No need to travel abroad to explore canyons—France has plenty to offer! With nearly 1,800 canyoning sites and waterfalls reaching up to 350 meters high, there is no shortage of spectacular spots for enthusiasts. Some of the most remarkable locations include:
Corsica: With its mountainous terrain and numerous rivers, particularly in the Bavella Massif, Corsica offers stunning canyoning sites such as the Pulischellu Canyon, Purcaraccia Canyon, and Vacca Canyon.
The Pyrénées Atlantiques and Pyrénées Orientales: Notable spots include the Llech Canyon (nicknamed the “Cascade of Fools”), the most playful canyon in Europe, located in the Canigou Massif, featuring 660 meters of descent. The Thuès Canyon is famous for its warm waters at 70°C, balanced by a cold water inflow. In the Basque Country, the Harpea Canyon boasts lush vegetation, while the Gorges de Kakuetta remain breathtaking.
Vercors: Known for the Ecouges Canyon (Isère) with its vertiginous waterfall, and the Furon Canyon, showcasing diverse natural scenery.
Alpes-Maritimes: Featuring the Clue du Riolan and Clue de la Maglia.
Savoie and Haute-Savoie: Including the Angon Waterfall and the Montmin Canyon (see also “Montmin and Angon Canyons”).
Gorges du Tarn and Gorges du Verdon: Among the deepest gorges in Europe, famous for turquoise waters and limestone cliffs ranging from 250 to 700 meters high. Notable spots include the Styx, Chaos de l’Imbut, and Couloir des Marmites Géantes.
Ardèche: Famous for the Pont d’Arc, as well as the Besorgues Canyon and the Borne Canyon.
Lozère: Home to the Chassezac Canyon, 3 km long and 400 meters deep, called the “Pearl of the Cévennes”, offering a complete 6-hour route for canyoning enthusiasts.
For more information, see also: canyoning.