Canyoning Nice, discover the most beautiful canyons in Alpes-Maritimes
Canyoning near Nice with a state-qualified instructor: the first canyon is 45 minutes away, in the Gorges du Loup. Family half day from age 8 for €55, sporty full day for €80 from age 16, equipment included. +1291 reviews 5/5.
Canyoning from Nice means heading up into the hinterland: the first canyon, in the Gorges du Loup, is a 45-minute drive away. Natural slides, jumps into turquoise pools and abseils down the waterfalls: it is one of the finest canyoning areas in the Alpes-Maritimes.
The canyon we go to most often is the Loup, for families from age 8. Its route, jumps and abseils are described on our Loup canyon page; here, we help you choose your trip when you come from Nice, and plan the drive and the day. Further north, the Cramassouri canyon, in the Tinée valley, also welcomes beginners and families.
With Ailéments, a family-run business since 2013, you go down supervised by State-registered guides. The rest of the day is spent in the Loup valley: villages, restaurants, walks, swimming in the gorges. To extend your stay, see also what to do in Nice.
Every trip is all-inclusive: 5 mm wetsuit, neoprene socks, helmet, harness, guiding and insurance. The discovery half day costs €55 (€50 from 5 people), the sporty full day €80.
The canyons
Where can you go canyoning from Nice?
Eight canyons in the hinterland of Nice, from family slides to big abseils. Three are done as a half day from age 8, five as a sporty full day from age 16.
The canyons you can reach from Nice with Ailéments
Canyon
Access from Nice
For whom
Age
On site
Price
Gorges du Loup
45 min, meeting point in the gorge
Families, beginners
From age 8
2 h 30
€55
Gours du Ray
Via the Gorges du Loup, meeting point after Gréolières
Families, beginners
From age 8
2 h 30
€55
Cramassouri
Tinée valley
Family introduction
From age 8
2 h 30
€55
Cascades de Courmes
Loup valley, facing Gourdon
Sporty
From age 16
4 hours
€80
Riolan
Estéron valley, 45 min to 1 h 15
Sporty
From age 16
4 hours
€80
Clue d'Aiglun
Estéron valley, 45 min to 1 h 15
Sporty
From age 16
4 hours
€80
Saint-Auban
Estéron valley, 45 min to 1 h 15
Sporty
From age 16
4 hours
€80
Imberguet
Vésubie valley, in spring
Sporty
From age 16
4 hours
€80
Each canyon has its own page: the Gours du Ray, upstream in the gorge, and its turquoise pools; the Courmes Waterfalls and their 60 m abseil; the Riolan and its two rock amphitheatres; the Clue d'Aiglun, its narrow passages and committing jumps; the Saint-Auban canyon and its zip line; the Imberguet, the vertical canyon of the Vésubie.
Natural slides Water traversal and optional jumps (2 to 10 m) into turquoise pools
Guided abseils along the waterfalls, up to 6 m on the discovery route
Swim in crystal clear water between the limestone walls of the Azur Prealps
The wild setting of the Gorges du Loup, below the hilltop village of Gourdon
An approach walk of 20 minutes at most through the Mediterranean forest
The canyon for your trip is chosen when you book, according to your level and the weather; most of our trips take place in the Gorges du Loup. The day before, your guide checks the conditions (water level, weather over the previous days, access) and confirms the meeting point by text message. This detailed knowledge of the terrain makes all the difference: each canyon has its ideal water flow, its season window and its public.
Nice is not the only town to enjoy these gorges: people also come down them from Cannes, Antibes or Menton. From Nice, the trip goes perfectly with a stroll through Old Nice, a visit to the hilltop villages of Gourdon and Tourrettes-sur-Loup, or even a flight: in the air in the morning, in the water in the afternoon.
As for the season, we go from April to October. July and August bring the warmest water (19 °C) and long days; May, June and September are still superb, the neoprene wetsuit making up for the cooler water. Whatever the period, the slot is confirmed the day before by text message according to the water flow, and postponing is free if conditions are not right. In spring, the Imberguet, in the Vésubie, opens the season.
In the canyon
Canyoning near Nice on video
Slides, jumps into the pools and abseils under the waterfalls: a preview of what awaits you in the hills behind Nice, less than an hour from Nice. Video of your outing as an option (€30), sent to your phone.
From the very first pool, everything changes: the turquoise water, the coolness of the neoprene, the echo of the limestone walls. Your guide goes first over each obstacle to show you the technique, then helps you step by step: jumps are always optional and the pace suits the group. The footage brought back from the descent lets you relive the adventure and share it with your loved ones.
Our options
Our canyoning packages from Nice
From family introductions to sports days, a package for every desire. All-inclusive prices: equipment, state-certified guide, and insurance.
