Sporty canyoning in the Haut Verdon at the Torrent de la Lance
Full-day canyoning trip, located 1 hour from Castellane.
The Torrent de la Lance canyoning route is a magnificent wild canyon in the heart of the Haut Verdon mountains, within the Verdon Regional Natural Park. It is one of the most sporty canyoning itineraries in the Verdon Valley, offering plenty of thrills in a preserved alpine natural setting.
Data sheet: Torrent de la Lance
- DifficultyVery sporty
- PeriodFrom July to September
- Minimum age16 years old
- Approach hike1h30
- Return hike15 min
- Activity duration5h30
- Total duration7h30
- Equipment to bringSwimsuit, sports shoes, sports clothing, water bottle, light packed lunch.
- Meeting point9:00 AM, at the La Lance parking area, Colmars-les-Alpes (04370)
- Mandatory jump6 meters
- Mandatory abseiling25 meters
- Price85 € / pers.
This outdoor activity is reserved for people in very good physical condition. It is a fun and sporty whitewater adventure that takes place over a full day, with a substantial approach hike and significant time spent in the water (swimming ability is essential). The route offers numerous opportunities for jumps and beautiful abseils through clear-water waterfalls.
Beginners can take part in this sporty activity, provided they regularly practice physical activities and are not afraid of heights.
Who is it for?
This full-day outdoor activity is designed for sporty participants. Being a beginner is not a problem for enjoying the canyon, but a good fitness level is required to fully appreciate the experience. The vertical sections that must be descended by abseiling cannot be avoided, so it is important not to suffer from vertigo.
When?
The Torrent de la Lance is a highly aquatic canyon with consistently significant water flow. As a tributary of the Verdon River, it is generally in good condition during the summer season, from July to September.
Where?
Located near the small village of Colmars-les-Alpes, about one hour from Castellane in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department, the Torrent de la Lance is a must-do for sporty participants who enjoy jumps and adrenaline-filled adventures in a natural environment off the beaten track.
The Haut Verdon Valley is wilder and less touristy than the famous Verdon Gorges, and the Torrent de la Lance perfectly reflects the beauty of this remarkable natural area within the Verdon Regional Natural Park.
Your questions, our answers
Are you preparing for your canyoning trip in the Torrent de la Lance? Considered one of the most sporty routes in the Verdon region, this alpine canyon offers an intense adventure in the heart of the Haut Verdon mountains, featuring large jumps, spectacular abseils, and crystal-clear waters.
Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about how the activity unfolds, the required level of fitness, the equipment needed, and booking conditions.
If you cannot find the information you are looking for, feel free to contact us. We will be delighted to help you prepare for this exceptional day of adventure.
No, no previous experience is required. However, this route is reserved for people with excellent physical fitness and a good level of comfort in outdoor sporting activities.
To go further:
If you’d like to discover other canyoning routes in the region, several alternatives are available depending on your level and preferences.
For a more accessible outing, the Clue du Riolan is ideal for enjoying canyoning in an exceptional aquatic setting. The Clue d’Aiglun is also a great option for a sporty full-day experience combining jumps, abseils, and river progression.
Finally, for lovers of big vertical challenges, the Mainmorte canyon in the Verdon offers a spectacular adventure with impressive abseils in a wild natural environment.
Full description of the Torrent de la Lance canyoning activity:
When you book, we will provide the itinerary to reach the meeting point parking in the Haut Verdon valley, near the village of Colmars-les-Alpes. From Castellane (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence), it takes about 1 hour by car. Castellane is a well-known Provençal village for outdoor and whitewater activities in the Verdon, including hiking, climbing, kayaking, rafting, canyoning, stand-up paddle, and swimming in lakes.
You will meet your certified guide at the canyon parking area. They will provide all the necessary equipment for safe canyoning: a full neoprene wetsuit (jacket and trousers), neoprene socks, a helmet, a harness equipped with safety lanyards and a descender, and a kit including a backpack and waterproof barrel for your personal belongings and picnic.
You should bring a swimsuit or swim shorts, light sports clothing for the approach hike, and a pair of trainers. Suitable canyoning shoes are closed sports shoes with a sole that is neither too soft nor too smooth. For this full-day aquatic and fun outing, you should also bring a picnic (plus an extra snack) and at least 1.5 liters of water per person.
This full-day outdoor activity is designed for sporty participants. Being a beginner is not an issue, but a good level of fitness is required to fully enjoy the experience. The vertical sections are mandatory and include abseils, so it is important not to be afraid of heights.
The day begins with an approach hike of about 1h20 on a mountain trail in a spectacular and preserved landscape. This hike has no technical difficulty but requires good physical condition. You may have a short break for a snack before starting the aquatic section.
After gearing up, your guide will give all safety instructions to ensure a safe and memorable experience.
The first part of the Torrent de la Lance canyon is relatively open, with a wild alpine setting, clear and cold water, and many opportunities for jumps—some exceeding 10 meters. Comfort with jumping is highly recommended to fully enjoy the route. Higher jumps are optional, but some smaller ones can still be technical. The canyon also features abseils, slides, and swimming sections through beautiful natural pools.
After a picnic break in the sun, you enter the second part of the canyon. A first impressive 20-meter abseil followed by an 8-meter jump leads you into a stunning rocky cirque with dramatic cliffs.
The route continues with a succession of jumps and abseils until reaching the famous Lance waterfall. You will descend it via two successive rope sections: a first short abseil, followed by a handrail leading to a second abseil of around 25 meters, delivering guaranteed sensations. You will arrive in a spectacular final pool in a truly wild environment, marking the end of the aquatic adventure.
Finally, a short 10-minute walk brings you back to the meeting point parking area.