Natural site · French Riviera

What to do in Gorges du Loup The complete guide

Turquoise pools, the 60-metre Courmes waterfall, Saut du Loup, canyoning, hiking and hilltop villages. The field guide by Ailéments, an FFVL school established in the valley for 19 years.

  • Cascade Courmes · 60 m
  • Canyoning Ailéments DEJEPS
  • 4 hilltop villages around
  • +1070 reviews ★★★★★
Gorges du Loup: turquoise pools, limestone cliffs, canyoning in the Alpes-Maritimes Wolf Valley · 06
  • LocalisationAlpes-Maritimes · between Grasse and Vence
  • HeadlightsCanyoning · Waterfalls · Perched villages
  • Ideal duration1 to 2 days
  • Canyoning seasonApril → October
  • PublicFamilies · Couples · From 6 years old

The Gorges du Loup are one of the most spectacular natural sites on the Côte d'Azur. The coastal river le Loup has carved a deep canyon over millennia between Grasse and Vence, revealing Turquoise pools, dizzying waterfalls and limestone cliffs.

The site can be discovered in a thousand ways: canyoning in the basins, canyoning without ropes, riverside trails, swimming in summer. Not forgetting the Medieval hilltop villages overlooking the gorges: Gourdon, Tourrettes-sur-Loup, Bar-sur-Loup, Pont du Loup.

For thrills, it's the favourite playground of'Accessories, FFVL-labelled school based in Gréolières, upstream of the gorges, for 19 years.

Who is it for? Families, couples, hen/stag parties, outdoor groups. How long? 1 day to explore the site, 2 days with villages and canyoning.

Gorges du Loup natural paradise, Alpes-Maritimes, Côte d'Azur
Exceptional site

The Gorges du Loup: an exceptional natural site on the French Riviera

What makes the Gorges du Loup unique on the French Riviera: spectacular geography, accessibility from Nice/Grasse/Cannes, and a rare combination of nature and heritage.

Geography

Deep canyon + turquoise pools

The Wolf dug a canyon of several kilometres between limestone cliffs. Basins carved by millennia, clear waters, giant's cauldrons.

Rare landscape on the Côte d'Azur: sea/mountain transition within a few kilometres, preserved biodiversity.

Accessibility

30-45 minutes from major cities

From Nice (40 mins), Cannes (45 min) or Grasse (15 min): easy access for a day trip.

The D6 and D2210 routes serve the main points of interest: Belvédère viewpoint, Courmes waterfall, Pont du Loup bridge.

Rare combination

Nature + Heritage + Outdoor

Few sites in France combine Spectacular waterfall, engaging canyon, medieval villages and access to the Mediterranean..

The Loup Gorges allow you to experience hiking, canyoning, a cultural visit, and swimming all in the same day.

Signature activity

Canyoning and water trekking: the signature activity of the gorges

The Loup Canyon is one of the most renowned in the South of France. Two options depending on your level: canyoning with ropes, or a water hike without ropes – accessible to all.

Canyoning in the Gorges du Loup: slides, jumps and turquoise pools (1–3 stars)

Wolf Canyon: slides, jumps, pools

Among the The most famous canyons From the south. Natural slides, jumps up to 10m, abseiling alongside waterfalls, swimming in turquoise pools.

Accessible from 6 years Discovery formula (2 hrs), more challenging sections for athletes. See the canyon.

Discover the canyon
Courmes Waterfall 60m Canyoning Gorges du Loup

Canyoning: rope-free alternative

For Families, beginners and those who don't like jumping Walks upstream in the riverbed, swimming in the pools, observing the potholes.

Professional supervision. Lightweight equipment (water shoes + wetsuit). Accessible from 6 years.

All our canyons
Tandem paragliding over the Gorges du Loup (1 man, 1 woman)

For whom? Families, friends, hen/stag parties

The Loup Canyon adapts to all profiles Families with children, couples for sweet sensations, groups of friends for an engaging day.

Particularly appreciated for the Hen do/Stag do Nice. Possible combination with paragliding.

See the combo
Our signature

Canyon du Loup with Ailéments: 19 years in the valley

Our team is based at Gréolières, 20 minutes from the Gorges du Loup, since 2013. DEJEPS instructors, FFVL-labelled school, equipment serviced on site.

La the only school offering canyoning and paragliding in the same place. Fancy learning to fly? Paragliding school Nice.

