Canyoning Alpes-MaritimesThe most beautiful canyons in the 06.
Our 8 canyons in the 06 with a state-qualified instructor: with the family from age 8 (€55) or on a sporty full day from age 16 (€80). Equipment provided, from 1 April to 31 October. 1,291+ 5-star reviews.
Which option?
Half day Best-seller
2 h 30 in the Gorges du Loup. Slides, jumps, abseils. From age 8, trips open from 5.
55€
Full day
4 hours of adventure, several canyons, a picnic by the water. From age 16, trips open from 5.
80€
Combo 2 in 1
Paragliding & Canyoning on the same day. Two activities around Gréolières, with no long drives.
190€
Our recommendation
Half-day canyoning Best-seller
Gorges du Loup · 2h30 · From age 8 · €55 per person · Trip opens from 5
The perfect introduction. Natural slides, optional jumps and supervised abseils in the crystal-clear waters of the Gorges du Loup. Equipment provided, qualified instructor. Group rate: €50 instead of €55 from 5 people.
Full equipment providedGroup rate €50 per personFrom 5 peopleSNAPEC Member
Paragliding & Canyoning · Full Day · From €190/person
The ultimate adventure day. A tandem paragliding flight in the morning overlooking the Mediterranean, followed by a lunch break – enjoy a picnic or a bite to eat at a local restaurant just a 5-minute walk away – and then canyoning in the afternoon. All activities take place around Gréolières, so there’s no need for long journeys.
2 activities in 1 dayState-qualified + SNAPECEquipment provided
Canyoning in the 06: which of our 8 routes should you choose?
Three canyons for families from age 8, five sporty full-day canyons from age 16: here are our 8 routes in the Alpes-Maritimes side by side. With children, see also our family canyoning page.
Our 8 canyons in the Alpes-Maritimes
Canyon
Valley
In brief
Level
Age
On site
Price
Details
Gorges du Loup
Loup, downstream
Slides, optional jumps up to 10 m, 6 m abseils: the canyon we go to most often
Your canyon is set in advance, when you book, according to the option you choose and the weather forecast: most often, it is the Gorges du Loup. The day before, we confirm the trip by text message, with the GPS location of the meeting point. If a storm or a risk of flooding rules out the descent, we offer you another date, free of charge.
For all our trips, you need to be able to swim. To open a trip on the date of your choice, you need at least 5 people; from 15 July to 31 August, 4 are enough, provided a 5th person signs up. With fewer than 5, we place you on a trip that is already organised to complete the group.
The Nice hinterland has canyons for every level, from the Loup valley to the Vésubie. The Gorges du Loup are 45 minutes from Nice; further on, the Estéron leads to the gateway of the Verdon.
Depending on your level and what you are looking for, we guide you to the canyon that suits you: a family discovery route in the Gorges du Loup, at the Gours du Ray or at the Cramassouri, in the Tinée valley, or a sporty full day in the Estéron, as far as the Saint-Auban gorge, 30 minutes from Castellane. The Loup valley is home to three of our routes. Further afield, the vertical canyon of the Imberguet, in the Vésubie, completes our trips.
Gours du Ray Bestseller
Our signature canyon in the Nice hinterland. Its pools of crystal-clear water and its fun slides make it the ideal spot for discovering canyoning. Jumps of up to 10 m are available (always optional).
Located near Gourdon, they offer a fun-filled adventure perfect for families. Natural slides and small jumps in an unspoilt setting. The ideal introduction for children.
A full day, 4 hours on site. The highlight: a dizzying 60-metre abseil alongside a waterfall. A beautiful canyon that combines technique and contemplation.
One of the most beautiful canyons in the Alpes-Maritimes. Its two cirques offer a grandiose setting, with crystal-clear pools and abseils in an unspoilt environment.
For lovers of a challenge. A technical canyon with committed passages and impressive jumps. A good level of fitness is required to fully enjoy the adventure.
In the Tinée valley, an introductory canyon carved into the rock: natural slides, small jumps and a final 10-metre abseil, between pools of clear water.
Canyoning is an outdoor activity that involves descending the beds of narrow river gorges, known as canyons. This discipline combines several practices: aquatic hiking, swimming, jumping into natural pools, sliding down polished rock slides, and abseiling down waterfalls. It's a complete adventure that works the entire body in a spectacular environment.
The gorges carved by water over millennia offer breathtaking landscapes: sculpted cliffs, turquoise pools and roaring waterfalls. Open to everyone with professional guidance, canyoning offers unique sensations. Every jump, every natural slide, every abseil under a waterfall becomes a memorable moment. The Riolan canyon, with its two cirques and 200-metre cliffs, is a fine example.
In the Alpes-Maritimes, Ailéments offers 8 routes led by a DEJEPS instructor registered with the SNAPEC. From fun, family-friendly canyoning in the Gorges du Loup to the 60-metre abseils of the Cascades de Courmes, every canyon reveals a unique landscape between the Mediterranean and the Alpine peaks.
A canyoning trip with Ailéments takes place in several stages, for a smooth and safe experience.
