Canyoning in the Auvergne: 10 must-see spots
Wetsuit, helmet, harness and a smile: that’s the basic equipment for canyoning in the Auvergne. And with good reason: the Massif Central is one of France’s most generous playgrounds for this water sport. Its volcanic geology, shaped by thousands of years of erosion, has carved out spectacular gorges, emerald pools and deep waterfalls where adrenalin meets wild beauty. From the Cantal to the Puy-de-Dôme, via the confines of the Ardèche, you’ll find something to suit all levels, from beginner families to seasoned sports enthusiasts looking for a thrill.
Canyoning consists of descending torrents and rivers, often in natural gorges, combining swimming, jumping, slides and abseiling. In the Auvergne, the volcanic richness of the subsoil and the density of the river network offer a remarkable variety of routes. Before choosing your spot, however, it’s essential to remember that this activity must be undertaken with state-qualified guides, who provide all the equipment and ensure the safety of all participants. To prepare or complete your stay in the region, don’t forget to visit Clermont-Ferrand, the capital of the Auvergne and the ideal starting point for trips to all these canyoning spots.
Also in the Clermont-Ferrand guide:
- Top 10 culinary specialities in Clermont-Ferrand
- Top 5 things to do in Clermont-Ferrand
- Top 5 hotels to stay in Clermont-Ferrand
- The 12 most beautiful villages in the Cantal and well worth a visit
- The most beautiful villages in France’s Cantal region that you absolutely must visit
- The most beautiful walks in the Puy-de-Dôme
- The most beautiful villages to discover in Puy-de-Dôme
- Sleeping near the Auvergne volcanoes: where to stay?
- Unusual romantic weekends in the Auvergne
- Must-see things to do in Auvergne
- Museums and volcanoes in Auvergne: places and history
- Top 10 places to visit in Le Mont-Dore
1. The Jordanne waterfalls, a discovery canyon in the Cantal region of France
Level: beginners, from age 8 – Duration: 2h30 – Period: May to October (low flow possible in July and August)
Located just a few kilometres from Aurillac, the Gorges de la Jordanne (Saint-Cirgues-de-Jordanne, 15570 Cantal) is the perfect introduction to canyoning in the Auvergne. The route starts in the commune of Saint-Cirgues-de-Jordanne and is halfway between water trekking and real canyoning, making it a perfect option for families or beginners looking for their first taste of the thrills. The good news? All the obstacles can be avoided, so there’s no pressure!
The playground is particularly aquatic: many sections are in the water, with beautiful pools to swim in, waterfalls that can be crossed in a slide and a few abseils accessible to those who want an introduction to verticality. There are also a number of jumps for thrill-seekers, but again, all of these can be avoided. The gorges also offer superb volcanic landscapes, carved out of dark rock that is typically Auvergne. To organise your outing, the Bureau des Guides d’Auvergne (15 rue du Val Loisir, 15000 Aurillac) offers supervised canyoning packages from €43 per person.
If you make this canyon your starting point for a weekend in the Auvergne, take the opportunity to explore the regional capital. Visiting Clermont-Ferrand on foot means discovering volcanism, Romanesque architecture and the bustle of a university town all in one tour. The Navaway audio tour will guide you step by step through its narrow streets and emblematic squares.
2. The Haut-Alagnon canyon, at the Lioran glacial cirque
Level: discovery, from age 8 – Duration: 2h30 – Period: May to September
Head for the Cirque glaciaire du Font d’Alagnon for this second canyoning spot in the Auvergne! This canyoning trip starts directly from the Lioran ski resort (Le Lioran, 15300 Cantal), making it a particularly accessible destination. Although classified as a discovery canyon, there’s nothing boring about it: the Haut-Alagnon gorges are deep and steep, with towering walls of volcanic rock that command respect and invite contemplation.
The route is fun and varied: natural slides, easy rock-climbing sections, numerous slides and jumps up to 3 metres high – all avoidable if necessary. Three abseiling sections also punctuate the descent, but they are short and accessible even to accompanied children. The glacial setting provides a unique atmosphere, quite different from canyons carved out solely by river erosion. For families looking to combine canyoning and the Auvergne mountains, this is an ideal option. The Bureau des Guides d’Auvergne offers trips to this site from €45 per person.