5/5 from +1070 reviews. Reservation by phone 06 87 68 71 90 or via contact.

Book canyoning or a combo.
Paragliding and canyoning combo in the Gorges du Loup (1 adult, 3 children)
Footpaths

Hikes and Trails: the most beautiful circular routes around the Gorges

3 main routes depending on your level: from an easy family trail to challenging hiking with elevation gain.

Engaged · 3-4 h

Cavillore Plateau Loop from Gourdon

Departure from Gourdon, ascent to the Cavillore plateau, descent along the banks of the Loup. Elevation gain 500 m, varied landscapes (limestone, forest, plateau).

Ideal for experienced hikers. Exceptional panoramic views of the canyon.

Easy · 2h

An easy loop from La Colle-sur-Loup

Path along the river to Bar-sur-Loup, return via the heights. Family-friendly, little elevation.

Several swimming access points in summer (pools accessible to children).

Family · 1 h 30

Courmes Waterfall Path + Wolf's Leap

The classic. Departure from the D6 car park, marked path to the 60 m waterfall, then ascent towards the Saut du Loup.

Accessible to everyone, spectacular views of the gorges' two most famous sites.

Natural sites

Courmes Waterfall, Wolf's Leap and rock pools: not to be missed

3 iconic natural sites that alone justify a visit to the Gorges du Loup.

60 metres

Courmes waterfall

Waterfall of 60 metres tumbling into an emerald basin. One of the most photographed sites in the South of France.

Easy access from the D6 car park (marked trail, 45 mins round trip). Fantastic view after the spring rains.

Giant's pots

Wolf's Jump + large cauldrons

Narrow passage where the river winds between'immense rock faces before diving headlong. The Giant's cauldrons carved into the rock are geological wonders.

Visible from the marked trail, even more impressive when canyoning.

Summer · Swimming

Basins + free swimming

Several natural tanks accessible from the banks, notably towards Pont du Loup and Bar-sur-Loup. Crystal-clear but cool water.

Recommended water shoes. For the pools in the heart of the canyon: Guided canyoning.

Heritage

The medieval villages around the Gorges du Loup.

3 hilltop villages to discover in addition to your nature day out. All within a 15-minute drive of each other.

760 m above sea level

Gourdon Vertiginous panorama

Clinging to a cliff face 760 m. Panoramic view over the entire Loup valley, the coast and the Mediterranean. Most Beautiful Villages in France.

Cobbled streets, medieval castle, artisan workshops. Secondary paragliding site. paragliding Ailéments.

Violets

Tourrettes-sur-Loup, city of violets

Hilltop village renowned for its fields of violets. Golden stone houses, vaulted passageways, art galleries.

Violet Festival in March. Pont du Loup is administratively attached to Tourrettes.

Gorge gateway

Bar-sur-Loup Pont du Loup

Bar-sur-Loup On a rocky spur: Gothic church, remarkable altarpiece, shaded little squares.

Pont du Loup picturesque hamlet with 12th-century medieval bridge, Florian confectionery, direct access to the gorges.

Choose your adventure

Book your experience on the Wolf Gorges

The 4 best-selling packages from Ailéments. Half-day canyoning at Le Loup from €55, paragliding with views of the gorges, and a full-day combo.

Canyoning

Canyon Half-day

2h · Gorges du Loup · Ages 8+

55 € /pers
Paragliding

Ascending flight

20-30 min · Thermal runaway

140 €
Combo · 2 in 1

Combo Day

Paragliding + Canyoning · From 5 people

190 € /pers
Paragliding · Premium

Prestige flight

45 min to 1 hr · Video included

250 €
Practice

Preparing for your visit: access, parking and practical advice

Everything for a successful day in the Gorges du Loup.

From Nice 40 mins

Motorway M6202, exit Vence. Then D2210 then D6 along the gorges. Panoramic views throughout the journey.

From Grasse 15 minutes

Shortest route. Take the D2210 towards Bar-sur-Loup, then head up towards Gourdon via the D3. Ideal for combining with a visit to the Grasse perfumery.

From Cannes 45 min

Grassy Penetration then D2210. Passage via the heights of Bar-sur-Loup.

Free parking

Main Pont du Loup (Confiserie Florian), Belvédère D6, Courmes Waterfall car park. All free.

1-day itinerary

Morning
Discover

Belvedere + Courmes Waterfall

9 am Arrival Belvedere. 10 am : Courmes Waterfall Trail (60 m). 11:30 Wolf Jump and Pots.

