Canyoning in Savoie
In short
Five canyons are worth the trip in Savoie, from the most accessible to the most technical: Montmin and Ternèze for beginners, Grenant for its wild waterfalls, Angon for experienced sporty types, and La Mine, reserved for seasoned canyoners. Enough to find the right route for your level.
Key takeaways
- Montmin canyon: easy, long, at the foot of La Tournette, often busy in summer.
- Angon canyon: a Savoie classic, technical, for experienced canyoners only.
- Ternèze canyon (Curienne): the shortest, very accessible for beginners.
- Grenant canyon: near Lac d’Aiguebelette, 2.5 km, about 3 hours, low difficulty when the water is calm.
- La Mine canyon (Doussard): dizzying waterfalls, for experts only, view of the Bauges.
Here are the ingredients of a great programme during your summer camping holiday: sunshine, natural water slides, the cool, crystal-clear water of Savoie's canyons and the joy of sharing great moments with family or friends. Sound good? Then do not hesitate to try or rediscover canyoning during your stay at the Eden de la Vanoise campsite. All these adventures can be planned from our campsite in Savoie.
Why go canyoning in Savoie?
Savoie is a land of grand, breathtaking nature. At the foot of the legendary Savoie mountains, you will find a great many magnificent canyons. Their coolness and turquoise waters have made them dream playgrounds for canyoning fans. Their width and shallowness have also attracted many beginners.
So do not hesitate to try it with your holiday companions. You will find yourself in the heart and shade of the mountains and hills. The activity is sporty, exciting and above all great fun. Hurtling down a natural water slide, jumping from over twenty metres or abseiling down waterfalls will give you immense pleasure. We are sure you will want to do it again.
By the way, did you know that the most passionate fans of this water sport even practise it in the middle of winter? They say it is even more interesting and exhilarating than in summer.
The best canyoning spots
If you have decided to try this refreshing adventure, we advise you to choose only spots suited to your level. Some routes can require a great deal of stamina and prove dangerous if you are not proficient.
In this article, we suggest a selection of the best routes in Haute-Savoie and around Chambéry, outside our usual area in the Tarentaise but within reach for a day out.
Montmin canyon
This is a very easy canyon and therefore, unfortunately, overcrowded in summer. It is very long, so you can make the fun last. It has many slides and requires a few jumps and an abseil. At the foot of La Tournette, about 100 km (2 hours by road) from our campsite, it has a lovely setting. Avoid it when the water flow is high, though.
Angon canyon
This canyon is a regional classic. Every Savoyard looking for thrills has tried it at least once. It is very beautiful, but it requires a certain technical skill and is far from suitable for novices. Like the Montmin canyon, it is near Talloires, about a hundred kilometres from our campsite, and includes many obstacles and abseils.
Ternèze canyon
This canyon in the municipality of Curienne, near Chambéry (about 115 km, 1 h 35 from our campsite), is the shortest in the selection. It is so well laid out that it feels like a water park, which makes it extremely easy and accessible to beginners. Do not attempt it if the water flow is strong, though.
Grenant canyon
It is one of the most beautiful canyons in Savoie. Do not miss its lovely waterfalls nestled in a wild, green setting. Near Lac d’Aiguebelette, about 130 km (1 h 45) from our campsite, the route stretches over 2.5 km and takes 3 hours. Canyoning here is of low difficulty when the water is calm.
La Mine canyon
This canyon in the municipality of Doussard, south of Lake Annecy (about 95 km, 1 h 50 from our campsite), is the least popular in the selection. Its waterfalls are dizzying and require a high level of expertise. Seasoned canyoners, on the other hand, know it very well and keep this spot a secret. Along the way, you will enjoy a panoramic view of the Bauges mountains.
Sébastien’s tipAlways check the water flow before setting off, especially at Montmin or Ternèze, which become risky in a flood. And if it is your first time, go with a qualified instructor rather than tackling a canyon alone, even on routes considered easy.