Canyoning in the heart of the Verdon in the Ravin de Ferné
Full-day canyoning trip, located 1 hour from Castellane and 20 minutes from Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.
The Ferné canyon consists of two distinct sections:
A first dry section with a succession of large abseils, followed by a second aquatic section where you discover the Grand Canyon while following the Verdon river down to the Mairestre ford.
The Ferné canyon is a route reserved for sporty participants who are not prone to vertigo, featuring a 90-meter abseil descended in three stages.
Data sheet: Ravin de Ferné
- DifficultySporty
- PeriodAll year round
- Minimum age16 years old
- Approach hike1h00
- Return hike1h00
- Activity duration5h00
- Total duration7h00
- Equipment to bringSwimsuit, sports shoes, sports outfit, water bottle, light packed lunch
- Meeting point9:00 AM at the parking of La Colle de l’Olivier (La Palud-sur-Verdon)
- Mandatory jumpNone
- Mandatory abseiling3 × 30 meters
- Price80 € / pers.
The Ferné canyoning route is a succession of dry abseils, providing direct access to the Grand Canyon of the Verdon.
Very beautiful abseils, progressively increasing in height, punctuate the first section, while the second part is more aquatic: you will descend the Grand Canyon of the Verdon (a spectacular area, inaccessible to the general public!) down to the Mairestre ford (near the hiking route known as the “fishermen’s trail”).
Finally, after around 5 hours of activity, one last effort is required to exit the canyon: a 1-hour hike via the fishermen’s trail to return to the vehicles.
Who is it for?
The Ferné canyon is a route reserved for sporty participants who are not afraid of heights (including a 90-meter abseil, completed in three stages).
If you prefer a less physically demanding and more playful route, feel free to discover canyoning near Nice in the Clue du Riolan for an unforgettable day.
When?
This route can be done all year round due to its dry first section, but it requires a reasonable flow in the Verdon since the second part follows the river (aquatic hiking section).
Where?
The Ferné canyon is located in the heart of the Grand Canyon of the Verdon, in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department (04), between the villages of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and La Palud-sur-Verdon. It takes place in one of the most iconic and spectacular areas of the Verdon gorges.
Your questions, our answers
Are you preparing your descent into the Grand Canyon of the Verdon? This exceptional outing, reserved for sporty participants, takes you into a wild and majestic environment, combining vertigo-inducing abseils and an aquatic section through the Verdon gorges.
Here you’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about how the activity takes place, the required level, the necessary equipment, 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 this unique adventure in one of the most beautiful canyons in Europe.
Previous experience is not mandatory. However, this route is intended for people comfortable with outdoor activities and vertical terrain, with a good level of fitness to handle a committing full-day outing.
To go further:
If you’re looking for a more accessible descent, we invite you to discover our discovery canyon of the Clue du Riolan.
For another full-day outing in the Alpes-Maritimes, the Clue d’Aiglun offers a superb sporty canyoning experience in a wild setting.
Finally, for the most experienced participants, the Torrent de la Lance in the Haut Verdon offers a committing and demanding route.
Full activity description of the Ferné canyon:
After reaching the meeting point, your guide will provide all the necessary equipment for safe canyoning practice. This includes a full neoprene wetsuit fitted to your size and body shape, neoprene socks, a helmet, a harness equipped with double safety lanyards, as well as a backpack and waterproof barrel to carry your picnic inside the Ferné canyon.
After an approach hike of around 40 minutes, your guide will give you all the safety instructions required for this descent.
The route begins with a walk along the bottom of the ravine, leading you to the first abseil of the day. The canyon gradually becomes more enclosed, with the appearance of lush, humid vegetation. The first three abseils (10 to 20 meters), designed to help you become familiar with the equipment and technique, lead to the final obstacle: a 90-meter vertical descent, completed in three stages, ending in the Verdon.
A picnic break marks the end of the Ferné canyon section, after which you will put on your neoprene suits for the second aquatic part. You will then descend the Grand Canyon of the Verdon for nearly 2 km, in a spectacular and unique setting with clear waters.
Finally, you will exit the Verdon canyon via a one-hour hike to reach your vehicles.