Canyoning in the Verdon Gorge

The Verdon is the deepest canyon in Europe, a 700-metre limestone slot where the river runs an unreal turquoise between soaring walls.

Most people admire it from the rim; canyoning takes you down into it, following the watercourse itself by abseiling down waterfalls, sliding natural chutes, leaping into deep pools and swimming through cool, echoing corridors of rock.

The Couloir Samson and the aquatic descents lower in the gorge are among the most spectacular canyoning outings in France — a full-body adventure that combines rope-work, swimming and sheer Provençal beauty.

You need no prior experience for the guided routes, just reasonable fitness and a willingness to commit to the jumps and the cold water. Emerging back into the sun after hours moving through the heart of the rock is exhilarating and unforgettable.

A guided descent of the canyon by every means the water demands: abseiling down waterfalls on a rope, jumping from ledges into deep pools (always optional and scaled to you), sliding polished rock toboggans, and swimming through narrow, shaded sections in a wetsuit.

The water is cold and the day is physical — scrambling, downclimbing and swimming for several hours in an environment you cannot easily exit once committed. Guides handle the rope-work and read the water, but you must be a competent swimmer and comfortable with heights and cold.

Flow is the key hazard: the Verdon is dam-controlled, so releases can raise the river fast, and reputable guides plan around the release schedule. Given respect and a good guide, it is safe, thrilling and stunningly scenic.

The season runs roughly June to September, when the water is warm enough and flows are manageable. Always go with a qualified canyoning guide here — the Verdon's dam releases make independent descents dangerous without local knowledge of the flow schedule.

Book a route matched to your level, from gentler aquatic outings to more committing descents. Guides supply the wetsuit, harness and helmet; bring a swimsuit, secure footwear that can get wet, and be honest about your swimming ability and comfort with jumps.

Eat well beforehand and expect to be cold and tired by the end. Check that your operator monitors the release times, and never enter the gorge on your own after rain or when releases are due.