There are places that do something indefinable when you see them for the first time. The Verdon is one of them. These limestone cliffs that plunge hundreds of meters, this water of an almost insolent turquoise, these corners that seem designed specifically to spend a timeless day. And yet, many visitors are content to stay along the edges. Those who go down into the gorges see something else.
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Set off on an adventure in the gorges and rivers of the Verdon safely
Canyoning in the Verdon is not something you improvise. The narrow ravines, the jumps into pools whose bottoms are not always visible, the technical passages under waterfalls: all of this requires serious supervision, especially for a first experience.
Going through professionals who know every corner of the terrain radically changes the experience. Entrusting your day to experienced guides who have been practicing canyoning in the rivers of the Verdon for years ensures you enjoy the spectacle without having to manage alone the unforeseen events of an aquatic environment as capricious as it is magnificent. The safety instructions go by quickly when well explained, and then, it’s time for action!
What level is needed to start canyoning with the family?
Good news for those who fear finding themselves in difficulty in front of their children: the Verdon offers routes for all profiles. Beginners, families with children from 8 or 10 years old, groups of friends with no technical experience… everyone finds a suitable itinerary. Supervisions very often offer progressive levels, from introductory canyoning with some small jumps and natural slides to more challenging descents for those seeking a bit more thrill.
Canyoning is not reserved for seasoned athletes, and the Verdon proves it every season. Some routes are accessible from spring, others are ideal in the height of summer when the heat makes every plunge even more refreshing.
What equipment to bring for an aquatic outing in the Alps?
Reassuring detail for those who imagine they must invest in specialized equipment before even putting a toe in the water: the equipment is provided by the providers. Wetsuit, helmet, harness, suitable shoes… everything is included in the package.
What you need to bring yourself fits in a modest-sized waterproof bag. A change of clothes for afterward, water-resistant sunscreen, snacks in case of a long half-day, and enough water. The golden rule, often forgotten in the excitement of departure, remains to come well hydrated and rested. The Verdon in July at 35 degrees wears you out more than you think, even when you spend half the route in the water.
The Verdon reserves its best surprises for those who accept to leave the marked trail to truly venture there. A hidden pool around a bend, a waterfall you hear before seeing, a light that bounces off the wet rock in the late afternoon… These moments are not on any tourist map. They are lived with your feet in the water.