If your thing is touring the best places in France, surely you have visited, or at least heard, of the Verdon Gorge. It is undoubtedly the most famous natural spot in France. Very popular among adventurers and nature lovers, this heaven of peace is full of exceptional panoramas located between the two regions of Var and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence.

Doing any kind of activity in this protected natural area is a great idea. However, canyoning in the heart of the Verdon Gorge is an experience you will never forget, thanks to the mix of colors and landscapes. In addition, this activity makes you enjoy the weather, the mountains and the rivers of the Gorges. Another good option would be rafting in the Verdon Gorge.

It is complete and makes you live a total immersion in this environment, unlike all other activities, which focus on a single element.

Where to go canyoning in the Verdon Gorge?

In the heart of the Grand Canyon of the Verdon, as well as in its surroundings, you have a huge number of options, from which you can choose according to the level of difficulty, the landscapes you wish to admire, but also your proximity to these areas. We present you all the available alternatives:

• The Riolan canyon: This place takes you canyoning one hour away from Castellane. It is considered as one of the most aesthetic canyons of France. With its water, always at the right temperature, its diversity and its incredible geology, it gives you the opportunity to have fun and live an exciting experience, thanks to the possible abseils, natural slides and transparent water basins that you can go through. You can do the descent in half a day, with a medium level. You can be a beginner with a good physical condition, or an experienced athlete, to live this adventure under the Riolan bridge.

• The Saint Auban canyon: 35-minute drive from Castellane, is located in a village bearing the same name, includes a succession of jumps, slides and waterfalls. It is also very aquatic, which requires knowing how to swim and dive. Between limestone cliffs, you can enjoy and vibrate to the rhythm of waterfalls and streams. It is also medium level, with non-compulsory passages, which will fascinate the most reckless.

• The Lance canyon: For regular canyoners, you can have fun in an incredible canyon only one hour away from the Gorges. Located in Colmars-les-Alpes, in the Haut Verdon valley, it is actually a torrent that flows into the Verdon River. The descent takes a whole day in an aquatic environment in the middle of the Alps. It is quite difficult and not suitable for beginners, making you discover abseils that can even reach 25 meters height.

• The Hayt Jabron canyon: Go to the surroundings of Castellane for an easy, fun and perfect canyoning for adults and children. Is considered the most accessible and the most adapted to family trips. All obstacles can be avoided, which leaves room for all types of people. A multitude of slides and water basins, which can be completed in more or less three hours. The more adventurous can also find their happiness here.

• The Trigance canyon: It is also a canyon near Castellane and the Verdon Regional Natural Park. Also called the Bas Jabron canyon, it has as for confluence the Verdon River and is accessible and very easy for beginners, either adults or children. It is also perfect for the initiation to canyoning of the youngest, as it is totally safe. Once you’re there, you can take a very entertaining aquatic tour with a maximum duration of three hours.

• The Gours du Ray canyon: Another easy canyon for the greatest pleasure of beginners and families. Near the village of Gréolières and an hour's drive from Castellane, this is the less crowded canyon. It is a spectacular place, away from the masses and vacationers. In the heart of the Gorges du Loup and in a wooded valley, you will make a simple but playful three-and-a-half-hour course.

• The Aiglun canyon: A sporty canyon, recommended for those who like physical effort and adrenaline rushes. The Aiglun canyon has a wild and pure character that offers a most sumptuous spectacle. During 4 to 5 hours, you will discover jumps, abseils under waterfalls, natural slides and thrilling siphons. It is ideal for beginners and for those who feel comfortable in the water, and is located in the municipality of Aiglun.

• The Baudan-Baou canyon: Located in the town of La Palud-sur-Verdon, this canyon is perfect for those who are discovering canyoning for the first time. It’s a complete course for an enriching and memorable initiation. The first part is an abseiling descent of a dry canyon, to finish in the heart of the Baou river and give way to fun and entertainment. It is also located in the heart of the famous Verdon Gorge and makes you cross breathtaking places for a duration of three hours.

• The Samson corridor: We saved the best for last! Canyoning at Samson corridor is the must-do activity of the region. Why? This adventure takes you to the entrance of the Grand Canyon du Verdon. During this course, which is an aquatic excursion, all your senses will be on the lookout. Moreover, visually, you will feel you’re in a dream! It is accessible for young people with good physical condition and, of course, for adults. If you want to discover the Verdon Gorge in depth, the Couloir Samson is: THE PLACE TO GO.

Who can do this activity?

Amost everyone can have fun canyoning in the Gorges. There are many available options, with different levels of difficulty, the easiest which are accessible even for children of seven years old.

However, there are, of course, some exceptions. Our centers in the region require some conditions:

- You must be in good physical condition and have no contraindications for this sport.

- You must be able to swim 25 meters and be able to dive into the water.

Are you ready to mark your life with a fantastic activity in an earthly paradise? Check our offers and treat yourself.