Canyoning in the Alpes-Maritimes in the Gours du Ray Canyon
Half-day canyoning adventure located just 50 minutes from Castellane and 1 hour from the French Riviera.
The Gours du Ray Canyon is a beautiful descent through the upper Loup Valley, in the heart of the Préalpes d’Azur Regional Natural Park.
This canyon is the perfect introduction to canyoning, offering a fun and exciting experience with numerous jumps and short abseils, all set in crystal-clear water.
Data sheet : Le Gours du Ray
- DifficultyAccessible to everyone
- PeriodFrom May to September
- Minimum ageFrom 10 years old
- Approach hike15 min
- Return hike30 min
- Activity duration2h00
- Total duration3h15
- Equipment to bringSwimsuit, sports shoes, water bottle
- Meeting point9:00 AM or 1:00 PM, canyon parking area, Gréolières (06620)
- Mandatory jump2 meters
- Mandatory abseiling6 meters
- Price55 € / pers.
The Gours du Ray Canyon is a fantastic introduction to canyoning in the upper Loup Valley, at the heart of the Préalpes d’Azur Regional Natural Park. This fun and accessible beginner-friendly canyon features a succession of jumps, short abseils, water passages, and crystal-clear pools, all set in a beautifully preserved natural environment.
Who is it for?
This canyon is suitable for all experience levels, from complete beginners to more experienced adventurers. You must be able to swim, but no previous canyoning experience is required, and a high level of fitness is not necessary.
Unlike narrow and highly enclosed canyons, Gours du Ray is open, sunny, and welcoming. It offers jumps for every confidence level and pleasantly clear, refreshing water, making it an ideal choice for a first canyoning adventure.
Whether you're with your family, friends, a corporate group, celebrating a bachelor or bachelorette party, or simply looking for an exciting activity as a couple, this canyon is the perfect outdoor experience in the Préalpes d’Azur Regional Natural Park.
When?
The Gours du Ray Canyon is generally open from May to September, depending on water conditions. This half-day adventure lets you enjoy an unforgettable canyoning experience while leaving plenty of time to explore the surrounding region.
Where?
The Gours du Ray Canyon is located near the village of Gréolières, in the Alpes-Maritimes, within the Préalpes d’Azur Regional Natural Park. It is approximately 1 hour from the French Riviera and 50 minutes from Castellane.
Your questions, our answers
Planning your Gours du Ray canyoning adventure? Located in the Alpes-Maritimes, at the heart of the Préalpes d’Azur Regional Natural Park, this canyon is the perfect place to discover canyoning in a fun, safe, and refreshing environment.
Here you'll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about the activity, including what to expect during the trip, the required fitness and experience level, the equipment provided, and booking conditions.
If you can't find the information you're looking for, feel free to contact us. We'll be happy to help you prepare for your first canyoning adventure.
No previous experience is required. The Gours du Ray Canyon is a beginner-friendly route, making it the perfect choice for anyone looking to discover canyoning for the first time.
Discover more:
If you enjoyed this adventure along the water, don't hesitate to come back and discover our other canyoning trips in the Alpes-Maritimes, such as the Riolan Canyon, the Aiglun Canyon, or the Saint-Auban Canyon for a more challenging descent.
The Gours du Ray Canyon is a wonderful introduction to canyoning in the Alpes-Maritimes, offering the perfect opportunity to enjoy a moment surrounded by nature, between natural pools, waterfalls, and water passages in a wild and unspoilt setting. An experience worth repeating as you explore other canyons in the Verdon and the Préalpes d’Azur.
Full description of the Gours du Ray canyoning activity
When you book your trip, we will provide you with the directions to reach the meeting point parking area. It is located in the municipality of Gréolières, approximately 55 minutes from Castellane in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. Castellane is a popular destination for outdoor activities and white-water sports in the Verdon Gorge, including hiking, climbing, canoeing, rafting, aquatic hiking, stand-up paddleboarding, and swimming in the lakes.
Your state-certified canyoning instructor will provide all the technical equipment required to enjoy the activity safely. This equipment includes a neoprene wetsuit (jacket and trousers), neoprene socks, a helmet, and a harness equipped with double lanyards. You will need to bring your own swimsuit or swimming shorts and a pair of trainers, which you will wear throughout the canyoning descent.
After a 15-minute walk, you will reach the starting point of the Gours du Ray Canyon, where you will get equipped. Your canyoning instructor will then explain all the safety instructions so you can fully enjoy this fun and refreshing half-day adventure in a beautiful natural setting.
The descent begins with a walk through the river, combined with a few small jumps (optional) and short swimming sections.
Your canyoning guide will then introduce the rope for the first time, followed by a series of more impressive jumps before reaching the large natural pool.
This large pool is the perfect spot for a relaxing break, while others can enjoy jumping several times or trying higher jumps according to their confidence level.
The final section of the Gours du Ray Canyon is equally fun and scenic, offering a beautiful end to the adventure.
After changing out of your equipment by the water, a 30-minute uphill walk will be required to return to the vehicles.
