivers. As a result, its presence is a reliable indicator of environmental quality. Found along the banks of the Gave de Pau, the desman leaves subtle traces that you will learn to spot during this rafting activity, which includes educational workshops led by a specialist guide.

Rising in the Cirque de Gavarnie, the Gave de Pau is a tributary of the Adour River. It later joins the Gave d’Oloron to form the “Gaves Réunis” near Peyrehorade. However, it is in Villelongue, in the Hautes-Pyrénées and just 10 minutes from Argelès-Gazost, that the Tom Rafting team awaits to take you on a discovery of the aquatic and semi-aquatic species of the Gave de Pau by raft, mini-raft, canoe or kayak.

During this excursion, you will travel down the river with your experienced guide in the raft, following the traces of the desman. Several markers will be placed along the banks, and with the guide’s expertise, you will interpret them together to better understand this rare and discreet animal. Even if you don’t spot one, you will learn all about its habitat, behaviour and lifestyle through 3 to 6 educational workshops included in the activity. While the desman is the star of the outing, you will also discover many other species living in and around the river, such as otters, crayfish and kingfishers.

Quiet and environmentally friendly, rafting is an ideal way to observe the river ecosystem while respecting it. Book your rafting trip on the Gave de Pau and enjoy a unique immersion in its natural environment, just 20 minutes from Lourdes and Cauterets!