What is canyoning?

It is above all an aquatic activity that takes place in white water in torrents or rivers, we use ropes for abseiling in waterfalls, when possible we jump in water or we use toboggans sculpt in the rock to have more fun, the adventure becomes even more fun!

Basically canyoning is a mixture between whitewater swimming and caving or climbing, you will get your fill of thrills and adrenaline.
We live in a sensitive natural environment that he must respect, we humans are not the only users of the river and many living species live here all year round in these sometimes inaccessible gorges.
During your descent around a basin or a cave it is not impossible to come across batrachians, reptiles or other species living in the river.

Who can do canyoning?

Canyoning can be practiced from 12 to 77 years old provided that you can swim and that you are able to walk for several hours in a hilly course (boulders, trees and steps to cross at the bottom of a ravine).
There is often a 20 to 40 minute approach walk to access the canyon, it’s like a little hike, then we descend the river at our own pace but we are in cold water at 10 ° c, which pump a lot of energy.
You have to be able to slide on your buttocks, jump from small cliffs to land in the water, in short, a minimum of physical condition without being a seasoned sportsman.
The most important thing is to know how to swim well and not to be afraid of the void or the vertical environment.
Accompanied by a high mountain guide or canyoning instructor, this activity is safe and practical as long as you follow the instructions during the route.
The professional will always adapt to the level of the least experienced practitioners in the group, he will also take care to find the canyon in good condition.
No canyon jump is mandatory, in the worst case you will have to abseil.
If you have already practiced via ferrata, rafting or even a water hike you will be familiar with this activity although it is closer to caving and climbing.

What equipment do you need to descend a canyon?

In general I provide all the necessary equipment: harness or harness, helmet, descender, neoprene suit and neoprene sock.
Obviously, I am equipped with all the collective equipment for the descent in the canyon.
You should bring a bath towel and swimsuit, a water bottle and some treats can be taken in case of fatigue.
I am also equipped with a waterproof camera to send you then unforgettable beautiful memories for your bachelor parties.
Come with your good humor to live a refreshing experience on the water.

Where to do Canyoning in France?

The canyon can be practiced everywhere in France where they are located. In general we can find all the canyons of a region in topos guides, but also on the internet on the canyon descent site

In the Northern Alps or in Savoy country there are many remarkable canyons and in particular around Annecy, the canyon of Angon with its large waterfall of 60 meters, the torrent of Montmin, or the canyon of Pont du Diable in the Bauges natural park are “musts” in terms of canyoning in Haute-Savoie.

You can end your day or half-day canyoning around an aperitif at the edge of Lake Annecy.
Close to Mont-Blanc and Chamonix, the canyon of Barberine or Challamy in Valle d’Aosta is encased and has almost turquoise water in places.

Further on, the Vercors, Ain, Gorges du Verdon and even the Ardèche are very famous, some canyons present even siphons to be crossed underwater.

In the Maritime Alps, there are also superb, very beautiful canyons: The Clue d’Amen or the Clue de la Cerise are also very beautiful descents that any canyoneer should one day discover.

The other massifs such as the Pyrenees Orientales or Corsica are superb canyoning spots where you will find marvels of the genre, just in Corsica La Vacca or Puliciellu are benchmarks as the water is crystal clear and limpid, it is a bit like aqualand but surrounded by nature, you will be captivated by the beauty of the Aiguilles de Bavella.

For those who wish to go further, it will be necessary to register for a canyoning weekend over 2 days or even a one-week internship, this option allows you to discover the canyon from a different angle when traveling to Reunion Island or even in Ticino in Switzerland.