Group from 5 €50 per half dayPrivate trip €400 or €640Video optional, €30Paragliding gift voucher from €100
In detail: the discovery half day (€55), our most popular option, lasts 2 h 30 on site and suits beginners and families alike, from age 8: slides, optional jumps and swimming in the pools of the Gours du Ray or the Gorges du Loup. The sporty full day (€80) opens up the more committing routes from age 16: the Courmes Waterfalls, the Riolan or the Clue d'Aiglun, with impressive abseils and total immersion. Finally, the paragliding + canyoning combo (€190 per person) combines a flight in the morning and a descent in the afternoon, without a long drive between the two.
Groups, private trips and what each price includes are detailed on our canyoning prices page.
Coming from Nice
How to get there from Nice, and what to do with the rest of the day?
Allow 45 minutes from Nice to the Gorges du Loup, along the gorge road (D6), upstream of Pont-du-Loup. For the Gorges du Loup canyon, the meeting point is in the gorge, on the D6, after the tunnel; for the Gours du Ray, after the village of Gréolières, on the road to Andon. The exact GPS point is sent to you by text message the day before. The Estéron canyons take a little longer to reach: from 45 minutes to 1 h 15.
Without a car, you will need a ride-hailing service: we do not run a shuttle from the coast.
Many of our clients spend the whole day in the hinterland: swimming and walking in the Gorges du Loup, a visit to the hilltop village of Gourdon, walks on the Cheiron or in the Monts d'Azur reserve. Ask us for a recommendation: we are happy to suggest a restaurant in Gréolières or Coursegoules.
Families and groups
Canyoning with the family or in a group from Nice
With the family, from age 8
Children take part from age 8, as a half day, in our family canyons: the Gorges du Loup, the Gours du Ray or the Cramassouri. Jumps are always optional and the guide adapts the pace to the children.
You need to be able to swim and feel at ease in the water. From age 16, the whole family can move on to the sporty full day. Ages and routes are detailed on our family canyoning page.
In a group, hen or stag party
From 5 people (or 4 from 15 July to 31 August, provided a 5th person signs up), a trip opens on the date of your choice and the half day drops to €50 per person; if there are two or three of you, we place you on a trip that is already organised. 8 people at most per instructor.
For a hen or stag party in Nice, you can book the canyon privately: €400 for a half day, €640 for a full day, the price of 8 places.
On the day
How does a canyoning trip work?
A simple and reassuring route, guided from start to finish by your state-qualified guide. The meeting point is confirmed by text message the day before, according to the weather and the water flow.
Meeting point & equipment
Welcome at the car park confirmed by text message, then you put on the 5 mm wetsuit, helmet and harness: everything is provided.
Safety briefing
Jumping position, using the descender, communication signals. No jargon, just practical advice.
Approach walk
20 minutes at most on half-day canyons, 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.
First slide, first thrills: your guide goes first to show the technique, then helps you at every obstacle. Jumps are always optional: you can go around them if you prefer, and the pace suits the group. No experience is needed: you just need to be able to swim and feel at ease in the water. At the end, you get changed and share your impressions; the video of the trip, optional (€30), is transferred to your phone.
Our expertise
A family-run school, expert in canyoning since 2013
Not a tourist trap : Ailéments is a family-run organisation that has been abseiling down the Gorges du Loup and the canyons of the Préalpes d'Azur since 2013. State-qualified guides, specialists in the canyons of the Alpes-Maritimes, personalised welcome and time for discussion.
Canyon equipment checked and renewed each season (wetsuits, harnesses, helmets, ropes, all up to standard). +1291 reviews 5/5. Another date free of charge if the weather is not right, payment on site after the activity, nothing to pay in advance.
There is no canyoning gift voucher: the trip is booked directly. To give an adventure as a gift, 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 celebration or a hen or stag party in Nice.
In the hinterland: the Gorges du Loup, 45 minutes away, with the Loup canyon, the Gours du Ray and the Courmes Waterfalls; the Estéron valley, 45 minutes to 1 h 15 away, with the Riolan, the Clue d'Aiglun and Saint-Auban; the Tinée with the Cramassouri and the Vésubie with the Imberguet.
The canyon for your trip is chosen when you book, according to your level and the weather; most of our trips take place in the Gorges du Loup.
How much does a canyoning trip near Nice cost?
Allow €55 per person for a discovery half day (2 h 30 in the canyon, equipment included), open from age 8, and €50 from 5 people. The sporty full day costs €80 for 4 hours on more committing routes (from age 16).
The paragliding + canyoning combo costs €190 for a full day in the air and in the water. A private trip costs €400 for a half day and €640 for a full day.
From what age can you go canyoning near Nice?
Children take part from age 8 on our introductory routes (Gours du Ray, Gorges du Loup, Cramassouri), as a half day. They must be at ease in the water and able to follow the guide's instructions.
Day routes are accessible from age 16. Up to age 70, as long as physical fitness allows for the approach walk and the descent.
Do you need to be able to swim to go canyoning?
Yes, it's essential. You must be able to swim and to put your head underwater without apprehension.
Some pools require you to swim a few metres before reaching the exit. If you are not comfortable in the water, canyoning is not the right activity.
