Spots / Europe
Verdon Gorge
Provence, France — Europe's largest canyon, with turquoise water and approachable aquatic routes — the classic place to learn.
Photo: kallerna · CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Spots / Europe
Provence, France — Europe's largest canyon, with turquoise water and approachable aquatic routes — the classic place to learn.
Photo: kallerna · CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
The Verdon is the canyon that introduces most Europeans to the sport. Its limestone walls rise more than 700 metres above water so blue it looks unreal, and its lower sections offer gentle, swim-heavy routes that are forgiving for a first descent. It is busy in July and August for good reason: few places combine such scenery with such accessibility.
Most introductory routes start near La Palud-sur-Verdon. The walk-in is short and shaded, rarely more than thirty minutes, following marked paths down toward the riverbed.
Expect alternating swims, easy down-climbs and a handful of rappels rarely exceeding twenty metres. The water is cool even in summer, so a wetsuit is welcome. None of the obstacles are committing on the introductory sections, but the canyon's popularity means early starts are wise.