Level 1: discovering canyoning as a family: easy course near Nice
1. Canyoning on the Ruisseau d'Audin
Would you like to try canyoning for the first time as a family, in soft, pleasant water? The Ruisseau d'Audin, just 60 kilometres from Nice, is the ideal place for a safe introduction. After a short approach walk of around 45 minutes, you'll discover an aquatic course that's perfect for beginners and families with children aged 8 and over.
Immerse yourself in an enchanting setting and enjoy a 2? hour descent through picturesque landscapes. Unlike other canyons, the water in the Ruisseau d'Audin is particularly gentle, ideal for younger children. No jumping is required, so you can progress at your own pace and discover the joys of canyoning in complete peace of mind.
Located near Nice, the Ruisseau d'Audin is easily accessible and offers an ideal environment for a first family canyoning adventure. Come and explore the wonders of the Côte d'Azur and create unforgettable memories.
2. Canyoning de l'Artuby
If you're looking for beginner-level canyoning near Nice, we can also recommend the Artuby canyon. Located about an hour and a half from Nice, the route starts in Comps-sur-Artuby. This canyon offers an exciting adventure, but is accessible from the age of 7, making it ideal for families. The Artuby river is very wild with its cool waters and impressive rock formations, and offers a varied route including moderate jumps, natural slides and safe abseils. This makes it the perfect place for a family adventure during your holiday on the Côte d'Azur.
Level 2: Intermediate canyoning near Nice: thrills guaranteed!
1. Canyoning in the Gorges du Loup - Intermediate and beginner levels
The Gorges du Loup are just 40 kilometres from Nice, making it the closest canyoning site to the city. This canyon is ideal for those looking for a thrilling adventure without too much driving. With a journey of less than an hour by car, this canyoning trip can be completed in just half a day, allowing you to enjoy the activity to the full without taking up a whole day of your holiday or weekend in Nice.
This intermediate-level canyoning site is perfect for those with a little experience who are looking for a new challenge. However, it is also suitable for beginners, as all the jumps can be avoided, making this adventure accessible to everyone. The Gorges du Loup are therefore ideal for groups of varying levels, allowing everyone to enjoy and have fun in this spectacular natural setting.
The Loup is a medium-sized coastal river, stretching less than 50km from its source in the Audibergue mountains above Grasse to where it meets the Mediterranean near Cagnes-sur-Mer in the Alpes-Maritimes. Nestling at the bottom of a deep valley between the Cavillore and Saint-Barnabé plateaux, the Loup flows through several picturesque villages, including Le Bar-sur-Loup, marking the start of the Loup gorges.
Gorges du Loup canyoning highlights :
- Proximity to Nice: located just a few kilometres from Nice, this is the closest canyon to the city, making it ideal for a half-day canyoning experience. Perfect for those who want to experience this adventure without having to block off a whole day, it allows you to enjoy it to the full without wasting time if you're in a hurry.
- Suitable for beginners and intermediates: Ideal for groups with varying levels, everyone will be able to enjoy the pleasures of canyoning, whether they're a beginner or more experienced.
- Optional jumps: Jumps are not compulsory, allowing everyone to take part at their own pace.
The Gorges du Loup are a must-see destination for an unrivalled canyoning experience near Nice. They offer the perfect combination of thrilling challenges and natural beauty, guaranteeing a memorable adventure for all.
Specials offers
Family Canyoning - Gorges du Loup Canyoning - PROMO
Special offer: now only!
2. Canyoning le Gours du Ray - Intermediate level
You can't talk about canyoning near Nice without mentioning the Gours du Ray, situated a little higher up than the Gorges du Loup, between the communes of Gréolières and Andon, this canyon offers an exhilarating experience in an exceptional natural setting. The starting point is along the road leading to Gréolières, with an approach walk of around 20-30 minutes along mountain paths, plunging you straight into the wild splendour of the region.
The Gours du Ray canyon is ideal for intermediate and advanced levels, offering a variety of challenges including natural slides, daring jumps and abseiling. The activity lasts 3 to 4 hours, allowing you to fully enjoy the thrills while admiring the breathtaking scenery. As you explore this canyon, you'll be immersed in spectacular views and enjoy the cool, crystal-clear waters. Ideal for those looking for a stimulating and refreshing activity on the Côte d'Azur, the Gours du Ray canyon promises a memorable adventure in the heart of nature.
