Heart of Gorges du Loup · 06140

Pont du Loup : the complete guide to the Gorges and their outdoor activities

Medieval hamlet at the entrance to the Gorges du Loup: turquoise pools, waterfalls, canyoning, paragliding, hilltop villages. The field guide by Ailéments, based at Gréolières in the heart of the Loup valley for 19 years.

  • Turquoise basins + waterfalls
  • Canyoning and paragliding on the same day
  • Free Florian Confectionery
  • +1070 reviews ★★★★★
Pont du Loup: Gorges du Loup viewpoint, Alpes-Maritimes Vallée du Loup
  • LocalisationTourrettes-sur-Loup (06140)
  • HeadlightsGorges · Canyon · Paragliding
  • Duration2 hours to 1 day
  • SeasonApril → October
  • PublicFamilies · Couples · From 6 years old

Pont du Loup is a hamlet in the commune of Tourrettes-sur-Loup, nestled at the entrance to the Gorges du Loup in the Alpes-Maritimes. An ideal starting point to discover one of the most spectacular natural sites on the French Riviera.

The coastal river le Loup has, over the centuries, carved out a narrow valley: cascades, turquoise basins, limestone cliffs and hiking trails compose an exceptional playground.

But Pont du Loup is also a heritage steeped in history: Medieval bridge from the 12th century, once a popular tourist resort for high society during the Belle Époque, remnants of the Provence railway.

Our team Accessories, based in Gréolières in the heart of the Wolf Valley for over 15 years, supervises outings canyoning and paragliding.

Hiking Pont du Loup: Loup Valley Trails, Alpes-Maritimes
Featured activities

What to do in Pont du Loup and the Gorges du Loup

The entrance gate to a natural site concentrating some of the best outdoor activities in the Alpes-Maritimes. Here are the unmissable experiences to be had on site and in the gorges.

Signature activity

Canyoning Gorges du Loup

Among the The most famous canyons from the south of France. Jumps into turquoise pools, natural slides, abseiling along waterfalls, swimming in pools carved by water over millennia.

Accessible from 6 years Discovery formula, more sporting sections with jumps up to 10m. Neoprene equipment provided. See the canyon.

Panoramic view

Paragliding Loup Valley

From Gréolières, tandem paragliding over the gorges: panorama Mediterranean + Mercantour.

Take-off 20 minutes from Pont du Loup. Accessible from 6 years. 3 formulas: Ascending flight best-seller, Prestige flight with HD video.

Family · Free

Hiking + basin swimming

Path along the banks of the Loup river to the Belvédère, or an easy stroll towards the Waterfall Courmes (1 hour family).

In summer, the natural tanks attracts swimmers: crystal-clear but cool water. Bring water shoes and a towel.

Panoramas

Points of interest and remarkable sights not to be missed

The Pont du Loup and its surroundings boast some of the most photogenic panoramas on the French Riviera: a deep valley, waterfalls and perched villages.

Photo spot #1

Belvédère of the Gorges du Loup

The most spectacular viewpoint. Accessible from the D6 between Pont du Loup and Gourdon A bird's-eye view of the gorge, the river and the limestone cliffs. On a clear day, the view stretches all the way to the Mediterranean.

Best time: morning, when the grazing light sculpts the reliefs.

12th century

Medieval bridge + banks of the Loup

Stone building of 12th century, A massive silhouette straddling the Wolf in a setting of wild greenery. A quiet and charming place for a contemplative break.

From the banks below: clear waters, rocks polished by the current, easy access to cool off.

Cascade & Leap

Cascade Courmes & Saut du Loup

Courmes waterfall 40m waterfall into an emerald basin. Family-friendly marked trail (45 mins).

Saut du Loup : narrow passage where the river snakes between immense rock walls before plunging in a cascade. The higher the ruins of the railway viaduct Nice-Meyrargues, destroyed in 1944.

Heritage

Hamlet steeped in history: Belle Époque and the railway

Behind its Provençal calm, Pont du Loup hides a rich history: centuries of rural life, a golden interlude during the Belle Époque, destructions of the war.

12th Origins

Medieval bridge + Belle Époque

The 12th-century stone bridge allowed crossing the Loup at one of the few practicable crossings. At the end of the 19th century, the hamlet became a popular tourist resort among European high society.

