Canyoning Alpes-Maritimes

Canyoning Alpes-Maritimes - The most beautiful canyons in 06

The Alpes-Maritimes boasts the most beautiful canyons in the South-East: Gorges du Loup, Gour du Ray, Riolan, Courmes Waterfalls. Slides, jumps and abseils supervised by a state-qualified guide. From 55 €, from 8 years.

  • From €55
  • Wolf · 45 mins from Nice
  • From age 8
  • +1070 reviews ★★★★★
Abseiling supervised by a state-qualified guide down a waterfall; canyoning in the Alpes-Maritimes with Ailéments Alpes-Maritimes · 06
  • Canyon starGorges du Loup · 45 min
  • Exit from55 € · half-day
  • AgeFrom age 8
  • SeasonMay → September
  • Hardware4mm Shorty Wetsuit

The Alpes-Maritimes offer the most beautiful canyons in the South-East of France: some Gorges du Loup From Riolan, via the Courmes Waterfalls, the department is a playground for canyoning Exceptional.

Less than an hour from the coast, these gorges carved into the limestone of the Azur Prealps offer routes for everyone, from Gour du Ray Family-friendly from age 8, for big sporting descents.

With Ailéments, a family-run business since 2013, you explore these canyons framed by State-registered guides who know every basin and every reminder.

Each output is everything included 5mm wetsuit, helmet, harness and escort. Half-day at 55 € (from 8 years old), day trip 80 € (from 12 years old).

Canyoning means following water where it has carved the rock: a succession of smooth slides, emerald pools and abseils down cascades. The activity is enjoyed in a group, at your own pace, and is accessible to anyone who can swim – with the bonus of cool water, ideal when the heat sets in on the coast.

This guide the best spots in the 06, the packages, the running of a trip, our local expertise.

A group of smiling canyoners on a rock in the heart of the gorges; canyoning in the Alpes-Maritimes with Ailéments
The canyons

Where can you go canyoning in the Alpes-Maritimes?

Three levels of runs, from the family-friendly slide to the grand sporting descent — all accessible in under an hour from the Côte d'Azur coastline.

Initiation · from 8 years

Gour du Ray

Our signature canyon, perfect for a First family experience. Natural water slides, optional little jumps and swimming in crystal-clear pools.

All levels, from 8 years old. The most spectacular setting in the region for beginners.

Discovery · Sensations

Gorges du Loup

The classic route in the Alpes-Maritimes, near Gourdon. Cascades, Recalls up to 15m and optional jumps in unspoilt surroundings.

A complete outing to experience all the sensations of canyoning, with no technical prerequisites.

Sporty · day

The deep canyons

To go further: the Courmes waterfalls and their 65-metre rappel, the Riolan and its two amphitheatres, or the Clue d'Aiglun.

Linked rappels, technical passages and awe-inspiring scenery for thrill-seekers.

  • Natural slides and optional jumps (from 2 to 10m) into turquoise pools
  • Framed recollections along the waterfalls, up to 15m on the discovery trail
  • Swim in crystal-clear waters between the limestone cliffs of the Pré-Alps of the Azure
  • Various sites: Gour du Ray, Gorges du Loup, Riolan, Courmes
  • A Approach march 10 to 30 minutes through the Mediterranean forest

The department suits all profiles: initiation to the Gour du Ray or the Gorges du Loup, discovery on the Loup canyon, sporting days at Riolan, aux Courmes waterfalls or at Clue d'Aiglun. The choice of canyon depends on the water flow, confirmed by text message the day before.

These canyons can be accessed from anywhere in the 06. Nice (45 mins), Cannes, Antibes or Menton. The descent is combined with a visit to the hilltop villages of the hinterland.

Season-wise, we practice May to September, water being the most pleasant in high summer. For a full day, the paragliding + canyoning combo colligate the flight and descent.

The experience is as much about the scenery as the action: steep gorges, waterfalls, light filtering through the vegetation… You alternate between moments of adrenaline and contemplative pauses, all guided by someone who knows every rock. You don't need to be a top athlete: good humour and a willingness to get wet are enough. Many people emerge from their first descent with one thought in mind – to do it again.

Good to know before booking: the excursion is confirmed the day before, once the weather and water levels have been analysed, and rescheduling always remains free of charge. This flexibility is part of our working method — it's better to postpone by a day than to descend in poor conditions. This is also why we favour the most reliable canyons in the region, which can be navigated across a wide season.

In the canyon

Canyoning in the Maritime Alps: a visual guide

Toboggans, plunges into pools and abseils under waterfalls: a preview of what awaits you, guided by a state-certified instructor. Optional photo and video souvenirs available.

Canyoning offers that rare sensation of making your way through a landscape that can only be seen from below: steep-walled gorges, waterfalls and natural pools. The guide leads the way, secures each obstacle and tailors the descent to your appetite for thrills. And as you can only truly believe it once you’ve experienced it for yourself, the photos you take are there to prolong the experience once you’re back on dry land.

Our formulas

Our canyoning packages in the Alpes-Maritimes

From family introductions to sports days, a package for every desire. All-inclusive prices: equipment, state-certified guide, and insurance.

Canyoning Half-day

2h on site · From 8 years

55 € /pers
Book

Canyoning Day Trip

4h on site · Ages 12+

80 € /pers
Book

Para and Canyon Combo

A day · 2 activities

190 € /pers
Book
Gift voucher from €55 Hen do / Stag do group Photos and videos souvenir Paragliding tandem 190 €

Three all-inclusive packages (equipment, supervision, insurance): the half-day for €55 to discover gentle canyoning from the age of 8; the day at €80 for thrill-seekers aged 12 and over, on more challenging canyons; and the paragliding + canyoning combo At €190/person, an exclusive air and water day with photos and videos included.