Meeting point — we meet at the meeting point sent to you by text message the day before, with its GPS location. Bring a swimsuit, a towel, closed shoes that can get wet and a change of clothes.
Equipment — your instructor provides the wetsuit (5 mm), helmet and harness, and explains the basic techniques: jumping position, rope handling, controlled sliding.
Approach walk — a short hike (20 minutes at most on half-day canyons) takes you to the start of the canyon. A chance to get to know each other and enjoy the scenery.
The descent — here we go! You tackle one natural obstacle after another: slides, jumps (always optional), abseils. The instructor guides and encourages you every step of the way.
The return — once at the bottom, it's back to the cars for a friendly debrief. You leave with a head full of memories!
If you would like to make the most of the Loup valley and its activities, just ask Pierrot: he will be happy to advise you.
In pictures
Canyoning in the Maritime Alps: a visual guide
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.
Access
Canyoning from Nice, Cannes or Antibes
The exact meeting point is sent to you by text message the day before, with its GPS location. By car, allow:
Gorges du Loup: about 45 minutes from Nice or Antibes, 40 minutes from Cannes, 20 minutes from Grasse and 1 hr 15 from Monaco.
Gours du Ray: upstream in the same gorges, after the village of Gréolières, on the road to Andon.
Cascades de Courmes: about 1 hour from Nice or Cannes, facing the hilltop village of Gourdon.
Riolan, Clue d'Aiglun and Saint-Auban: in the Estéron valley, 45 minutes to 1 hr 15 from Nice; Saint-Auban is 30 minutes from Castellane.
You can reach these canyons from all over the 06: see our canyoning Nice page, or our Cannes, Antibes or canyoning Menton pages. The descent combines well with a visit to the hilltop villages of the hinterland, such as Gourdon, above the Gorges du Loup.
Your day with us
After the canyon, stay for the day
The Gorges du Loup are about 45 minutes from Nice or Antibes and 40 minutes from Cannes: the canyon in the morning or the afternoon, and the whole valley for the rest of the day.
Swim in the gorges Clear water and cool rock pools in the Gorges du Loup: in summer, your afternoon swim is sorted.
Wander the hilltop villages Gourdon, a medieval village perched above the gorges with views all the way to the sea, or Saint-Paul-de-Vence and its ramparts.
Eat well without breaking the bank Good little local restaurants, simple, excellent and affordable: ask Pierrot for the best spots.
The Monts d'Azur reserve European bison, deer and Przewalski's horses roaming in semi-freedom on the high plateaus of the hinterland.
Picnics and walks A blanket on the grass, then trails all around: the Cheiron, the ridges and the plateaus, at your own pace.
Drinks at the Bacho The valley's craft brewery, at Pont du Loup: a beer brewed on site to round off the day.
A quiet valley that recharges you, far from the overcrowded tourist spots: that is why so many visitors make the drive, even from far away.
We have canyons to suit every profile, from complete beginners to experienced sportsmen and women.
Beginner level
Gours du Ray, Gorges du Loup, Cramassouri
Perfect for a first experience. Fun routes with accessible obstacles. Jumps are always optional, and you can go around them if you prefer. Gours du Ray, Gorges du Loup and Cramassouri from age 8. Half-day option at €55. Everything is explained on our beginner canyoning page.
Intermediate level
Cascades de Courmes, Riolan
For those who have already had a taste of canyoning or who are at ease in the water. Longer abseils, more committing routes. Good physical fitness recommended. From age 16. Full-day option at €80.
Sporty level
Aiglun, Saint-Auban, Imberguet
For physically fit adventurers only. Technical sections, committing jumps, full days out. A real sporting adventure. Ages 16 to 70. Full-day option at €80.
Canyoning is also one of the most popular activities for a hen or stag do in Nice: laughs, unforgettable memories and a group rate from 5 people. Not sure about your level? Give us a call and we will recommend the canyon that suits you. There is no canyoning gift voucher: the trip is booked directly. To give a gift, you can give a tandem flight in paragliding: the gift voucher is valid for 1 year, with no extension.
Your safety is our priority. Here are the conditions for taking part in our canyoning trips. The risks, and everything we do for your safety, are detailed on our is canyoning dangerous page.
Who can participate
Must be able to swim (compulsory, no certificate required). Half-day age: from 8. Full-day age (sporty canyons): from 16. Maximum age for sporty routes: 70.
Equipment supplied
5 mm neoprene wetsuit · certified helmet · harness with lanyards. The rest is on our what to wear canyoning page.
Supervision
State-qualified guides · equipment checked before every outing · routes adapted to the group.
Weather
The day before, we confirm the trip by text message or by phone. In case of storms or a risk of flooding, rescheduling: we will offer you another date.
Ailéments
A family-run school, expert in canyoning since 2013
Canyoning the way we love it: authentic, friendly and uncompromising on safety. A family-run business since 2013, Ailéments knows every pool and every abseil of the canyons in the region. State-qualified guides.
Weather and water flow checked before every departure, payment after the trip, no money upfront. Our school is in Gréolières, upstream of the Gorges du Loup: on the same day, you can combine a paragliding flight in the Alpes-Maritimes in the morning with a canyon in the afternoon, with the paragliding + canyoning combo at €190 per person. Any questions? Contact us.
