Canyoning in the Verdon: Prepare for Your Aquatic Adventure
Published on 01/10/2025 by CAMPASUN
Steep cliffs, emerald-green waters, and thrilling experiences… The Verdon Gorges offer an exceptional playground for canyoning enthusiasts. This full activity combines hiking, swimming, jumps, and rappels in a striking natural setting. To make the most of it, stay at one of our Campasun campsites in the South of France: Le Soleil, L’International d’Aups, or L’Aigle, all ideally located for canyoning in the Verdon.
Why Go Canyoning in the Verdon?
The main appeal of this activity lies in accessing remote areas of the gorges that are otherwise unreachable. It provides a full immersion in nature, at the heart of a preserved environment.
This enthusiasm reflects a broader trend: interest in outdoor activities continues to grow. For example, requests related to ‘Activities & Leisure’ account for 25% of inquiries recorded by local tourist offices.
Another advantage: canyoning in the Verdon suits all skill levels. From family-friendly courses to more technical routes with rappels, everyone can find an option that fits them.
Which Canyoning Route Should You Choose in the Verdon?
The choice of canyon depends on your skill level, interests, and the composition of your group. The region offers a wide variety of routes suitable for everyone.
Canyoning in the Verdon for Beginners and Children: The Best Sites for an Introduction
For a first experience, especially with family, aquatic hiking is ideal. This form of canyoning emphasizes swimming and jumps, without the use of ropes.
- Le Couloir Samson : situé à l’entrée du Grand Canyon, ce parcours de découverte alterne nage en eau vive et sauts (non obligatoires) au pied de falaises imposantes. Idéal pour une initiation dès 8 à 10 ans.
- The Jabron: popular for a first experience, this canyon combines natural slides, jumps, and water passages. Its water flow may decrease at the end of summer, so it is recommended in spring or early in the season.
Sport Canyoning in the Verdon: Routes for Thrill-Seekers
For the more experienced or thrill-seekers, the Verdon and its tributaries offer more technical routes.
- The Clue de Saint-Auban: located in the Alpes-Maritimes, this highly aquatic descent is known for its zip line and numerous jumps, some of which are mandatory. Its practice is regulated on certain days of the week.
- Mandatory. Its practice is regulated on specific days of the week.
- The Riolan: often listed among the most beautiful canyons in France, this full-day route offers jumps, natural slides, and abseiling descents in an exceptional natural setting.
| Nom du Canyon | Niveau | Durée (activité) | Idéal pour… | Prix indicatif/pers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Couloir Samson | Facile (Rando-Aqua) | ~ 2h | Familles / Découverte | 45 € – 55 € |
| Le Jabron | Débutant | ~ 1h30 | Initiation complète | 45 € – 50 € |
| Clue de Saint-Auban | Intermédiaire / Sportif | ~ 2h30 | Sensations & Tyrolienne | 55 € – 60 € |
| Riolan | Sportif | ~ 4-5h | Journée sportive complète | 75 € – 85 € |
How to Plan Your Canyoning Day?
Canyoning in the Verdon Gorge is a supervised activity that requires following a few simple steps.
Find a Provider and Book Your Canyoning Trip
Safety comes first. Choose a provider with certified instructors holding a state diploma. Renowned organizations such as Les Guides du Verdon or professional collectives like Canyoning Verdon guarantee high-quality supervision. These experts have in-depth knowledge of the routes, weather conditions, and rope techniques.
For canyoning reservations in the Verdon Gorge, plan ahead, especially in summer, as spots are limited. Your height and weight will be required for the equipment.
Essential Equipment for Your Canyoning Trip
The guide provides the technical equipment: wetsuit and neoprene socks, helmet, and harness for vertical routes. On your side, make sure to bring:
- A swimsuit
- A pair of lace-up sneakers (avoid open shoes).
- A towel,
- Dry clothes,
- And for full-day trips, bring water and a picnic.
Best Season and Impact of EDF Water Releases
The ideal season runs from April to September. In spring, the water flow is stronger, making it perfect for sporty participants. In summer, the milder temperatures are well-suited for families.
Note: the water flow of the Verdon is regulated by EDF dams .. In July and August, water releases take place on Tuesdays and Fridays for rafting. On other days, the lower flow is ideal for aqua hiking in the Grand Canyon.
Your Ideal Base Camp: Campasun Campsites in the Verdon
After the effort comes the rest. A stay at one of our Campasun campsites in the Verdon places you at the heart of the action for your canyoning adventure in the Verdon Gorge.
- Camping de l’Aigle in Aiguines: perched above Lake Sainte-Croix, it offers a unique view and direct access to the gates of the Grand Canyon. Perfect for reaching sporty routes such as the Ferné.
- Camping International d’Aups: perfect for families, this campsite with its water park and services allows you to combine a canyoning trip for children in the Verdon in the morning with a relaxing afternoon by the pool.
- Camping Le Soleil in Esparron-de-Verdon: located on the shores of Lake Esparron, its peaceful atmosphere makes it an excellent base to discover canyoning and enjoy other water activities on the lake, such as canoeing and paddleboarding.
FAQ: Your Questions About Canyoning in the Verdon Gorge
Are the jumps mandatory?
No. On discovery routes, the highest jumps are usually avoidable. The instructor always offers an alternative, such as abseiling. However, a small jump of around 2 meters may still be required on certain itineraries.
What is the average price of a canyoning trip in the Verdon Gorge?
Prices vary depending on the route. Expect between €45 and €55 per person for a discovery trip (half-day). For full-day sporty canyons, the price ranges from €75 to €90 per person.
Can you see photos of canyoning in the Verdon Gorge?
Yes. Providers’ websites usually offer photo galleries to help you choose. An online search with the keywords “canyoning Verdon photos” also gives you a good idea of the atmosphere at different sites.
Do you need excellent physical condition to try the experience?
No. A normal physical condition and the ability to swim are enough. The key is to choose a route suited to your level. Aqua hiking is very accessible, while full-day canyons require more endurance.
Adventure in the Verdon awaits you. To complete it, a stay at our campsites Le Soleil, International d’Aups, or L’Aigle ensures rest and comfort right in the heart of the action.