La Queen Victoria she herself frequented the site, thanks to the Chemins de fer de Provence railway line.

Train des Pignes

Railway & viaduct

The Nice-Meyrargues line, nicknamed «Train des Pignes», was crossing the Wolf Valley. The viaduct spanned the gorge at a great height.

Visit August 1944, During the German retreat, the viaduct was blown up. Today, the ruined arches still stand: a silent reminder visible from the Gourdon road.

Since 1949

Florian Confectionery

Established in Pont du Loup since 1949, the confiserie Florian perpetuates Provençal know-how: crystallised fruits, jams and violet candies of Tourrettes-sur-Loup.

Workshop visit Free, A delicious break, welcome between two nature activities. One of the most visited places in the hamlet.

Countryside

Villages and excursions around Pont du Loup

At the crossroads of three of the most beautiful medieval villages on the Côte d'Azur. In one day, combine the gorges with a tour of the hinterland. Grassois.

10 mins · 760 m

Gourdon, Eagle's Nest

Gourdon Clinging to a cliff at an altitude of 760m. Panoramic views of the entire Loup valley, the coastline from Nice to Antibes, and the Mediterranean.

Stone alleyways, medieval castle, artisan workshops. Secondary paragliding site. paragliding Ailéments.

5 min · Cité des violettes

Tourrettes-sur-Loup

Pont du Loup is attached to Tourrettes-sur-Loup. Perched village renowned for its fields of violets cultivated for generations.

Golden stone houses, vaulted passageways, artist's studios. Violet Festival Every March.

Gorge gateway

Bar-sur-Loup + large circuit

Bar-sur-Loup On a rocky spur above the right bank. Gothic church with a remarkable altarpiece, shaded squares.

To broaden: Grasse (20 min, UNESCO perfumery), Vence (15 min, Matisse Chapel), Caussols tray (Lunar landscape).

Adventure

Ailéments outdoor activities from Pont du Loup

Our team is based in Gréolières, 20 minutes from Pont du Loup. The only school offering canyoning + paragliding at the same place.

Canyoning Gorges du Loup from Pont du Loup: turquoise pools, jumps, slides

Canyoning Gorges du Loup

Le most famous canyon From the region. Jumps into turquoise pools, natural slides, abseiling along waterfalls. Routes suitable for all levels.

For the most committed: Gour du Ray, Riolan, Maglia. All equipment provided.

Discover our canyons
Pont du Loup paragliding and canyoning combo: full-day adventure (Ailéments)

Combo paragliding + canyoning

Ailéments’s signature formula. Morning flight, afternoon canyon. Everything has been organised by the same team since Gréolières.

Particularly appreciated for the Hen do, stag do and groups of friends. Discover Hen do/Stag do Nice.

See the combo
Our signature

Why choose Ailéments for your activities in the Gorges du Loup?

Based in Gréolières for 15 years, in the heart of the Wolf Valley. A small team of enthusiasts, not a large commercial enterprise. 5/5 from over 500 reviews Google et TripAdvisor.

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

Reviewed by Aerotech, on-site specialist workshop. DEJEPS instructors. Book by phone 06 87 68 71 90.

Book the combo
Paragliding flight over Gourdon and the Gorges du Loup
Choose your adventure

Book your experience at the Gorges du Loup

The 4 best-selling packages from Ailéments. Transparent pricing from €55, for children aged 6 and over, supervised by DEJEPS-qualified instructors from Gréolières (20 mins from Pont du Loup).

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

Access and prepare your visit

Pont du Loup is located in the commune of Tourrettes-sur-Loup (06140), at the junction of the D2210 and D6.

Car access

From Nice · 40 min

M6202 motorway then D2210 towards Grasse. Cagnes-sur-Mer, Villeneuve-Loubet, Loup valley.

From Cannes · 45 min

Take the D6185 from Grasse, then the D2210 towards Vence. Pass by the heights of Le Bar-sur-Loup.

From Grasse 20 minutes

Shortest route via the D2210 following Bar-sur-Loup / Gorges du Loup.

Free parking

Near the confiserie Florian, with direct access to the hamlet and the footpaths. Second parking area on the D6 towards Gourdon during the high season.

