Escape the heat of the Calanques for the hinterland: the Gorges du Loup, the Gours du Ray, the Courmes waterfalls. Slides, jumps and abseils in the canyons of the Alpes-Maritimes, led by a state-qualified guide. Half-day from €55, from age 8. 1,291+ 5-star reviews.
Marseille · 13
When the Calanques close because of the fire risk, the hinterland takes over: from Marseille, the canyons of the Loup valley, in the Alpes-Maritimes, offer a real water adventure.
Natural slides, jumps into turquoise pools and abseils down waterfalls: from the Gours du Ray with the family from age 8 to the Courmes waterfalls for the sporty, there is something for every level.
With Ailéments, a family business since 2013, you descend with state-qualified guides who know every canyon in the Alpes-Maritimes.
Each output is everything included 5mm wetsuit, helmet, harness and escort. Half-day at 55 € (from 8 years old), day trip 80 € (from 16 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 accessible spots from Marseille, the packages, the itinerary of an excursion, our local expertise.
Three levels of route in the Préalpes d'Azur (Alpes-Maritimes), from family slides to big sporting descents — the Gorges du Loup 2h15-2h30 from Marseille.
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.
The classic route in the Alpes-Maritimes, near Gourdon. Waterfalls, abseils up to 6 m and optional jumps in unspoilt surroundings.
A complete outing to experience all the sensations of canyoning, with no technical prerequisites.
To go further: the Courmes waterfalls and their 60-metre abseil, the Riolan and its two amphitheatres, or the Clue d'Aiglun.
Linked rappels, technical passages and awe-inspiring scenery for thrill-seekers.
From Marseille, allow 2h15 to 2h30 by road to the Gorges du Loup, the great classic of the Alpes-Maritimes. The Gours du Ray and the Gorges du Loup are perfect for a first descent; the Courmes waterfalls offer a big sporty day out.
These canyons also welcome visitors from Cassis, La Ciotat and Bandol. Make the most of it to explore the hilltop villages of the Loup valley, such as Gourdon.
For the season, we run from April to October, depending on the water flow in the canyons. For a full day, the paragliding + canyoning combo pairs a flight with a 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.
Slides, jumps into the pools and abseils under the waterfalls: a preview of what awaits you, led by a state-qualified guide. Video of your outing as an option (€30), sent to your phone.
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.
From family introductions to sports days, a package for every desire. With children, everything is on our family canyoning page. All-inclusive prices: equipment, state-certified guide, and insurance.
Three packages, all inclusive (equipment, supervision, insurance): the half-day at €55 to discover canyoning gently from age 8; the full day at €80 for thrill-seekers from age 16, on more challenging canyons; and the paragliding + canyoning combo at €190 per person, a day in the air and on the water.
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.
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.
Check-in at the car park confirmed by SMS, then donning the 5mm wetsuit, helmet, and harness – everything is provided.
Jumping position, using the descender, communication signals. No jargon, just practical advice.
20 minutes at most on half-day canyons, to reach the start, time to warm up and admire the Pre-Alps.
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 opens each passage, shows you the move and then lets you have a go: jump or go round, you choose, always safely. The activity is open to anyone who can swim and is not afraid to put their head under water. Afterwards, we get changed, share our impressions and leave with the video of the outing on our phone if we took the option (€30).
No specific physical preparation is required: if you can swim 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.
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, +1291 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 or call us.
Book my descent
There is no canyoning gift voucher: the trip is booked directly. To give an adventure, think of a tandem paragliding flight: our gift vouchers (Child, Ascending or Prestige flight) are valid for 1 year, with no extension, can be personalised and are sent by email. Ideal for a birthday, a party or a hen or stag do.
Do you have a question? Contact us.
Give a paragliding flight
Prices, age, swimming level, safety, equipment, season, duration, access, combo.
Allow €55 per person for a discovery half-day (2 hrs 30 mins, equipment included). The sporty full day (Courmes waterfalls, Riolan) costs €80. The combo costs €190.
From age 8 on discovery routes such as the Gours du Ray or the Gorges du Loup. Full-day routes are open from age 16 to 16 depending on the canyon. You must be able to swim.
Yes, it's essential. You must be able to swim 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.
It is an outdoor sport, with real risks: a state-qualified guide limits them without removing them. We systematically check the weather and water flow before each outing, anchors are checked and equipment inspected. Safety is our top priority.
We provide all the technical equipment: 5 mm neoprene wetsuit, helmet, harness, lanyard, descender and canyon bag. You bring a swimsuit (to wear under the wetsuit), closed shoes such as old trainers, a towel and dry clothes for afterwards.
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.
From April to October, depending on the water flow in the canyons; the water is at its most pleasant in high summer. Ideal when the Calanques are closed.
On site, allow about 2 hrs 30 mins for the half-day and 4 hours for the full day, plus the drive (2h15 to 2h30 from Marseille to the Gorges du Loup). Bring a picnic for the full day.
The Gorges du Loup, in the Alpes-Maritimes, are 2h15-2h30 from Marseille. GPS location sent by text message the day before.
Yes. The paragliding + canyoning combo (€190) combines both activities. Make the most of it to explore the hilltop villages of the Loup valley, such as Gourdon.
4 key points for your descent.
Gours du Ray, Gorges du Loup, Courmes waterfalls. Beginner routes from age 8, big sporty days out for experienced canyoners.
Half day €55 (from age 8), full day €80 (from age 16), combo €190 per person, all inclusive.
State-qualified guide, weather and flow checked. SMS confirmation the day before, free postponement, payment on site.
State-qualified guides, 1,291+ 5-star reviews. Combo possible with paragliding in Marseille.
1,291+ 5-star reviews
Canyoning from Bandol : trips in the Gorges du Loup (06), Family or sporty routes, Qualified guides since 2013, Book your descent
Canyoning in the Alpes-Maritimes : gorges du Loup, Riolan, Family routes (ages 8 and over) or challenging routes, Qualified guides since 2013, Book now
Canyoning from La Ciotat : trips in the Gorges du Loup (06), Family or sporty routes, Fully qualified guides since 2013, Book your descent
Canyoning from Cassis : trips in the Gorges du Loup (06), Family or advanced routes, Qualified guides since 2013, Book your descent
