Canyoning in the Verdon: routes, minimum age and tips

Canyoning in the Verdon mostly takes place in the side canyons around Castellane, 1 h 18 from Tourtour, and always with a professional guide. Trips range from family river walks to sporty routes with jumps and abseils. The minimum age depends on the canyon, from 6 to 16 depending on the route, and most require you to swim out of your depth. The main season runs from May to September. Rafting on the Verdon, from Castellane, is the area's other big white-water activity.

Canyoning at a glance

Trip levels

• River walk: you walk, swim and jump along a riverbed, with no rope work. This is the entry level, open to families on some routes.
• Discovery canyon: first small jumps, natural slides, sometimes a short abseil. You must be able to swim out of your depth.
• Sporty canyon: higher jumps, abseils, committing sections, longer duration. Higher minimum age and good fitness.

Listings checked on GetYourGuide in November 2026 include, for example, a family trip of about 1 h 30 from Castellane and a sporty half day of about 3 hours. Prices and routes change every season: check them when you book.

Requirements

• Swimming: from discovery level upwards, you need to swim out of your depth and cross about ten metres. Some routes suit weak swimmers.
• Age: a minimum of 6 to 16 depending on the canyon. One operator sets 10 for a canyon in the Haut Jabron, near Castellane, for example.
• Fitness: reasonable for sporty routes.
• Equipment: wetsuit, helmet and harness are usually provided. Bring closed shoes that can go in the water.

Choosing a guide

Canyoning is not done alone. Before booking, ask about:

• the guide’s qualification (canyoning instructor diploma);
• the exact route and its level;
• the minimum age and the swimming level required;
• what is provided and what to bring;
• the cancellation policy in bad weather.

What about rafting?

Rafting on the Verdon starts mainly from Castellane, upstream of the gorge. It is a white-water trip in a shared boat, also with a guide, and depends on the day’s water levels.

Combining it with the rest of your trip

Castellane is at the far end of the gorge from Tourtour: make the most of it by doing the Route des Crêtes or the gorge loop on the same day. For a calmer water activity, see kayak and canoe, and for everything else, Verdon activities.