The Alpes Maritimes and its very mountainous terrain offer a multitude of clues and canyons. The department is also well known for all its canyoning descents during the summer season. It is then possible to enjoy this aquatic activity from the beginning of April to the end of October, summer being the best season. What is less known is that it is also possible to enjoy the dry canyon in the Alpes Maritimes almost all year round. We can in fact do dry canyons even in cold weather, at a time when we would not really want to immerse ourselves in water even equipped with a neoprene suit!
If you are visiting the Côte d’Azur and it is too cold for classic canyoning, dry canyoning will be an original idea for an outdoor outing. This is also a good option if water is not your element. We will then enjoy a fun journey in a unique setting. A little adventure just a stone’s throw from Nice.
What does the activity consist of?
The descent of a dry canyon consists of descending a canyon which is devoid of water almost all the time. We will therefore move through the canyon bed with relatively light equipment since it is not necessary to protect ourselves from the cold water with a neoprene suit. It’s basically walking, doing a little de-escalation in places. We will also use rope techniques to overcome certain obstacles such as crossings on handrails or more often classic abseiling.
This activity therefore has nothing to do with classic canyoning. The advantage of taking a dry canyon excursion around Nice is to enjoy an original outing in the great outdoors. We will evolve in a unique setting off the beaten track. The various obstacles encountered give this outdoor outing a very welcome little adventure aspect.
Who can practice dry canyoning in the Alpes Maritimes?
The dry canyon does not require any special skills. You just need to be able to walk in a somewhat steep environment. Most canyons are not very technically advanced. Some routes are even doable for children aged 8 and over. We will then choose fairly easy half-day descents with small abseiling descents. For an initiation, we will choose less demanding routes.
The more technical canyons will require slightly more advanced skills in terms of rope techniques. That said, the vast majority of descents that we offer do not require very sophisticated skills.
Examples of classic dry canyons near Nice
The Beiral, ideal for learning about the dry canyon in the French Riviera
The Beiral is a small, very aesthetic canyon perfect for a first approach. We will overcome small, easy obstacles. It is ideal for exploring the dry canyon with children aged 8 and over. We will do this descent over half a day. The modest technical level of this outing will allow everyone to quickly feel comfortable. We won’t do anything very impressive here but the change of scenery will be there!
The price for Vallon de Beiral varies depending on the number of participants you register:
- 200 euros for two people maximum
- 250 euros if you register a group of 3 to 5 people
- 50 euros/person from 6 people
The dry canyon of Gréolières, near Grasse
It is a varied canyon where you can do beautiful abseiling. The last abseil descent is even 35 m. In places you can also pass through holes or faults. It is nevertheless possible to pass outside the rift if you wish. The descent already takes a little time and we will have a small picnic during the break. The descent will take approximately 4 hours. It all depends of course on the speed of the group.
The price for the Gréolières canyon depends on the number of people for whom you are booking:
- 300 euros for two people. maximum
- 350 euros if you register a group of 3 to 5 participants
- 65 euros/person if you book for at least 6 people.
What do you need?
You will need to take sports clothing appropriate for the season as well as a good pair of sneakers or hiking shoes. Bring a small backpack with a water bottle and a small picnic for longer canyons. Our activities are by appointment only. You must therefore contact us to book or simply have more information.
The French Riviera offers a great diversity of dry canyons. Do not hesitate to contact us if you would like information on other routes. It is also possible to consider a program over several outings oriented towards autonomy.
If you are visiting the surroundings of Nice in the summer season and are looking to enjoy a fun aquatic activity, we invite you to consult our page dedicated to canyoning.