3. The Espinasse canyon, the most complete in the Massif Central
Level: intermediate to sporty depending on the formula – Duration: half-day or full day – Period: May to September
Let’s get straight to the point: the Espinasse canyon (in the commune of Le Vaulmier, 15380 Cantal) is considered by many canyoning enthusiasts to be the most complete canyon in the whole region. Located in the Monts du Cantal, this site is reserved for those who already have experience of canyoning and are in good physical condition. Don’t suffer from vertigo? Perfect! You’ll also need to be comfortable with abseiling, because even the short version (half a day all the same!) has several abseils waiting for you, including a spectacular 45-metre abseil that crosses an entire cirque.
In the long version, there are no fewer than 12 abseils on your descent, plus jumps (up to 6 metres for the highest) and slides in pools where you can let yourself be carried along by the current. But it’s well worth the effort: the geology of the Espinasse ravines is superb, with rock formations sculpted by water over millions of years. All in an unspoilt natural setting, far from the hustle and bustle of tourism. If you’re canyoning in the Auvergne and you’re only visiting one canyon, l’Espinasse should be your choice.
Clermont-Ferrand, the ideal base for exploring the Auvergne by canyoning
Between two canyoning trips in the Cantal or Puy-de-Dôme, Clermont-Ferrand is the perfect base. Nicknamed the “Black Diamond of Auvergne” for its Volvic stone facades, the city is packed with remarkable monuments, from the black Gothic cathedral to the Basilica of Notre-Dame-du-Port, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Navaway audioguide tour is the perfect way to discover the town on your own, without having to find your way around or miss out on all the anecdotes that make for an unforgettable visit.
Download the audio tour to discover Clermont-Ferrand on foot and on your own
Navaway’s audio tour of Clermont-Ferrand takes you on a 5.3km journey in around 2 hours 10 minutes, taking in 21 places of interest with commentary. From the Place de Jaude to Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption Cathedral, via the Place Royale and Notre-Dame-du-Port Basilica, each stop is an opportunity to delve into the history of the capital of Auvergne thanks to accessible audio commentaries that are fun and full of anecdotes. An excellent way to prepare for or extend your outdoor holiday in the Auvergne.
4. Le Cornillou, a fun spot for beginners
Level: beginner, from age 8 – Duration: 2h30 – Period: April to October
Le Cornillou is one of the Auvergne’s most popular canyons for families and groups looking for a complete first experience without putting themselves at risk. This deep canyon, fed by the Gabacut stream, offers a well-balanced programme for beginners. A few accessible abseils, a spectacular 25-metre-long zip line and beautiful pools to jump into (up to 8 metres for the bravest, with the option of bypassing) make up a dense course despite its relatively short duration. To book a supervised outing on this site, the Bureau des Guides d’Auvergne (15 rue du Val Loisir, 15000 Aurillac) offers Cornillou outings from €55 per person.
The strong point of this canyon is its great diversity in a short space of time: three swimming basins, slides including a small siphon, and a deep-lying atmosphere that really gives you the impression of being in the heart of the Auvergne wilderness. It’s also a great introduction to canyoning in the Auvergne for children aged 8 and over who want to challenge themselves in complete safety. Take advantage of the long season (April-October) to plan this trip outside the busy summer months. If you’re in the region, be sure to stop off in Clermont-Ferrand, an hour’s drive away, to discover its remarkable heritage.
5. L’Argence, for thrill-seekers and vertical climbers
Level: intermediate sports, from age 13 – Duration: half-day or full day – Period: May to October
If adrenalin is your favourite fuel and you’re perfectly at ease with verticality, the Argence canyon is for you. This site offers two options: descend only the lower part of the gorge (half-day) or tackle the whole descent (full day). Either way, even if the routes are accessible, a good level of fitness is essential. The obstacles are varied enough to maintain your level of commitment throughout the descent.