3. Canyoning in the Vésubie - Intermediate and advanced level
For canyoning enthusiasts looking for a thrilling adventure near Nice, the Vésubie valley is a must. Located in the Mercantour National Park, this intermediate-level canyon boasts breathtaking scenery and unspoilt nature.
Canyoning in the Vésubie is perfect for those looking for a thrill: this route is a little more technical than the canyons previously presented, offering bigger slides, higher jumps and impressive abseiling descents. Don't worry, it's still doable for those with previous canyoning or climbing experience, or who aren't afraid of heights. The starting point is a few kilometres from Saint-Martin-Vésubie, with an approach walk of around 30 minutes along natural paths. The activity lasts between 3 and 4 hours, allowing you to take full advantage of the challenges and natural beauty of this canyon near Nice. Enjoy the freshness of the canyon during your summer holiday on the Côte d'Azur, breathing in the mountain air and the silence of the canyon, with only the sound of the water. Have fun on the natural slides, jump off the rocks and enjoy an activity that's both exciting and refreshing. There's nothing like it for an unforgettable experience!
Level 3: Sport canyoning: push your limits in the gorges of Nice
1. Riolan canyoning
The Riolan canyon, around 30 kilometres from Nice, is a renowned site for sport canyoning on the Côte d'Azur, ideal for enthusiasts looking for a technical and immersive adventure. The usual meeting point is near the village of Puget-Théniers, where local guides prepare participants before starting the approach walk.
The approach walk to the start of the canyon usually takes around 45 minutes to an hour, through a picturesque landscape of Mediterranean mountains. Once in the canyon, participants can expect to spend a full day exploring its many waterfalls, natural slides and crystal-clear pools.
The Riolan canyon offers a variety of technical challenges, including abseils of up to 25 metres, narrow passages sometimes requiring a white-water swimming technique, and optional jumps into deep natural pools. The total duration of the canyoning experience at Riolan may vary depending on the group and weather conditions, but is generally between 4 and 6 hours of intense activity and outdoor fun.
For canyoning enthusiasts looking for a challenging and well-supervised adventure near Nice, the Riolan canyon offers the perfect combination of unspoilt natural beauty and technical challenges, promising an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region.
2. The Barbaira Canyon
For real adventure enthusiasts, head for the Italian border with the Barbaira Canyon. This sporting canyon is a real hidden gem. The scenery is breathtaking and the challenges numerous. Get ready for spectacular abseiling, vertigo-inducing jumps and underwater passages that will awaken the Indiana Jones in you. This is a paradise for thrill-seeking experts.
On the Italian border, Barbaira canyoning is an unmissable adventure for thrill-seekers and lovers of breathtaking natural scenery. Located around two hours from Nice, this canyon offers a captivating route winding through a wild and unspoilt environment. The Barbaira River, with its crystal-clear, refreshing waters, rushes down the gorge, creating spectacular rock formations and natural pools. The canyoning itinerary includes abseiling, jumps, slides and water courses suitable for beginners and experienced adventure enthusiasts alike. With its varied landscapes and unspoilt nature, this site offers a unique canyoning experience that is both exciting and safe, ideal for an adventurous getaway from Nice. Whether you're looking to explore wild gorges or immerse yourself in crystal-clear waters, Barbaira canyoning is the destination of choice for a memorable adventure break.
3. Lower Carléva Canyon - Roya Valley
Discover the unique sensations of canyoning by taking on the Carvela canyon, near Breil-sur-Roya. You'll need to be in good physical condition to take part in this sporting activity, which is accessible to people aged 12 and over. You'll be in an exceptional natural environment, alternating abseiling, jumping into crystal-clear pools and sliding down natural slides. The starting point is in Breil-sur-Roya, and the adventure promises unforgettable memories!
The Carvela canyon offers 5 hours of intense adventure, so don't forget to pack your picnic to replenish your strength on this thrilling day. Jumps, slides and abseils guarantee unforgettable memories!
Canyoning near Nice offers a range of experiences as varied as the region's landscapes, from family discoveries to thrills for the more athletic. Whether you prefer easy routes or technical challenges, you're bound to find a canyon to suit you. So, what kind of adventurer are you?