Pierre-Yves Fenet (Pierrot), DEJEPS paragliding and canyoning instructor and founder of Ailéments in 2013, welcomes canyoning enthusiasts from April to October with the Ailéments team.
Canyoning involves descending through gorges by combining walking, swimming, jumps, natural slides, and abseiling. Supervised by a qualified instructor, you'll navigate spectacular canyons with all equipment provided. No prior experience is necessary for beginner routes.
Do you need to be able to swim to go canyoning?
Yes, being able to swim is compulsory for canyoning. You must be able to swim unaided. Some sections involve swimming in deep pools, although the instructor is always there to guide you.
At what age can you start canyoning?
From age 8 on a half-day, on our three family canyons: Gours du Ray, Gorges du Loup and Cramassouri. The full day takes place on our sporty canyons (Cascades de Courmes, Riolan, Clue d'Aiglun, Saint-Auban, Imberguet), from age 16 and up to 70. Children must be able to swim.
Which canyon should I choose for my first time?
For a first experience, we recommend the Gours du Ray, our signature canyon. Its turquoise natural pools, fun slides and optional jumps offer the perfect balance between thrills and accessibility. The Gorges du Loup are also ideal for beginners with the family, as is the Cramassouri, in the Tinée valley.
Is canyoning a dangerous activity?
Led by a state-qualified guide, it is an outdoor outing you can enjoy with confidence: its risks are known and managed. We always check the weather and the water flow before each trip, the anchors are checked and the equipment inspected. Jumps are always optional: everyone chooses their own thrills. Safety is our absolute priority.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Canyoning depends on the weather and water levels. In the event of a storm or a risk of flooding, we reschedule your trip: we will offer you another date. We monitor the forecasts and let you know the day before if necessary. Your safety is our absolute priority.
What equipment is needed for a canyoning trip?
All canyoning equipment is provided by Ailéments: wetsuit, helmet, harness and safety gear. All you need to bring is a pair of closed shoes such as trainers (which can get wet), a swimsuit and a towel. A state-qualified guide accompanies you on every route and gives a full briefing before setting off. You don't need any previous technical experience, whether for abseiling, jumps or slides.
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.
Can you go canyoning in the Alpes-Maritimes all year round?
No: our canyoning trips run from 1 April to 31 October, depending on the river flow. Summer remains the most popular time thanks to the pleasant water and long days; from June to September is the best time for the Gorges du Loup and the Gours du Ray. Spring and autumn bring stronger flows, and the Imberguet can only be done in spring.
What are the prices for canyoning?
Ailéments canyoning prices start at €55 per person for a discovery trip in the Gorges du Loup (€50 from 5 people), and at €80 per person for a sporty route in the Alpes-Maritimes. Preferential rates are available for groups and hen and stag parties. Full equipment (neoprene wetsuit, helmet, safety equipment) and supervision by a qualified guide are included in every trip; the video is optional, at €30. Payment is made on site after the activity.
What is the difference between a half-day and a full day?
The half-day is perfect for a first experience or for families: allow 2 hrs 30 on site, plus the drive, on accessible routes with jumps, slides and abseils. The full day is for the more adventurous who want to explore sporty canyons: 4 hours on site, plus the drive, with a longer approach walk and a picnic break to bring along. In both cases, all equipment is provided and a qualified guide is with you.
Where are your canyons, and how far are they from Nice?
The Gorges du Loup are about 45 minutes from Nice or Antibes and 40 minutes from Cannes. The sporty canyons of the Estéron (Riolan, Clue d'Aiglun, Saint-Auban) are a little further away, 45 minutes to 1 hr 15 from Nice. The GPS location of the meeting point is sent by text message the day before.
Can canyoning be combined with other activities?
Yes. The paragliding + canyoning combo (€190 per person) brings together a paragliding flight in the morning and a canyon in the afternoon, around Gréolières. The hinterland of the 06 is also full of hilltop villages to visit.
Does Ailéments offer canyoning in the Var and the Verdon?
Not in the Var: our canyoning trips take place in the Alpes-Maritimes. In the Loup valley, the Gorges du Loup, the Gours du Ray and the Cascades de Courmes; further afield, the Riolan, the Clue d'Aiglun and Saint-Auban (Estéron valley), the Cramassouri (Tinée valley) and the Imberguet (Vésubie). Saint-Auban, 30 min from Castellane, is our closest route to the Verdon: see our guide to canyoning in Castellane. Whether you come from the Var, Nice or Grasse, our team welcomes you for a day out in the wild.
Ready to take the plunge?
Book your canyon descent in the Alpes-Maritimes, with the family from age 8 or on a sporty full day from age 16.
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 !
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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
Over 1291 5-star reviews
WHERE CAN YOU GO CANYONING?
Canyoning: other starting points
The Vallée du Loup is very popular for its outdoor activities, particularly canyoning. Many of you have been canyoning since Cannes, Menton, Nicethe Var and Marseille to enjoy the beautiful turquoise pools.