What sets the Argence apart in the Auvergne canyoning panorama is its impressive aerial passages: a “spider’s thread” abseil takes you straight down into the void, with no wall to lean against. The slides are up to 8 metres high, and two more traditional abseiling sections complete the programme. For families looking for something more sedate, it’s best to head for Jordanne or Cornillou. L’Argence is for those who really want to push their limits in an exceptional natural environment.
6. Bromme Canyon, a wild and intense day out
Level: advanced – Duration: 1 full day – Period: May to September
Bromme Canyon is renowned for its wild character and high level of physical commitment. Some guides even assess participants’ physical condition before they set off, a sign that this is not an outing to be taken lightly. Getting around obstacles is difficult, if not impossible, so you need to be sure of yourself before setting off. But for well-prepared athletes, it’s an absolutely memorable day in the gorges of the Auvergne. The descent begins with an unusual passage: crossing an arch dug into the remains of an old dam.
Throughout the day, you’ll make your way through a setting of rocky chaos dotted with beautiful pools. Jumps and abseils of varying heights punctuate the descent, with plenty of slides in between. This is also the canyon where you’ll return exhausted but fulfilled, with the feeling that you’ve really earned your Auvergne canyoneering badge. To prepare for your outing, contact specialist service providers such as Murmur & Nature – Canyoning Auvergne, who operate in the Cantal with state-certified guides.
7. La Haute-Borne, the Ardèche gorges with their emerald pools
Level: intermediate sports – Duration: 4 hours – Period: May to September
This seventh spot takes a short break from the strict confines of the Auvergne: the Haute-Borne is located in the Ardèche, in the Tanargue massif, but it remains a must-see destination for all canyoning enthusiasts in the region looking for a change of pace. It takes 1? hours from Vallon-Pont-d’Arc to reach this unusual canyon, which is characterised by its highly aquatic nature. A word of warning before diving in: the water is reputed to be cold, so be prepared!
The Haute-Borne canyon is a real paradise for swimmers, with numerous emerald-coloured pools where you can splash around happily between two waterfalls to abseil down. A long 40-metre zip line crowns the end of the route, set in lush vegetation. The jumps (up to 10 metres for the highest) are highly recommended to get the most out of the visit, even if they are technically optional. This canyon is the perfect complement to a canyoning holiday in and around the Auvergne. If you pass through Clermont-Ferrand on the way, the audio tour of the town is a cultural stop you won’t want to miss.
8. Ricou La Peyre, the canyon of the Cantal waterfalls
Level: beginner-intermediate, from age 12 – Duration: 2h30 – Period: May-June preferred (low flow in summer)
If you’re a fan of abseiling and waterfalls, welcome to your favourite playground in the Auvergne. Ricou La Peyre is one of Cantalou’s iconic canyons, located in the Le Claux area. Right from the start, the scene is set: from the first few metres, you dominate the Claux valley in a raw, authentic mountain setting. What awaits canyoneers on this route? Waterfalls. More waterfalls. And more waterfalls. Eleven in all, ranging in height from 4 to an impressive 45 metres!
This canyon is clearly different from other canyoning spots in the Auvergne in that it is predominantly vertical: here, you’re not swimming in pools or sliding down slides (although ropes are your allies). A “spider’s thread” abseiling section is one of the highlights of the descent, with a sensation of total emptiness. The Ricou La Peyre site is particularly recommended in May and June, when the water flows are at their highest and the waterfalls are at their most spectacular. Make the most of your stay in the Cantal to discover the most beautiful Cantal villages nearby.
9. The Sagnarade, immersion in a secret forest canyon
Level: discovery – Duration: 2h30 – Period: May to October
The Sagnarade is without doubt the most intimate canyon in this selection. Deeply incised, it is distinguished by its deeply plant-like character, with moss-covered tree trunks along which you glide with delight, a dense forest that filters the sunlight and an end-of-the-world atmosphere that really gives the impression of being off the beaten track. It’s an ideal spot for those looking for total immersion in the Auvergne countryside, away from the crowds and tourist infrastructure.
