The Gorges du Loup and its impressive canyon just a stone’s throw from Grasse, Cannes or Nice are definitely one of the places you absolutely must visit when you are on the Côte d’Azur. In the Parc Naturel Régional des Préalpes d’Azur with a Natura 2000 zone, they offer nature lovers a grandiose setting. We can therefore enjoy numerous outdoor sports activities or simply visit places with small authentic villages. There we will discover a canyon with dizzying cliffs, majestic waterfalls and rivers with incredibly pure water. The local fauna and flora are very rich. It is also not uncommon to see deer at dusk in the forest.
We will therefore find something here to satisfy everyone. A visit to the Gorges du Loup will undoubtedly remain an unforgettable moment during your stay on the Côte d’Azur. So, what to do or see during a visit to the Gorges du Loup?
Enjoy the natural setting of the Gorges du Loup for outdoor activities
The relief of the Gorges du Loup is very mountainous with beautiful peaks a stone’s throw from the coast of Cannes or Nice. Here we will discover a large canyon with dizzying rock walls, beautiful forests and rivers with clear water. This playground is therefore ideal for lovers of outdoor activities. They will also be able to enjoy the unique landscapes of the place!
Enjoy the banks of the Rivière du Loup and swimming
Walks along the river allow you to find little corners of coolness in many places. It will be difficult to resist the call for a little dip to cool off in summer as the Loup River has crystal clear water. The omnipresent forest will also make it easy to find a little corner in the shade.
Choose the slightly calmer areas of the river for swimming if you are with your family. The part going from La Colle sur Loup to Pont du Loup is the most suitable for a peaceful swim and will delight lovers of relaxation. The deepest areas of the river upstream of Pont du Loup can in fact have fairly strong currents.
This part of the river is also where you can try water hiking or canyoning if you want a little more adrenaline!
Try canyoning or aquatic hiking, unforgettable activities in the Gorges du Loup
Canyoning is one of the most popular outdoor sports in the Gorges du Loup. It must be said that the nature and topography of the place have created itineraries of great beauty, extremely varied and fun. The descent of the Gorges du Loup canyon is one of the great classics of the French Riviera. This aquatic activity is truly unmissable during a visit to these places.
Canyoning takes place in a breathtaking setting, in the heart of omnipresent waterfalls. Abseiling, jumps and slides in magnificent pools. A whole program to have fun in the fresh air and get your fill of thrills. And why not challenge yourself a little for the bravest by going for the highest jumps. You will enjoy original outdoor excursions making your visit to the Gorges du Loup unforgettable.
The Loup Canyon is also ideal if you want to discover canyoning or aquatic hiking as a family with children aged 8 and over.
You can participate in two main excursions on the Gorges du Loup:
The Gorges du Loup canyon between the Courmes waterfall and Pont du Loup, in the communes of Gourdon and Courmes.
The Gours du Ray canyon, higher up on the Loup river, upstream of Gréolières.
Climbing in the Gorges du Loup
With its omnipresent cliffs, the Gorges du Loup region lends itself particularly well to outdoor climbing. There are easy routes near Colle sur Loup. You can also climb extreme routes higher up in the Gorges. In short, there really is something for everyone! Our climbing page will give you an overview of the possibilities if you decide to participate in a supervised outing.
Try paragliding above Gourdon or Gréolières
If you want to gain height to enjoy the landscape even more, know that there are paragliding schools near the village of Gourdon or Gréolières. A short aerial tour to get the complete experience!
Hiking
The surrounding area is perfect for hiking excursions. Of particular note is the Circuit du Paradis near Bar sur Loup and Gourdon. Also do the portion of the Balcons de la Côte d’Azur above the Gorges. In places, it offers unmissable views of the canyon. You’ll find usefull information about these hiking excursions on Gourdon website.
Cycling and mountain biking
The surroundings of the Gorges du Loup lend themselves particularly well to a cycling tour. We will enjoy small roads with a certain aesthetic. From Cagnes sur Mer or Villeneuve Loubet, you will first have to reach Colle sur Loup and the road along the Loup to find yourself in really nice places where nature is omnipresent. Higher, only happiness!
Mountain bike enthusiasts will be spoiled for choice. Bare plateaus or forest trails on the program! For example, you will find the grand tour of the Gorges du Loup on the visugpx site.
Visit the magnificent authentic villages and unmissable sites of the Gorges du Loup
Near the Gorges du Loup there are many small villages full of charm and centers of interest which are really worth the detour.
La Colle sur Loup, the entrance to the Gorges
One of the furthest downstream in the valley is the village of Colle sur Loup. It is one of the liveliest, 20 minutes from the seaside of Cagnes sur Mer or Villeneuve Loubet. There are many restaurants around the extremely pleasant central street. La Colle sur Loup is one of the first places where we will have easy access to the river. Indeed, a path starting near the kayak club runs along the Loup. There is an ideal climbing site nearby to discover the activity!
To see around Pont du Loup
Higher up, you should not miss the village of Pont du Loup where you can approach the nearby River du Loup. During a break, we can taste the specialties of the Florian confectionery. A treat! Going to contemplate the magnificent 70m Courmes waterfall by taking the road which goes up towards Gréolières is also essential. Something to feast your eyes on!
A little further up, the Saut du Loup site is also worth a quick stopover.
The villages of Bar sur Loup and Tourrettes sur Loup on its rocky promontory are also beautiful.
The upper part of the Gorges and its perched villages
Higher up, the village of Gourdon is perched at the top of the cliffs overlooking the Gorges du Loup. In addition, we will be able to have a complete panoramic view of the Coast from the village. There are many restaurants and artisan shops in this magnificent village.
Just opposite, the village of Courmes is much wilder. It will be an ideal starting point for short walks. Don’t miss a stopover at L’Auberge de Courmes for the tranquility of the place and the very good cuisine. The welcome from Richard and Marie-Jeanne is really warm.
Going up the valley, the village of Gréolières offers unrivaled tranquility and a view of the heights. We pass here above the forest. The view of the mountain is most relaxing. The beautiful days see the ball of paragliders.
