An overview of canyoning spots in France this summer. There's no shortage of choice in our beautiful country for the most adventurous among you...
This summer, there's a great opportunity to discover or rediscover our country's geographical riches. For some, canyoning is on the agenda. The thrills, the contact with nature, the fun - there's no shortage of reasons why canyoning has become a popular activity in recent years. We've put together a selection of the most beautiful spots in France to enjoy this sport.
Gorges du Verdon
Surely one of the most famous canyoning areas in France, the Verdon offers a complete range of activities: jumps, abseiling and natural slides. The number of canyons on offer means you can choose your itinerary according to difficulty level. One of the easiest (accessible from age 6) is the family-friendly Canyon de Balène. The Canyon du Riolan, the most popular in the area, requires a certain level of physical fitness for beginners. And the desire to make jumps of 2 or 3 metres (the highest are not compulsory).
Canyon of Purcaraccia (Corsica)
Head for the Isle of Beauty and its Purcaraccia Canyon (South Corsica). Allow four hours to complete the itinerary. With its numerous waterfalls and natural pools, the site is sure to please.
Canyon of Llech (Pyrénées-Orientales)
Regularly mentioned in the top 10 European canyoning spots, the Llech Canyon is physically demanding (and therefore not recommended for under 14s). The crossing of its 21 waterfalls will give rhythm to your outing.
Canyon des Ecouges (Vercors)
Less than an hour from Grenoble, the Canyon des Ecouges in the Vercors is also reserved for more experienced practitioners (especially on the upper section). This is one of the best-known canyons in the region, with abseils of up to 28 meters and waterfalls of up to 70 meters. Special mention for a zip-line crossing!
Canyon of Chassezac (Lozère)
A 6-hour descent covers the entire length of the canyon nicknamed "the Pearl of the Cévennes". Accessible to all levels, the Canyon du Chassezac also requires a good level of fitness. Several escape routes make it a fun and varied spot (abseiling, jumps, slides, swimming...).
Canyon of the Lower Bitet (Pyrénées-Atlantiques)
Head for the Pyrénées-Atlantiques to discover the Canyon du Bitet Inférieur south of Pau. Allow 5 to 6 hours to complete this spot, which has one special feature: a short underground passage that has left a lasting impression on those who have ventured there.
As you will have gathered, canyoning is a varied sport, delighting both the eyes and the thirst for adventure. There are numerous routes open to all levels, but they often require a certain level of physical fitness. So if you're looking for a sporty, fun-filled vacation this summer, now you know where to go!