Grenoble is an important city in the French Alps. Located in the Isère region, its proximity to the mountains and the ski resorts make it a great destination for winter sports. However, these are not the only outdoor activities in and around Grenoble. In fact, this area is rich in virgin and wild nature, which will allow you to try several adventures abroad, including canyoning. For this reason, the region is considered one of the French paradises for lovers of this water sport. Whether you are an experienced canyoner or the first time you practice this sport, we present everything you need to know.

Where to do canyoning near Grenoble?

• Furon Canyon: This, composed of an upper at Engins and a lower at Sassenage, is half an hour, in the Vercors massif. It is a very famous place in the region for canyoners, but also for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. It is characterized by its beauty and playful descents that can be made, as well as by the diversity of natural obstacles that can be found. It is suitable for beginners, family excursions and sports tours.

• Versoud canyon: also located in the Vercors massif and with two parts, this is in the town of La Rivière, 25 minutes from the capital of the Alps and near the alpine ski domain of Autrans. Protected site, is of exceptional beauty, with emerald waters and steep rocky walls, up to 40 m long. It allows you to discover canyoning and make family descents.

• The Écouges canyon: It is located in Saint-Gervais, in Isère, 22 miles (36 km), in the northern part of the Vercors massif. This is an impressive area that offers especially the most adventurous the possibility of having fun during the descent and rappelling up to 60 m. It is quite technical, so it would be more suitable for experienced athletes or for those eager for sensations.

• The Infernet canyon: In the toen of Quaix-en-Chartreuse, about twenty minutes, you will find this canyon in the Chartreuse massif. In fact, it is a surprising and unavoidable gorge in this massif. Deep and fascinating, it gives you the opportunity to make a unique descent, mixing discovery, sport and fun.

• The Pissarde canyon: in the town of Claix, half an hour’s drive, you can explore this canyon, which is also located in the Vercors massif. Its two parts, high and low, allow everyone to enjoy it and choose one of them depending on the level. It offers a succession of rappels, waterfalls and natural slides, to the delight of adults, but especially children.

• The Waterfall d'Alloix canyon: Located 35 minutes, you will enjoy this fabulous river in the heart of the Isère valley. You will have fun passing through its impressive waterfalls. The largest of the canyon is 43 meters. All this to enjoy in a forest environment, relaxing and rejuvenating.

• The Moules Marinières canyon: In the heart of the Vercors massif, discover this canyon located between the municipalities of Saint-Andéol and Saint-Guillaume. 45 minutes from Grenoble and 1 h 30 from Valence. Perfect to satisfy everyone! You’ll start with a series of quiet slides and fun steps before dealing with passages under rocks and small caves. You will have the opportunity to finish this adventure with a non-compulsory jump of 7 meters to the water.

• The Malin canyon: Between waterfalls and stunning natural landscapes, this canyon is for all nature-loving adventurers. Located in a circus overlooking the Nant Gorges, it offers beautiful rugged stretches and a final abseil descent of more than 30 meters.

• The Diablo canyon: 45 minutes from Chambéry and 30 minutes from Annecy, you will evolve into the little brother of the Infernet canyon. You will find walls of more than 50 meters and obstacles that you will have to overcome thanks to rappelling jumps of up to 12 meters or slides of 10 meters.

• Roberand canyon: In the Massif des Grands Rousses and Arves, you can visit this cliff as a family. Its playful and familiar look will allow you to make a nice initiation to this water sport, and all of this from the age of six! Ideal for the little ones.

• Léoncel canyon: Located in the Royans region, this canyon will surprise you with its green colors. Its exceptional flora will almost make you think of the tropics. This tour is ideal for all those who wish to start canyoning. Big and small will have fun and enjoy the aquatic experience, throwing, jumping and sliding down the slides and river.

• Grenant canyon: Fun and easy, this choice will give you the opportunity to try this aquatic activity. Located 20 minutes from Chambéry and 50 minutes from Lyon, you will evolve in an exceptional natural setting where everyone can have fun. The lake of Aigbellette located right next door will offer you fantastic landscapes as well as a wild and preserved nature.

How to choose the best offer?

- For beginners and all those who want to have fun on a canyoning excursion without experiencing extreme feelings, the canyoning descents are made for you. Accessible from the age of six, you can share this activity with your family to have even more fun and have more memories. This is the case, for example, of the Roberand or Moules Marinières canyon.

- There are canyons in the Rhône-Alpes region that allow you to enjoy a mixture of relaxation and excitement. These proposals, which usually last half a day, are perfect for those looking for the right balance between a first experience and adrenaline. Among them, the Furon Haut Canyon stands out. It is a complete canyon, with a mixture of quiet areas and more intense currents. Ideal for the most adventurous and curious.

- Lovers of strong sensations and adrenaline highs can venture into a more intense canyon, such as the integral Furon. The more experienced will discover the pleasures of extreme feelings at a stone’s throw from the city, during descents that can last up to a day.

- Afterwork formula: Are you tired of the classic afterwork reunions? Go out for a drink or dinner with your friends and come home with nothing new? This option is ideal for you! Discover these exceptional places after 5 pm and experience a unique feeling. The light, the smell of nature and the colors will be totally different to what you are used to after a day of work. A magical small group experience to relax and recharge your batteries. It’s also a great way to escape the crowded canyons during the summer months.

Who can practice canyoning near Grenoble?

Our professionals propose outings from the age of six. From this age, everyone is welcome, as long as they can swim and dive.

Each adventure is different and you will have to adapt your level to its difficulty. However, you can be sure that the guides certified by the State will always be by your side to accompany you throughout the activity. This will allow you to spend an unforgettable moment, with total confidence and security.

How do you dress the day of the activity?

You should wear a swimsuit and sneakers. The rest of the professional equipment will be provided by on-site teams. As, for example, the wetsuit, the helmet or the neoprene socks. Don’t forget your dry towel, snacks and a bottle of water for your comfort.

The variety of mountain landscapes will give you a feeling of well-being that will thrill you. You will only have one wish: to repeat the experience!