Descente des Radeliers de la Durance

Along the river, come and relive this historical re-enactment

Come one, come all to relive the 23rd historical re-enactment of the " rafts of memory". Step back in time at this not-to-be-missed event, where you'll be able to admire an unprecedented show at the heart of the history of the rafters.

In the past, the Durance River was used to transport wood all the way to the Mediterranean, a 260km journey. Until the end of the ^19th century, these various boats transported the wood (larch, spruce, fir) used to supply both shipyards and construction sites in the major cities. The rafts were made of pieces of wood joined together by plant ties, otherwise known as "réortes". With the arrival and development of the railroads, this practice was gradually abandoned and this ancestral craft disappeared. In memory of these "freshwater sailors", a group of enthusiasts created theassociation "Les Radeliers de la Durance" to bear witness to this historically perilous trade.
Every year, the association organizes two days of commemoration, retracing the history of this activity that was once vital to trade in our valleys. The rafts, built identically to those of the period and with the same organization: oarsman and coxswain in period dress, take the place of the rafters and kayakers of the Durance!