Unlike other canyons in the area, the Sagnarade doesn’t feature impressive swimming pools or large slides. The experience here is more intimate, centred on waterfalls set between boulders and abseiling in an almost woodland atmosphere. The heights are not vertiginous, but the verticality of the site adds a certain spice to the progression. This is a great option for alternating with a more challenging canyon in your Auvergne canyoning programme, or for a first family experience in a truly enchanting setting.
10. The Besse canyon, a waterslide paradise in Puy-de-Dôme
Level: intermediate – Duration: approx. 2 hours – Period: June to October
To round off this selection of the best canyoning spots in the Auvergne, let’s head for the Puy-de-Dôme and the area around Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise (63610, Puy-de-Dôme). The Besse canyon, located around 25 minutes south of the village, is the ultimate sliding canyon in the Auvergne. The slides are king here: natural, fast and varied, they form the common thread of a descent that delights canyoneers of all levels. If this canyon is rated intermediate, it’s because it’s not just about slides.
Two impressive waterfalls, 15 and 20 metres high, spice up the programme and must be abseiled down, with a guaranteed shower! Auvergne Loisirs supervises the outings on this site, with state-qualified guides who take care of everything: equipment, safety briefing and supervision throughout the descent. This canyon is in a superb natural setting, close to the volcanoes of the Massif Central and Lake Pavin. A stay in this part of the Puy-de-Dôme is also an ideal opportunity to explore Clermont-Ferrand, less than an hour’s drive away, thanks to the Navaway audio tour.
In conclusion, the Auvergne is a region blessed by the gods for canyoning: deep gorges carved out of volcanic basalt, torrents that flow generously between May and September, and unspoilt wilderness that turns every descent into an unforgettable adventure. Whether you’re a family looking for your first aquatic experience, an experienced sportsman looking for maximum commitment or simply curious to discover the hidden beauty of the Massif Central gorges, you’re bound to find a canyon to suit you in this list. And once you’re dry and rested, don’t leave without exploring the capital of this beautiful region: Navaway’s audio tour of Clermont-Ferrand awaits you for a cultural and historical stroll through the city’s 21 must-see sites, at your own pace and in complete autonomy.
FAQ – Canyoning in the Auvergne
When is the best time to go canyoning in the Auvergne?
The vast majority of canyons in the Auvergne are open from May to September, with a peak in flow in May-June that is particularly interesting for sites with waterfalls (such as Ricou La Peyre). In July and August, some canyons may suffer from low flows, making the slides less fluid. June and September often offer the best compromise between ideal conditions and absence of crowds.
Can you go canyoning in the Auvergne with children?
Yes, several canyons are perfectly accessible to children aged 8 and over, including the Cascades de la Jordanne, the Canyon du Haut-Alagnon and the Cornillou. These so-called “discovery” courses offer obstacles that can all be avoided, and are supervised by professionals. However, it is advisable to contact your guide beforehand to check the day’s conditions and ensure that the group’s level is appropriate for the chosen canyon.
Do you need to be able to swim to go canyoning in the Auvergne?
Knowing how to swim is strongly recommended, if not essential, depending on the canyon. The wetsuit and buoyancy equipment compensate in part for the lack of technique, but the practice involves passages in the water that require a minimum of aquatic ease. For non-swimmers or children who have not yet mastered the art of swimming, the guides will be able to direct them to the most suitable routes.
What equipment do you need for canyoning in the Auvergne?
Local guides and service providers systematically provide all the equipment you need: wetsuit, helmet, harness, canyoning shoes and ropes. All you need to bring is a swimming costume, a warm change of clothes for after the trip, closed sports shoes (if you don’t have slippers), a towel and a small snack. So there’s no need to buy any special equipment: it’s one of the most accessible outdoor activities in terms of logistics.
Where can I book a canyoning trip in Auvergne?
There are several reputable tour operators in the region. The Bureau des Guides d’Auvergne (15 rue du Val Loisir, 15000 Aurillac) covers the whole of the Cantal, with prices starting from €43 per person. Auvergne Loisirs specialises in the Puy-de-Dôme, particularly the Besse canyon. Murmur & Nature offers trips to the most technical canyons in the Cantal. Prior booking is always essential, and outings are subject to weather and flow conditions.
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