Everything is included in the price: a 5 mm wetsuit, helmet, harness and descender, supervision by a state-qualified guide, and insurance for the trip. You only pay after the descent, on the spot, and rescheduling is free of charge if the canyon is not accessible. Group outings (birthdays, hen parties, stag parties, works council events) have specific time slots and rates.

D-Day

How does a canyoning trip work?

A simple and reassuring route, supervised from A to Z by your state-certified guide. The canyon is confirmed by SMS the day before, depending on the weather and water flow.

Appointment & equipment

Check-in at the car park confirmed by SMS, then donning the 5mm wetsuit, helmet, and harness – everything is provided.

Safety briefing

Jumping position, using the descender, communication signals. No jargon, just practical advice.

Approach walk

10 to 30 minutes depending on the canyon to reach the start, time to warm up and admire the Pre-Alps.

Descent and return

Toboggans, optional jumps and abseils to the rhythm of the band, then back to the car park and debriefing.

Once in the canyon, the guide will open each passage, show you the move, and then let you have a go: Jump or bypass, you choose, remaining safe at all times. The activity is accessible to anyone who can swim 25 metres and isn't afraid to put their head underwater. Afterwards, we get changed, share our impressions, and you leave with your photos if the photo-video option was chosen.

No specific physical preparation is required: if you can swim 25 metres and are comfortable with your head under water, you’re good to go. Bring a swimming costume, closed-laced trainers that can get wet, a towel and a change of dry clothes; we’ll take care of all the technical equipment. On the day, listen to the briefing, trust the guide and let yourself be carried along by the rhythm of the descent — that’s where it all happens.

Our expertise

A family-run school, expert in canyoning since 2013

Canyoning as we like it : authentic, friendly, with no compromises on safety. A family-run business since 2013, Ailéments knows every pool and every abseil in the region’s canyons. State-qualified guides.

Professional equipment updated every season, +1070 reviews 5/5. Weather and water flow checked before each departure, free postponement, payment after the activity, no upfront payment.

Do you have a question? Contact us you call the 06 87 68 71 90.

Book my descent
A group swimming in a turquoise pool at the foot of a waterfall, canyoning in the Alpes-Maritimes with Ailéments
Offer

The canyoning gift voucher in the Alpes-Maritimes

Go canyoning: our gift vouchers are valid for 12 months, customisable and sent by email. Ideal for a birthday, a party or a EVJF/EVG — Group rates and souvenir photos offered.

Do you have a question? Contact us.

Order a gift voucher
A group in wetsuits in a turquoise pool, canyoning in the Alpes-Maritimes with Ailéments
FAQ

Frequently asked questions about canyoning in the Alpes-Maritimes

Prices, age, swimming level, safety, equipment, season, duration, access, combo.

How much does a canyoning trip in the Alpes-Maritimes cost?

Visit 55 € per person for a half-day discovery session (2 hours, equipment included), for ages 8 and up. The sports day is at 80 € (12 years and over). The paragliding + canyoning combo is at 190 €.

At what age can you start canyoning?

From 8 years on the beginners’ routes (Gour du Ray, Gorges du Loup). Challenging canyons such as Riolan or Courmes are restricted to those aged 16 and over.

Do you need to be able to swim to go canyoning?

Yes, it's essential. You must be able to swim 25 metres and to put your head underwater without apprehension. Some basins require swimming a few metres before reaching the exit. If you are not comfortable in the water, canyoning is not the right activity for you.

Is canyoning a dangerous activity?

Supervised by a State-qualified guide, the risks are controlled. We systematically check the weather and water flow before each outing, anchors are checked and equipment inspected. Safety is our top priority.

What equipment should I bring?

We supply All technical equipment: 5mm wetsuit, helmet, harness, lanyard, descender and canyoning bag. You bring swimming shorts (to wear under the wetsuit), closed-toe shoes (like old trainers), a towel and dry clothes for the return journey.

What footwear should you wear for canyoning?

From closed-toe trainers which you are happy to get wet and damage. No sandals or flip-flops. The ideal: an old pair of trainers or water shoes with thick soles, for good grip on the sometimes slippery rock.

When is the best time to go canyoning in the Alpes-Maritimes?

The May to September. July-August offer the warmest water and long days; the shoulder seasons remain doable with a neoprene wetsuit.

How long does canyoning last?

Half-day: around 3 hours. Full-day adventure (Riolan, Courmes): 5 to 7 hours depending on the canyon and the approach walk. Please bring a packed lunch for the day.

Where are the canyons from Alpes-Maritimes?

The Star Canyon, the Gorges du Loup, is 45 minutes from Nice and about 40 minutes from Cannes. The sports venues (Riolan, Aiglun) are a little further away. GPS coordinates will be sent by text message the day before.

Can canyoning be combined with other activities?

Yes. The paragliding + canyoning combo (€190) combines both activities. The hinterland of the 06 is also full of hilltop villages to visit.

In summary

The essentials of canyoning in the Alpes-Maritimes

4 key points for your descent.

  1. 1

    The most beautiful canyons in the 06

    Gorges du Loup, Gour du Ray, Riolan, Courmes. Introduction from 8 years old, long descents for athletes.

  2. 2

    From €55 · family offer

    Half-day €55 (from 8 years old), full day €80 (from 12 years old), combo £190 per person, all-inclusive.

  3. 3

    May to September · security

    State-qualified guide, weather and flow checked. SMS confirmation the day before, free postponement, payment on site.

  4. 4

    Family structure since 2013

    DEJEPS Guides, +1070 5/5 reviews. Combo possible with the paragliding in the Alpes-Maritimes.

OUR TESTIMONIALS

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THE SITES

Where can you go canyoning in the Alpes-Maritimes?

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