From high mountain technical canyoning in the French Alps to super-fun warm water descents in the Verdon Gorge, France has a huge variety of canyoning descents.
1. Canyoning in the South of France
The south of France is a world-class destination for canyoning and the Alpes-Maritimes and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence regions have some of the best descents. The stunning scenery, crystal clear water and the variety of the canyons attract both holiday makers looking for a challenging activity and experienced canyoning enthusiasts alike.
1. Canyoning in the French Alps
Canyoning is a fantastic way to explore some of the French Alps’ most inaccessible yet beautiful landscapes. The high mountain terrain that makes the French Alps such a great place for winter sports also makes it ideal for canyoning. Spring meltwater fills rivers and carves out deep canyons perfect for exploration. You’ll slip down natural water-slides, leap into crystal clear pools, abseil down waterfalls and zip-line across ravines. Canyoning blends a mix of French Alps outdoor sports into one memorable adventure.
Book a Canyoning Trip
Our canyoning partners offer full-day and half-day canyoning adventures and cater to all abilities and group sizes. Canyoning adventures take place in spectacular mountain terrain in remote locations. Wetsuits and safety gear will be provided, but you will need to bring an old pair of trainers that you don’t mind getting wet. Take a guide, you’ll be safer and you’ll have a lot more fun.
France Canyoning Guiding
Join an experienced guide for an unforgettable canyoning adventure, from Provence to the Alps. Whether it’s your first time, or you’ve been canyoning before, each descent is tailored to match your fitness level and ambition, ensuring an exciting and safe experience.
Jump, slide, and abseil down rocky waterfalls under the guidance of expert instructors who prioritise your safety and enjoyment. Book your canyoning trip today and experience France’s wet and wild!
Preparing for your canyoning trip
Canyoning involves making your way down a river gorge, sliding down natural waterslides, jumping into deep crystal clear pools, and abseiling down waterfalls. You’ll wear a wetsuit to protect you from the cool alpine water and any potential scrapes on rocks, a helmet and a harness. It’s a challenging activity, and the sport takes you off the beaten track to some of the most stunning scenery in the south of France.
What do I need to bring?
You’ll need to bring a swimsuit, a pair of old trainers, a towel, and a picnic if food isn’t provided on full-day descents. Technical gear should be provided by your canyoning guide including wetsuit, helmet, harness and climbing ropes.
Do I need rock climbing experience to go canyoning?
Although you use a lot of the same equipment as in rock climbing you don’t need rock climbing experience. It’s more important that you’re confident in the water than being able to scale boulders. Canyoning has a quick learning curve and canyons are graded so you can tackle easy descents and build up. You do however need a minimum level of fitness and, although you’ll be wearing a wetsuit, you need to be comfortable with heights and a confident swimmer as you’ll be jumping off rocks into deep, moving water.
How much time do I need to set aside for a canyoning trip?
There are a variety of canyoning experiences to choose from, from straightforward walking canyons known as randonnées aquatique to technical multi-day expeditions. So, you can complete a canyoning expedition in a few hours but for the best experience, it’s best to set aside a full day. Allow 1 to 2 hours driving time from Nice. Another consideration is that some canyons are quite remote and accessible only on foot over steep, rough ground.
Please leave a comment below if you need specific advice for your canyoning trip in France, or if you have any recommendations to help us improve this article. Bonnes vacances !
This looks scary, but I may do it anyway LOL!
Hi, thanks for your comment! Canyoning can be challenging, but you’ll choose a descent that suits your level, from beginner to advanced. And, unless you choose a very difficult route, your canyoning guide will always give you the option to go around an obstacle if you’re not comfortable. That’s one of the reasons it’s such a great group activity. Hope that encourages you to give canyoning a go!