Midi
Village

Gourdon or Pont du Loup

Lunch with a view in Gourdon (760 m) or to Pont du Loup by the riverside. Visit Florian confectionery.

Afternoon
Adventure

Canyoning or Paragliding

14:00 : canyoning Gorges du Loup with Ailéments (2 hours 30 minutes) OR swimming in the pools. 4.30 pm return via Tourrettes-sur-Loup.

Best season April-June (peak waterfalls, start of canyoning) or September-October (light, fewer crowds).

Gift idea

Give the gift of the Gorges du Loup: the Ailéments gift voucher

A paragliding or canyoning gift voucher The best way to experience the Gorges du Loup immersively.

Valid one, customisable, sent by email. Ideal for birthdays, EVJF/EVG. Any questions? Contact us.

Order a gift voucher
Walk Gorges du Loup: Alpes-Maritimes Nature Trail
On video

The Gorges du Loup on video

Canyoning in the gorges, filmed with our team.

FAQ

Your questions about the Gorges du Loup

Swimming, children, canyoning vs. canyon hiking, seasons, prices, accommodation.

Is it possible to swim freely in the Gorges du Loup?

Yes, several natural tanks are accessible in summer from the banks of the Loup, particularly near Pont du Loup and Bar-sur-Loup. The water is crystal clear but cool, bring water shoes.

For the basins at the heart of the gorges, a Guided canyoning trip remains the best option.

Are the Gorges du Loup accessible for children?

Yes. The walk towards the Courmes waterfall is easy and short. The Discovery canyoning is accessible from 6 years with professional supervision.

The surrounding trails are suitable for families. Just avoid the steep, unmarked paths.

Do you need a guide for canyoning in the Gorges du Loup?

Yes, canyoning requires a State-registered monitor. Ropes, harnesses, helmets, and suits are provided. Practising without professional supervision is dangerous and prohibited on certain sections.

What's the difference between canyoning and water trekking?

Le canyoning involves ropes, abseiling and jumps in a vertical canyon.

La Canyoning is practiced in the riverbed, without ropes, walking up or downstream. It's the ideal option for families or those who don't want to jump.

Are the Gorges du Loup open all year round?

The Paths and villages are accessible all year round. The canyoning practised from April to October (except during low water or floods). In winter, we enjoy hikes and visits to the hilltop villages.

How much does a canyoning trip in the Gorges du Loup cost?

From 55 € per person For the half-day discovery package (2 hours on the water). Wetsuit, helmet and harness are included.

Possibility of organising private or group outings EVJF/EVG on estimate.

Are there any accommodations near the Gorges du Loup?

Yes, several surrounding villages offer Gîtes, hotels and B&Bs Tourrettes-sur-Loup, Bar-sur-Loup, Gourdon, Pont du Loup.

For a complete outdoor stay, the region between Grasse and Vence offers all types of accommodation.

Can we combine a visit to the gorges with other activities?

Absolutely. The paragliding + canyoning combo The signature itinerary is Ailéments: a flight from Gréolières in the morning, followed by a canyon descent in the afternoon.

You can also follow this up with a visit to Grasse, perched villages or the coast (Cannes, Nice).

In summary

The essentials to remember about the Gorges du Loup

4 reasons why the Gorges du Loup are the unmissable natural wonder of the Côte d'Azur.

  1. 1

    Exceptional natural site

    Courmes Waterfall 60m, Saut du Loup, turquoise pools, limestone cliffs. One of the most spectacular canyons in the South of France, accessible in 30-45 minutes from Nice/Cannes/Grasse.

  2. 2

    Canyoning Ailéments: 19 years in the valley

    Our team, based in Gréolières (20 mins away), oversees the canyon du Loup since 2013. FFVL Ski School, DEJEPS instructors, from age 6. The only school offering canyoning and paragliding.

  3. 3

    4 hilltop villages to discover

    Gourdon (Most Beautiful Villages), Tourrettes-sur-Loup violets, Bar-sur-Loup (gate of the gorges), Pont du Loup (Florian's Confectionery). All within 15 minutes of each other.

  4. 4

    Free hiking and swimming

    Marked trails for all levels (1 hour 30 mins easy to 4 hours challenging). Rock pools accessible in summer with free entry. Ideal for families for a full day with no budget for activities.

Looking for more adventure in the Alpes-Maritimes?