Turquoise pools, the 60 m Courmes waterfall, the Saut du Loup, canyoning, hikes and hilltop villages. The on-the-ground guide by Ailéments, based in Gréolières since 2013, with more than 20 years of experience.
Loup valley · 06
The Gorges du Loup are one of the most spectacular natural sites on the French Riviera. 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 thrill-seekers, it is the favourite playground of Ailéments, a paragliding school based in Gréolières, upstream of the gorges, since 2013. Fancy getting some height? The tandem paragliding flight takes place at Gréolières, our base.
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.
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.
The Loup dug a canyon of several kilometres between limestone cliffs. Basins carved by millennia, clear waters, giant's cauldrons.
Rare landscape on the French Riviera: sea/mountain transition within a few kilometres, preserved biodiversity.
From Nice (40 mins), Cannes (45 min) or Grasse (15 min): easy access for a day trip.
The D6 and D2210 roads serve the main points of interest: the Belvédère, the Cascade de Courmes, Pont du Loup.
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.
The Loup canyon is one of the best known in the south of France. We offer roped canyoning there, from age 8; we do not do river hiking.
Among the most famous canyons From the south. Natural slides, jumps up to 10m, abseiling alongside waterfalls, swimming in turquoise pools.
Accessible from age 8 on the discovery option (2 hrs 30 mins), more challenging sections for athletes. See the canyon.
Discover the canyon
Without ropes, on foot along the riverbed, swimming in the pools and looking at the potholes. Ailéments does not offer it: what we do is canyoning.
If you do not like jumping, our discovery half day comes closest: from age 8, jumps remain optional and the abseils can be avoided in the Gorges du Loup.
All our canyons
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 comboOur team has been based in Gréolières, 20 minutes from the Gorges du Loup, since 2013. State-qualified guides, a paragliding school, equipment serviced on site.
La A school offering canyoning and paragliding in the same place. Fancy learning to fly? Paragliding school Nice.
5/5 from +1291 reviews. Reservation by phone or via contact.
Book canyoning or a combo.
3 main routes depending on your level: from an easy family trail to challenging hiking with elevation gain.
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.
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).
The mythical route of the valley. An ancient paved mule track climbs from Bar-sur-Loup to Gourdon, a perched village at 760 m, at the foot of 700 m high cliffs. Altitude difference ~500 m, loop possible via the Loup channel.
A steep, stony path with exceptional views over the gorges. Heading down from Gourdon, it becomes suitable for families. Maps and guidebooks for the area's trails.
3 iconic natural sites that alone justify a visit to the Gorges du Loup.
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.
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.
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.
3 hilltop villages to discover in addition to your nature day out. All within a 15-minute drive of each other.
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.
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.
Bar-sur-Loup On a rocky spur: Gothic church, remarkable altarpiece, shaded little squares.
Pont du Loup: a picturesque hamlet with a 12th-century medieval bridge, the Florian confectionery and direct access to the 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.
Everything for a successful day in the Gorges du Loup.
Motorway M6202, exit Vence. Then D2210 then D6 along the gorges. Panoramic views throughout the journey.
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.
Grassy Penetration then D2210. Passage via the heights of Bar-sur-Loup.
Main Pont du Loup (Confiserie Florian), Belvédère D6, Courmes Waterfall car park. All free.
9 am Arrival Belvedere. 10 am : Courmes Waterfall Trail (60 m). 11:30 Saut du Loup and Pots.
Lunch with a view in Gourdon (760 m) or to Pont du Loup by the riverside. Visit Florian confectionery.
2 pm: canyoning in the Gorges du Loup with Ailéments (2 hours 30 minutes) OR a swim in the natural pools. 4.30 pm: return via Tourrettes-sur-Loup.
Best season April-June (peak waterfalls, start of canyoning) or September-October (light, fewer crowds).
A paragliding gift voucher, for a tandem flight: the best way to let someone discover the Gorges du Loup from a different angle.
Valid for 1 year, customisable and sent by email. Ideal for a birthday or a hen or stag party. Any questions? Contact us.
Order a gift voucher
Canyoning in the gorges, filmed with our team.
Swimming, children, canyoning vs. canyon hiking, seasons, prices, accommodation.
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.
Yes. The walk towards the Courmes waterfall is easy and short. The Discovery canyoning is accessible from 8 years with professional supervision.
The surrounding trails are suitable for families. Just avoid the steep, unmarked paths.
Yes, canyoning requires a State-qualified instructor. Ropes, harnesses, helmets, and suits are provided. Practising without professional supervision is dangerous and prohibited on certain sections.
Le canyoning involves ropes, abseiling and jumps in a vertical canyon.
River hiking takes place in the riverbed, without ropes, walking up or down on foot. We do not offer it: what we do is canyoning, with jumps always optional.
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.
From 55 € per person For the half-day discovery package (2 hrs 30 mins). Wetsuit, helmet and harness are included.
Possibility of organising private or group outings hen and stag parties on estimate.
Yes, several nearby villages offer gîtes, hotels and bed-and-breakfasts: 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.
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).
4 reasons why the Gorges du Loup are the unmissable natural wonder of the French Riviera.
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.
Our team based in Gréolières (20 minutes away) has been guiding the Loup canyon since 2013. Paragliding school, state-qualified guides, from age 8. A school offering both canyoning and paragliding.
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.
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.