Is canyoning a dangerous activity?
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, the anchors are checked, and the equipment is inspected.
With Ailéments, at the slightest doubt about the water flow or the weather, the trip is postponed, free of charge.
What equipment should I bring for canyoning?
We supply all technical equipment: 5 mm wetsuit, helmet, harness, lanyard, descender, and canyon bag.
You need to bring: swimwear (under your wetsuit), worn trainers or similar closed shoes, a towel, and dry clothes for the journey back. Full details are on our what to wear canyoning page.
What footwear should you wear for canyoning?
From closed-toe trainers that you are willing to get wet and dirty. No sandals or flip-flops, no new shoes.
The ideal: an old pair of running shoes or water shoes with thick soles. The rocks are sometimes slippery, good grip is essential.
When is the best time to go canyoning near Nice?
The season runs from April to October. July and August offer the best conditions: warmer water (19 °C), moderate flow, and long days.
In May-June and September, a wetsuit compensates for the cool water. Outside of the main season, canyons may be impassable.
How long does a complete canyoning trip last?
For a half-day: 2 hrs 30 mins on site (meeting, equipment, 15 min approach walk, descent, return).
For a full day: 4 hours on site (approach walk, descent, return). Please bring a picnic for the full-day option.
How do you get to the canyon from Nice?
The Gorges du Loup are 45 minutes from Nice along the gorge road (D6), upstream of Pont-du-Loup. The meeting point is in the gorge, after the tunnel, for the Gorges du Loup canyon, or after the village of Gréolières, on the road to Andon, for the Gours du Ray.
We send the exact GPS location by text message the day before, once the weather conditions are confirmed. Without a car, plan on a ride-hailing service: we do not run a shuttle from the coast.
Can you go river hiking near Nice?
We offer canyoning, not river hiking. The closest trip is our discovery half day: slides, optional jumps, swimming in the pools and a few guided abseils, from age 8.
Yes, it is possible to combine canyoning with other activities near Nice.
Absolutely. Our paragliding + canyoning combo (€190) has you flying over the gorges in the morning and descending them in the afternoon.
You can also visit the hilltop villages of Gourdon, Tourrettes-sur-Loup or Bar-sur-Loup.
PY
Guide written byPierre-Yves Fenet · Ailéments
DEJEPS free-flight and canyoning instructor, founder of Ailéments in 2013. Specialist in the canyons of the Alpes-Maritimes: Gorges du Loup, Gours du Ray, Riolan. Welcomes visitors from Nice from April to October.
Slides, turquoise pools and abseils under the waterfalls. Introduction at the Gours du Ray from age 8, sporty routes in the Estéron and the Vésubie for experienced canyoners.
2
From €55 · family-friendly
Half day €55 (from age 8, €50 from 5 people), full day €80 (from age 16), paragliding + canyoning combo €190 per person. Equipment and insurance included.
3
April → October · managed security
State-qualified guide, weather and water levels checked before each outing. Confirmation by SMS the day before, free postponement, payment on-site.
Vol en parapente en cadeau d'anniversaire de mon fils de 9ans. Super expérience, super accueil, vraiment adapté aux enfants! Une très belle expérience a renouveler !
H
hannah khel yasa
It was a great experience for us especially for our first time in paragliding. Very friendly and accomodating staff. Would definitely go there again next time
C
Christel VINCENT
Accueil top, super vol en parapente avec une vue magique sur les montagnes à couper le souffle. Merci Pierrot pour cette expérience et à toute l'équipe pour l'encadrement ! Toujours trop court, on aimerait que ça dure encore un peu.
A
Anne Marie Bottoni
Cadeau très apprécié par mon petit fils Pierrot l’a accompagné en toute confiance, un vrai professionnel et de plus très sympathique
Remy Salmieri
Magnifique super équipe vraiment rien à redire
Pascale Pflieger
Très pro!!!
Vanessa Leskinen
Un superbe baptême de parapente en tandem avec ma sœur, chacune accompagnée d’un pilote. Sympas et détendus, Pierrot et Pierre-Yves nous ont tout de suite mises en confiance : aucune appréhension. Nous avons été agréablement surprises par la douceur du décollage et de l’atterrissage. Et entre les deux, des paysages magnifiques ! J’ai même pu prendre les commandes et diriger le parapente pendant quelques minutes… un vrai régal. Deux pilotes très professionnels, que nous recommandons sans hésiter pour un premier vol.
Jack White
Best day out, we did paragliding and then the canyoning. Great value for money and our instruction was excellent we always felt very safe.
I have done canyoning in a few countries and this was the best I have done by far. It was a beautiful gorge and had the clearest water.
We would book again if we ever came back to the area for sure!
Katell Briand
L'activité était vraiment incroyable, merci aux pilotes de nous avoir mis à l'aise et fait vivre ce moment !!
Warda Tahir
Peirrot and his team were amazing! I had a lot of fun. The experience was far more comfortable than I had expected
Nice · 06