Typical 1-day itinerary

Morning
Discover

Medieval bridge + viewing platform

9 am Arrival at Florian confectionery car park. 9:30 Walk to the medieval bridge and the banks of the Loup. 10:30 : Route to the Belvedere. 11:30 Courmes Waterfall.

Midi
Gourmet

Florian Confectionery + lunch

Free visit of the confiserie Florian Preserved fruits, violet sweets. Lunch on site or at Gourdon with panoramic views.

Afternoon
Adventure

Canyoning or Paragliding

14:00 : canyoning Gorges du Loup (2 hrs 30 mins on site) OR first paragliding experience from Gréolières (a 20-minute drive).

Best season April-June (waterfalls at their most beautiful, start of canyoning) or September-October (light + quiet gorges).

Gift idea

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

A paragliding or canyoning gift voucher a memorable way to discover the Loup Gorges in a different way.

Valid one, customisable, sent immediately by email. For a birthday, a EVJF/EVG, or simply to please. Any questions? Contact us.

Order a gift voucher
Orange Blossom Festival in Bar-sur-Loup, Loup Valley heritage
FAQ

Your questions about Pont du Loup

Swimming, families, duration, parking, transport, Pont du Loup vs Gorges difference, Florian, activity combination.

Is it possible to swim in the river Loup at Pont du Loup?

Yes, several natural tanks are accessible in summer from the banks of the hamlet. The water is crystal clear but cool – bring water shoes.

To access the most beautiful basins in the heart of the gorges, a Guided canyoning trip remains the best option.

Is Pont du Loup suitable for families with children?

Absolutely. The walk towards the Courmes waterfall Is easy and short, Florian's confectionery appeals to young and old alike, canyoning is accessible from the age of 6 and the Paragliding from age 4 with the parents' consent.

How long does it take to visit Pont du Loup?

Visit 1 to 2 hours for the hamlet, the medieval bridge and the viewpoints.

If you add an activity (canyoning, paragliding) and a visit to one or two hilltop villages, allow for All day.

Is there free parking in Pont du Loup?

Yes. The main car park is located near the confiserie Florian, with direct access to the hamlet and the footpaths. A second car park is available on the D6 towards Gourdon. Parking is free of charge.

Can Pont du Loup be reached by public transport?

Access by public transport is limited. Bus routes connect Grasse and Vence to neighbouring villages, but the timetables are infrequent. A car remains the most practical means of transport.

What is the difference between Pont du Loup and Gorges du Loup?

Pont du Loup is a hamlet located at the mouth of the gorges, in the commune of Tourrettes-sur-Loup. The Gorges du Loup refer to the entire canyon carved by the coastal river Le Loup for several kilometres upstream — the natural site where the canyoning And hiking.

Is the Florian confectionery open all year round?

Yes, the confiserie Florian Offers free factory tours all year round, with tastings. An ideal gourmet stop to combine with exploring the gorges. Check opening times during the low season.

Can you canyon and paraglide in the same day at Pont du Loup?

Yes, it is even the Ailéments specialism. Le Paramotoring in the morning + canyoning In the Gorges du Loup, the afternoon is the most requested option.

Everything is organised by the same team at Gréolières, just a stone's throw from Pont du Loup. Ideal for groups, hen parties and stag parties.

In summary

The key takeaways about Pont du Loup

4 reasons why Pont du Loup is the unmissable gateway to the Gorges du Loup.

  1. 1

    Hamlet in the heart of the Gorges du Loup

    Turquoise vases, cascades (Courmes 40 m, Saut du Loup), limestone cliffs. Panoramic viewpoint, summer swimming, family trails.

  2. 2

    Canyoning + Paragliding, Ailéments speciality

    In 20 mins The only school that offers both activities at the same place. Daytime combo = signature formula. 5/5 from +500 reviews.

  3. 3

    Belle Époque History + Florian Confectionery

    Medieval bridge from the 12th century, frequented by Queen Victoria via the "train des Pignes". Confiserie Florian since 1949, free visit, violet sweets.

  4. 4

    3 hilltop villages in 1 day

    Gourdon (10 min, 760 m), Tourrettes-sur-Loup (5 mins, violets), Bar-sur-Loup (Gateway to the Gorges). Full tour of the Grasse hinterland.