Canyoning is an exciting water sport widely practiced in the Annecy region. Many sites are suitable for this thrilling sport, which nevertheless requires taking a minimum of precautions and informing oneself in advance.
Everything you need to know about canyoning
Canyoning is an exciting sport that involves descending waterways that have formed gorges after many years of erosion. Practicing canyoning around Annecy will allow you to descend torrents, rivers, or rappel down waterfalls and natural slides.
The origins of canyoning
The origins of canyoning date back to the early 1900s. This is when the first explorations of canyons took place. However, it was not until the end of the 20th century that it became a recognized sport.
In 2010, a state diploma was created for professionals wishing to offer and supervise this sporting activity.
Canyoning and ratings
Canyoning is not practiced year-round. Certain periods, varying in length depending on the canyons, are more suitable for this sport. In our mountains, the activity is practiced in late spring and during the summer.
It should also be noted that ratings are used to determine the difficulty level of a canyon. There are three:
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Water (A) – The higher the water flow, the riskier and more technical the descent will be
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Verticality (V) – The rating will increase as the height of the waterfalls increases
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Commitment (E) – This rating determines the difficulty of a canyon. It will inform you whether escape routes exist or not
The rules for practicing canyoning
This sport requires knowledge of certain rules. They will allow you to have fun while ensuring your safety:
- Whether you are a beginner or not, do not hesitate to hire a professional guide. Be sure to specify your goals and expectations so that they can choose a suitable route.
- If you wish to do a group outing, ensure that the skill level is homogeneous.
- The equipment must be complete, in good condition, and suitable for your size: wetsuit, non-slip shoes that support the ankle. Harnesses, ropes, lanyards, and carabiners should be checked before each outing. A helmet is mandatory and protects you in case of slips or falling rocks.
- Be sure to check the weather before your departure. In the mountains, storms can arrive quickly. They are dangerous and can cause severe flooding.
- When jumping, check the depth of the landing pool beforehand.
- In slides, adopt the correct position: body straight and arms crossed over the chest.
- For rappelling descents, the instructor assesses the group’s level to propose the most suitable and safe technique.
- Finally, you will need a waterproof bag to keep, among other things, a smartphone in case of need.
Practicing canyoning in Annecy
Haute-Savoie, and particularly the Annecy region, has steep massifs with many waterways suitable for canyoning. The environment is natural and therefore unsecured. The goal is to descend torrents with a wetsuit and ropes.
The routes near Annecy offer different levels of difficulty, suitable for all levels. You will need to navigate slides, pools, and rapids. Swimming in white water and rappelling requires good physical condition.
Nearby Annecy, you have the following canyoning spots:
The Angon canyon
It allows you to rappel down the beautiful Angon Waterfall for over 60 meters. The descent can be done from the path leading to the waterfall over 35 meters. Expect 3 hours and 30 minutes, plus 30 minutes of approach walk.
Additional info: a canyon reserved for experienced individuals
The Letterbox canyon
Located in Angon, it offers three rappels under waterfalls, some jumps of 5 meters, and an impressive siphon slide. Expect 1 hour and 30 minutes of descent and 20 minutes of access walk.
Additional info: a canyon accessible to all levels
The Montmin canyon
At the end of Lake Annecy, near Talloires, it offers good jumps and slides. Expect between 2 and 3 hours for the descent. Count on 3 hours and 30 minutes and 5 minutes of walking to access the start.
Additional info: for individuals with prior canyoning experience.
The Mine canyon
This site, located at the end of the lake in the municipality of Doussard. An escape route is present in the canyon. Expect 4 hours and 15 minutes for this canyoning activity.
Additional info: for individuals with prior canyoning experience and mastering rope techniques.
The Frontenex canyon
Located between the Tamié pass and Frontenex, the Frontenex canyon features a 45-minute descent with pools, slides, and waterfalls. Expect 5 minutes of approach walk.
Additional info: ideal for beginners in canyoning.
The Ternèze canyon
Located in the municipality of Curienne, in the Bauges massif, it features numerous jumps and slides. A path runs alongside the route and allows you to take photos. Expect 3 hours of descent.
Additional info: ideal for beginners in canyoning and for children over 6 years old.
The Rots de Balme canyon
It is located in the municipality of Magland, at an altitude of 700 meters. Over 1 kilometer, you can make numerous jumps and descend large slides. Expect half a day.
Additional info: ideal for beginners in canyoning.
The Devil’s Bridge canyon
It is located in the municipality of Bellecombe-en-Bauges. This one-hour course allows for jumps and slides between 30-meter-high walls. Expect half a day.
Additional info: for experienced individuals.
Canyoning clubs in Annecy
Canyoning is a sport frequently practiced by locals, but also by vacationers seeking thrills. Professional structures in Annecy allow you to discover this activity during half-day initiation sessions. They will provide you with safety, good advice, and the discovery of the best canyons.
French Alpine Club of Annecy: 17 Rue du Mont Blanc, 74000 Annecy – Tel: 04.50.09.82.09
Annecy Canyoning: 750 route de Montmin, 74210 Faverges-Seythenex – Tel: 07.81.35 88.01
