Giffre - Samoëns in the Haute-Savoie

Raft, Hydrospeed, Airboat, Canoraft on the Giffre

Le Giffre, Gorges des Tines Samoëns Haute Savoie

One hour from Annecy and Geneva and only 30 minutes from Morzine, the Giffre lies in its setting of rocks and greenery, a veritable haven of flora and fauna.

This valley is crowned by magnificent peaks between 2000 – 3000m. From Criou to Grand Ruan, via the Grand Massif, Mont Buet and Cheval Blanc, they feed the river water. Not forgetting the glaciers of Ruan and Prazon which generate plenty of waterfalls between Fer à Cheval and Bout du Monde.

Our route begins above the village of Sixt and ends in Samoens. This is the most beautiful alpine river in the most unspoilt of valleys. The Gorges des Tines, now famous, is a whitewater reference. You’ll see magnificent fossils and the giant pots that are the origin of the name of this place, ‘Tine’ being patois for a Savoyard pot.

Intense from May to June, the Giffre is perfect for Rafting and Hydrospeed. From July to August it begins to ease a little making a more ‘playful’ experience to suit families. Very sporty people will particularly enjoy Airboat and Canoraft at this time.

Duration of each activity: 1h15 – 1h30, 2h30 including travel and preparation.

Difficulty: Class II, III. Gorges des Tines is difficult to classify