To help you prepare for your canyoning trip in the Verdon, here are some answers to the questions that are regularly asked.
If you have other questions, do not hesitate to contact us!
From which period can I come to practice canyoning?
The canyoning period runs from April to September. At the beginning of spring we propose vertical canyons; like the Riou canyon located in the commune of Moustiers Saint-Marie with these abseiling of 50 meters. Spring is also the opportunity to discover the main canyon near the village of Palud-sur-Verdon, and to sink into the Grand Canyon of Verdon. From the end of May until the end of September, the period of the water canyons spreads out. Whether in half-day canyons, like the Gours du Ray, or in the canyons days such as the Riolan, we will spend most of the activity in the water. Descent abseiling in cascades, natural slides and jumps in turquoise bowls, will be on the program. With a practice period of almost 6 months, the Alpes de Haute Provence is a high place of canyoning in France.
From what age can we practice canyoning?
We offer canyoning from 10 years old. Our canyon discovery accessible to children is the canyon of Haut Jabron, it consists of slides, jumps and abseiling of 12 meters (optional). You must have an adventurous spirit, be able to jump into the water without thinking too much and especially not be cautious. All these conditions are important for your child to appreciate the activity at its fair value.
What physical condition do I need to practice canyoning?
Canyoning is an activity that strongly affects the joints (ankles, knees, shoulders). To practice safely, you must be in good physical condition. Indeed unlike floating activities, canyoning will ask you to be stable on your supports, to be toned when arrived in the water (jumps, slides). If you want to go to canyons days, you will have to be able to support a long effort (between 4 and 5 hours). But do not worry about canyoning and a fun and rewarding activity if you are a sportsman.
Are there special shoes for canyoning?
Walking on unstable pebbles, laying your feet flat against the rock face, positioning yourself before jumping into the water, sliding along the natural slides is basically what you will ask for your shoes . So we understand quickly that to practice the activity safely, you will need at least sneakers and at best walking shoes, which have the great advantage of protecting the ankles. And rest assured the canyoning is not going to damage your sports shoes, but more than give them a good cleaning stroke. It is therefore important not to take your oldest sneakers, indeed after ten years the glue that connects the sole to the shoe is degraded and you risk to finish the canyon in socks.
Do you offer gift certificates?
Whether it's for a birthday, for the new year or simply to discover the activity, we offer gift certificates. Our gifts are valid on all our activities, and their dates of use extends throughout the season of the current year. For more information on gift vouchers, do not hesitate to contact us directly. To find together the right gift that will meet your expectations.
What are the canyons found in the Gorges du Verdon?
Magical and wild landscape the Gorges du Verdon is transformed in the spring into a destination for canyoning. The low snow levels of the plateaus overlooking the Grand Canyon makes the practice of canyoning in the Gorges ephemeral. This period is very variable, ranging from April to early June, these canyons are therefore rarely in water. They are nevertheless part of the most beautiful canyons of the Alpes de Haute Provence. The waterfalls of Riou de Moustiers with these long vertiginous reminders of 50 meters are a perfect example. Just like the Val d'Angouire canyon, wilderness and various obstacles. The adventure course of Main Dead located in the municipality of Palud sur Verdon, will take you to the heart of the Gorges du Verdon. On the program rappelling descents, zip lines, and recovery in via-cordatta above the Verdon will bring you lots of sensations.
What is the best picnic to take in the canyon?
Whether you go on a half-day or day trip, canyoning will make you spend a lot of calories. Your body will constantly fight against the coolness of the water and therefore use a lot of energy. The picnic ideal for a day canyon trip like the clue of Riolan, consists of cereal bars that will bring you to quickly renew your energy reserves. A sandwich (preferably not too fat) for the meal break that will recharge your batteries and your morale, to attack the second part of the canyon. It is essential to have a bottle of water, and if possible to remove the label surrounding the bottle before the activity (fish and invertebrates thank you in advance).
Is it better to take glasses or lenses in a canyon?
It's important to understand that you will have to put your head underwater several times during the canyoning descent. The choice between lenses and glasses is up to you, but you must see the obstacles in the canyon. Certain to master the technique of closing the eyes when the head passes under the water (lenses), and for the wearers of a telescope a tight cord behind the neck will avoid the glasses to fall. Finally if you go in half-day canyon, removing your glasses does not give you a headache and that your view from afar is not too degraded without the glasses. We advise you to do the activity without, see giving the guide your glasses that you can wear during the approach walk (do not forget the glasses case).