Canyoning

Where to go canyoning in France?

Canyoning descent in France

The best canyoning spots in France

Canyoning Barcelonnette
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Prepare for a thrilling experience where you will discover nature from a whole new perspective. Whether you are a curious novice or a seasoned enthusiast, canyoning in France has surprises in store for you at every bend in the river. So, are you ready to experience the thrill while enjoying the majesty of the landscapes that surround you? 

What is Canyoning?

The definition of canyoning

At Crazy Water, we like to define canyoning as a aquatic adventure in the heart of the mountains. You descend along rivers, more or less tumultuous, using a variety of techniques such as swimming, walking, jumping, and even rappelling. It is a thrilling and refreshing experience that will allow you to discover breathtaking natural landscapes while having fun.

Immerse yourself in a world of waterfalls, swimming pools and natural slides, gorges and rock walls for a few hours!

The different forms of canyoning

There are different ways to practice canyoning, which makes this leisure activity ideal for all levels of experience and… courage.

  • THE sports canyoning : For intrepid adventurers, this practice offers more technical and challenging descents, putting your climbing and rappelling skills to the test. Adrenaline guaranteed! 
  • THE fun canyoning : for those who seek pleasure and fun above all, fun canyoning offers gentler descents, with natural slides and natural pools to relax in.
  • The Vsintermediate variants : between sporty and fun canyoning, there is a variety of experiences adapted to every level and preference. It's up to you to choose the one that suits you best! The Crazy Water team will be at your disposal to offer you the most suitable route. 

Essential equipment

Any self-respecting canyoner must have the following equipment: 

  • A neoprene wetsuit to protect you from the cold of the water and prevent you from being in direct contact with the rocks. 
  • A helmet.
  • Of the shoes with good grip to prevent slipping on wet and rocky surfaces.
  • A harness and belay system for abseiling and guaranteeing your safety.
  • A backpack (optional, depending on the duration of the activity) to carry water, energy snacks and any other necessary equipment.

At Crazy Water, you will find all the necessary equipment. All you have to do is bring your swimsuit, your towel and shoes that don't leak. You are well equipped to embark on a canyoning adventure in complete safety! 

👉 Read also : Crazy Water Rafting Ubaye Opens April 1, 2024

The best canyoning spots in France

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Just for you, we have compiled a list of canyoning spots in France which deserve your full attention. 

Just for you, we have compiled a list of canyoning spots in France which deserve your full attention. 

Gorges du Verdon

THE Verdon Gorge, located in the south of France, are often considered the Holy Grail of canyoning. These deep gorges offer breathtaking landscapes and sensational descents. You can venture into canyons like the famous Artuby canyon, known for its turquoise waters and its dizzying passages. The Gorges du Verdon have a wide variety of routes in store for you, from fun to more sporty. This is something to satisfy everyone! 

The advantages of this extraordinary place: 

  • spectacular landscapes;
  • a multitude of service providers;
  • a variety of courses suitable for all levels;
  • the possibility of combining canyoning with other activities such as kayaking or hiking.

👉 Also read : Rafting Verdon Gorges

The Pyrenees

The Pyrenees are a true paradise for canyoning enthusiasts, with a multitude of canyons to explore. Sites like the Ordesa canyon in Spain, on the border with France, offer thrilling descents in the heart of breathtaking mountain landscapes. For beginners, canyons such as the Neste canyon near Saint-Lary-Soulan offer more accessible routes while guaranteeing a dose of adrenaline. The Pyrenees also offer whitewater canyoning opportunities, ideal for those seeking thrills.

The advantages of practicing canyoning in this assembly line: 

  • great diversity of canyons;
  • grandiose mountainous landscapes;
  • possibility of combining canyoning with other mountain activities such as hiking or skiing.

The Alps

The French Alps are full of hidden treasures for canyoning enthusiasts. Spots like Furon canyon near Grenoble offer varied descents in a magnificent setting. You can explore waterfalls, caves and natural pools while challenging the rapids.

