To trace the history of canyoning, we can go back to a time when canyons, caves, and gorges were explored by hunters and fishermen simply in search of food.
At that time, no specific equipment existed, unlike the gear developed today to access canyons. These places have long fascinated and intimidated people, often linked to myths and legends associated with canyons and caves.
The first true explorations were carried out by cavers around the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In 1888, Edouard Alfred MARTEL descended an underground river, and in 1893, Armand JAMET explored the Artuby and Verdon canyons. At that time, they still used ladders and boats to move around.
Later, in 1904, Lucien BRIET explored the Sierra Guara and its canyons, documenting his expeditions with photographs.
In 1905, MARTEL and JAMET completed the full descent of the Grand Canyon of Verdon, followed the next year by the descent of the Clue de Daluis. These pioneers were the first to advance the world of canyoning through their explorations.
In the 1970s–1980s, canyoning became a more popular outdoor sport, thanks to the development of specialized equipment and the publication of canyon topographic guides. The number of canyoning enthusiasts increased significantly during this period.
In 1990, the French Federation of Speleology and the French Federation of Mountain and Climbing began organizing professional training for canyoning practitioners. Guided canyoning, supervised by specialized instructors, became increasingly common.
Finally, more recently in 2010, the two French federations signed an inter-federation agreement with the Federation of Alpine and Mountain Clubs to regulate the discipline.