If you have a head for heights, a love for water and a sense of adventure, then look no further than canyoning in the French Alps. Canyoning is essentially a mixture of climbing, hiking, jumping and abseiling thorough natural obstacles, tracking glacial streams and mountain rivers as they meander down the valley.
Plunge from heights into deep pools, leap between boulders, glide down natural slides and abseil down waterfalls, canyoning in the Alps is an activity not to be missed for those adrenaline junkies. The narrow gorges, created by thousands of years of erosion, accessible by foot only, create a sense of magic amongst canyoners who can explore these natural hidden treasures which would otherwise remain secret. Read on further to find out about some of our top spots for canyoning in the French Alps.
Whether you are a novice or an expert, the French Alps has some of the best canyoning for all abilities. Suited and booted head to toe, you’ll be ready head off on your morning, afternoon or day immersed in natures best kind of waterpark. Book your trip with a local expert who will guide you along the course safely and ensure you are appropriately equipped with a wetsuit, helmet, harness and wet-shoes.
Canyoning in Chamonix (Vallorcine)
Video Credit: TV Mountain.
The Barberine Canyon, close to the Swiss border, is a must do during your summer holiday to Chamonix. A fairly technical canyon trail which starts with a steep incline and few ways to double back if you get second thoughts. The trail has two parts; starting with the most physically demanding section requiring technical skills, experience and agility, then leading to section two which becomes a lot easier, more accessible but busier in the high season. Along the course there are jumps ranging in height from 4- 7 metres and a 25m waterfall in which you can abseil down into fresh water. You can experience the Barberine Canyon from June to September every year.
There are many other canyoning trails in Chamonix, some of which you can experience with the alpine experts, Evolution 2.
Quick Facts
Length: 750m.
Vertical Difficulty: Difficult.
Descent Time: 2 hours 30 (+2 hours approach time).
Price: 62€ per person. Group discounts available.
Megeve Canyoning
Between the end of June and early September you can enjoy canyoning in the picturesque La Belle aux Bois, Megeve. Explore the canyons via sliding, jumping and abseiling with all the family. The start is fairly aquatic with jumps of up to 6 metres (optional) and many slides to get you straight into action. The course ends with abseiling down some impressive waterfalls. If you are not sure about some parts, there is the option to bypass on most occasions.
Quick Facts
Incline: 80m.
Length: 1,000m.
Vertical Difficulty: Beginner (suitable for children from 10 yrs).
Descent Time: 1 hr 30 minutes.
Price: 65€ per person. Special rates for groups.
Canyoning in Morzine
Nyon Canyoning, Morzine. Credit: Frogs Rafting.
Explore the areas of Morzine that many people don’t get to see. The Nyon Canyon is a great introduction to canyoning. There is a great mix of aquatic features to scramble around. Get kitted out with the in-resort experts Frogs Rafting and be on your way shooting down slides, plunging into pools and choosing how to negotiate the many natural obstacles. It’s a challenge, but you’ll definitely feel rewarded at the end!
Quick Facts
Altitude: 1,130m and descend to 140m.
Length: 500m.
Vertical Difficulty: Easy – Medium.
Descent Time: 1 hour 30 – 2 hours.
Price: 50€ per person you can enjoy a canyoning trip with Frogs Rafting. They also offer rafting, hydrospeeding, rock climbing and Via Ferrata to cater for all abilities.
Val d’Isere Canyoning
Guaranteed to cool you down on a hot summers day, this canyon route rates level one difficulty making it perfect activity for all the family. Starting with a fun slide down into the canyon, There are a total of 12 jumps in this course ranging from 2 – 9 metres in height and a abseil descent of 22 metres (most of which can be avoided if necessary). The best time of the year to enjoy this course if July and August and it can be experienced through Tarentaise Tours.
The neighbouring resort Tignes also offers some great canyoning in the Alps and can be experienced with Evolution 2.
Quick Facts
Incline: 125m
Length: 900m.
Vertical Difficulty: Beginner (suitable for children from 8 yrs).
Descent Time: 2 – 3.5 hours
Price: 70€ per person.
Canyoning in the French Alps should be on your list of top alpine activities to do! If you fancy giving canyoning a go on your next summer holiday to the Alps, drop us an email or give us a call on +44 01202 203659 to speak with our team of mountain specialists.
