If the train’s about to leave...
You have just enough time to take on board five key points regarding this thrilling inflatable ring ride down the Rhône. Ready to set sail?
- The trip downriver takes between 90 minutes and 4 hours
- It starts right in the centre of Geneva
- When you get to the end, you can return to the city by bus
- The activity is not supervised, so you are responsible for your own safety
- After Sous-terre Bridge, you can even go for a swim in the Rhône!
To find out more, especially if you’re thinking about going down the Rhône in an inflatable ring, read the full article. While it’s a quirky and original thing to do, it’s certainly not without its risks.
Want to find out more during your trip?
If you’d like to explore the city from a different perspective and cool off at the same time, then the Rhône descent is the activity for you! While we’ve mentioned doing it in an inflatable ring, you can also do it on a paddleboard or in a kayak, travelling along the river at your own pace.
All set with your craft? Then let the descent commence! Head to the access ramp, just behind the Seujet dam and right after the iconic Forces Motrices building. Go down the ramp and get into your kayak, onto your paddleboard or into your inflatable raft. Just don’t try it on a kids’ unicorn float, as it won’t hold up.
Now it’s time to paddle! Follow the Rhône and pass the point where it meets the River Arve to let yourself almost glide along the water. In certain spots, the scenery becomes more natural, with plenty of birds. Keep your eye on the horizon! The current will pull you towards the bank, so you’ll need to paddle your craft to keep it on course and avoid the trees that dip into the Rhône.
Depending on the time you’ve allocated for your trip, we would recommend leaving the river at Vernier (there are other exit points). Here, you’ll find beaches, barbecue spots and a peaceful setting in which to spend the rest of your day in the company of others.
Some important recommendations
To stay safe, follow these tips to the letter. Because you, and you alone, are responsible for your descent – not TGV Lyria, not the city of Geneva, not the person in the next inflatable ring, not your friend who recommended the activity. You’re the only one on board, so keep the following in mind.
- Ideally, you should have a paddle with you, even if you’re in an inflatable ring. The Rhône’s currents are unpredictable and there are many twists and turns. Having one or more paddles with you means you’ll be able to steer your craft and prevent it from being pulled into the trees and sustaining a puncture, which would leave you stuck in the middle of nowhere with a useless vessel!
- This activity has become really popular and, as a result, there has been some negative behaviour, such as drinking alcohol. Take responsibility by remaining sober and aware of what you are doing.
- Bring a change of clothes: the descent is long and the Rhône is quite cold in parts, so you’ll be more comfortable and confident if you come well-equipped. Remember, also, that the weather can change very quickly.
- Have your mobile phone on you so that, in the event of any problems or injury, you’ll be able to summon help quickly.
- Don’t attach your paddleboard to your leg, or tie craft together.
If you follow these tips and behave responsibly, your descent should pass without incident and be highly enjoyable. All you need to do now is pick a nice sunny day and perhaps bring a life jacket, just to be sure.