For a wilder experience, head to remote canyons like the Chassezac canyon in Ardèche, where you can discover unspoilt landscapes and spectacular waterfalls. Let's end in style with the Ubaye valley, near the Serre-Ponçon lake and Barcelonnette! This river with crystal clear waters and breathtaking panoramas also offers a multitude of canyons to explore for adventurers looking for thrills. LThe La Blache canyon, the Rouannette canyon, the Rabou canyon, what Ubaye canyon will hold your attention?

Advantages of a canyoning trip in the Alps: 

  • varied descents suitable for all levels;
  • breathtaking alpine landscapes;
  • possibility of discovering less frequented and preserved canyons.

And of course the opportunity to meet the Crazy team who will make this experience an unforgettable moment! 

👉 Also read : Where to swim in Ubaye-Barcelonnette? 

The Cévennes

The Cévennes also offer their share of wonders for canyoning enthusiasts. Sites like the Tapoul canyon, renowned for its dizzying waterfalls and crystal clear pools, offer a unique experience in the heart of wild nature. The canyons of the Cévennes are distinguished by their authentic and preserved atmosphere, ideal for those looking for a complete change of scenery far from the crowds.

Advantages of a canyoning session in the heart of the Massif Central: 

  • authentic and preserved atmosphere;
  • impressive waterfalls;
  • possibility of combining canyoning with the discovery of picturesque villages and remarkable natural sites.

Whether you are a beginner or experienced, these canyoning spots in France promise you memorable adventures in the heart of grandiose and preserved landscapes. All you have to do is put on your wetsuit!

Caroline Aalbers
Caroline Aalbers
2023-07-29
Wat een geweldige ervaring, raften over de Ubaye! Prachtige natuur, mooie afwisselende tocht (inclusief zwemmen en in het water springen!) en geschikt voor elk niveau. Onze kinderen (6 en 9 jaar) hebben een super eerste raft ervaring gehad, mede dankzij onze leuke en goede gids. Ze willen zeker nog een keer :-)
Ziga Budja
Ziga Budja
2023-07-12
Wonderfull family rafting experience. Just a little bit too much for my sensitive eight year old, but great overall. The river is beautiful with nice surroundings. The guide was excellent (forgot his name 🙄) and the whole team was very nice. The trip down the river took about one and a half hour with some stops. If you visit this place, your're not gonna be sorry! 👍🏻
Fred
Fred
2023-05-13
Un lieu calme et agréable, accueillit par une équipe sympathique. Mise à disposition du barbecue pour le repas du midi avant le rafting. Tout est là pour votre bonheur.
Jerome Henry
Jerome Henry
2022-08-16
Merci @CrazyWaterRafting pour les moments géniaux en famille. Nous avons fait rafting, rando aquatique et kayak avec 2 adultes et 2 ados : génial !! Guides super sympa, très pro, Contrairement à ce que l'on entend a la télé, le niveau d'eau dans cette rivière et plus que suffisant pour s'éclater ! Nb: la rando aquatique n'est pas très connue mais super aussi, descente de la rivière en nageant, dans un secteur plus calme que celui pour le rafting. Explication sur la nature, superbe paysages, surprise à la fin... Encore merci. Jérôme, Caroline, Charlotte et Manon.
Shameer Habibi
Shameer Habibi
2021-07-29
Really fun, and a really good guide! Overall amazing
Melanie Macias
Melanie Macias
2020-06-06
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Lorenzo Van Loon
Lorenzo Van Loon
2019-08-02
We did two descents, one by raft and one by kayak, both with Julien as a guide. He seems totally crazy when you first meet him, but he was a great guide and made our day. Really spectacular river, with a lot of rapids and great views. We got out of the boats to swim a bit in one of the rapids and they took us to a rock where we could jump in to the water. Julien and the crew of Crazy Water are real professionals, but in for a laugh and a joke. A pity we could'n do the 'sport' descent, because of bad weather. But we sure come back. One remark; their 'bar' is quite empty, so make sure to bring your own drinks and food if you're planning to stay for a day.
verriez virginie
verriez virginie
2019-06-14
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