The best time to go canyoning around Nice is generally from spring to autumn, between 1 April and 31 October.
Here's an overview of each season:
- Spring (April to June): Conditions are often ideal with pleasant temperatures and nature in full bloom. However, water levels can sometimes be too high in spring, especially after rainy days, which can make some routes impassable due to strong currents.
- Summer (July to August): This is a very popular period for canyoning. Summer is ideal for beating the heat, as you'll be cool in the canyons and can swim in cool water, providing a welcome sense of well-being on hot days. However, some routes can be very busy, so make sure you book in advance.
- Autumn (September to October): The weather generally remains mild and crowds diminish, allowing you to enjoy canyoning in good conditions. Water levels are often still sufficient, but without the influx of summer tourists.
- Winter (November to March): Canyoning is not permitted during this period because conditions are too cold and dangerous. Water levels may be too low or conditions too harsh for safe canyoning.
For the best experience, it's important to check weather conditions and water levels before setting off.
When it comes to canyoning near Nice, it's important to have the right equipment to guarantee your safety and comfort.
Here's what you need to know:
- Equipment supplied by the service provider :
- Neoprene wetsuit: To protect you from the cold and provide good insulation in the water.
- Helmet: To protect your head from falls and any obstacles.
- Harness: To ensure your safety during abseiling and other technical passages.
- Equipment to be brought by the client :
- Sports shoes: Sturdy, comfortable shoes, preferably with good grip, are essential for walking on slippery, uneven terrain.
- Change of clothes: Make sure you have dry clothes to change into after the activity, as you will get wet.
- Towel: To dry off and warm up after canyoning.
By equipping yourself with these items, you'll be ready to enjoy your canyoning experience in complete safety. Be sure to check with your service provider to see if any additional equipment is required or if there are any specific recommendations to follow.
Yes, canyoning is perfectly suitable for beginners near Nice! Several sites offer courses specially designed for novices, with moderate levels of difficulty and professional supervision to ensure your safety. You'll be able to enjoy the adventure with confidence while discovering the natural beauty of the region. Make sure you choose an outing that matches your level of experience and don't hesitate to ask us for advice by phone at 0494191060.
Prices for canyoning trips near Nice generally range from €48 to €70. These prices depend on the duration of the activity (half-day or full day) and the level of difficulty. For exact prices, please consult the details of each canyoning offer available on the Expérience Côte d'Azur website.
Booking a canyoning activity near Nice is quick and easy on the Expérience Côte d'Azur website. Here are the steps to follow:
Online:
- Consult and explore the different canyoning offers available.
- Select the date of your choice using the interactive calendar.
- Complete your booking by following the on-screen instructions.
- You will receive a booking confirmation within 24 hours.
By telephone:
- You can also call our reservations department on 04 94 19 10 60 to book directly and get help if necessary.
Through tourist offices:
- Local tourist offices can also guide and advise you on the best options available.
If you have any further questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. We're here to help you organise your canyoning adventure!
The region around Nice is renowned for its superb gorges and rivers, offering a wide range of canyoning routes to suit all levels. Whether you're a beginner, intermediate or experienced canyoneer, you'll find a course to suit you.
The duration of canyoning activities around Nice can vary depending on the route chosen and the experience of the participants. In general, here is an estimate of typical durations for the different categories of course:
- Beginners: 2 to 3 hours
- Intermediate courses: 3 to 5 hours
- Sport courses: 5 to 7 hours
The minimum age varies according to the different courses. In general, it is recommended that you be at least 8 years old for the easier courses and 12 years old for the more challenging courses. Please do not hesitate to contact us directly if you have any doubts or require further information.
To get the most out of your canyoning experience, you need to be in good physical condition. However, the courses are suitable for all levels, from beginners to the more athletic. The instructors will be able to guide you and advise you according to your abilities.
Canyoning is a sporting activity that involves certain risks inherent in the natural environment. The main risks are slips, falls, hitting rocks and drowning. However, these risks can be minimised by using the right equipment, professional supervision and following safety instructions. All our instructors are qualified and experienced, and will provide you with all the equipment you need to enjoy canyoning in complete safety.
