Canyoning, Eaux-Vives
Canyoning
Presentation
Refreshing experiences for all ages and all abilities!
Discover canyoning in the Ossau Valley in the Pyrenees
An outdoor white-water activity, it involves descending a steep-sided watercourse (canyon or gorge) by walking, jumping, swimming, sliding down natural chutes and abseiling.Half-day or full-day excursions, ideal for families with members aged 10 to 77 or for groups of friends!
This activity requires a very good knowledge of the natural environment, particularly due to variations in water flow.
The presence of a professional guide is strongly recommended.
The main canyons in Ossau
There are around ten canyons in the Ossau Valley. Their ratings vary from very easy to difficult.The Canceigt Canyon (Béost)
A short descent with a very scenic finish. A well-equipped canyon suitable for all levels, from beginners to advanced.A fun and enjoyable half-day trip with a consistently sufficient water flow, even in summer. Steep-walled sections with an underground feel.
Practical information
Level: Easy
Technique: Rope work, river navigation, jumps, slides, highest waterfall: 13 metres
Season: May to October
Duration: 5-minute approach walk, 2½-hour descent, 15-minute return walk
The Bious Canyon
A thrilling route featuring a 7-metre abseil, an 8-metre natural slide and a series of fun jumps.An ideal experience to make the most of the canyon and discover its various obstacles in an exceptional natural setting.
Practical information
Level: Easy
Technique: 7-metre abseil, 8-metre slide and a series of fun jumps
Season: May to October
Duration: 3½ hours of activity and 2½ hours in the canyon
The Soussouéou Canyon (Gabas)
A varied and pleasant gorge carved out of granite in the heart of a forest. A fun introductory canyon where crystal-clear water flows endlessly through a multitude of small slides and pools. This is the best-known canyon in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques.Practical information
Level: Easy - Sporty
Technique: Rope technique, river progression, horizontal progression, jumps, slides, de-escalation, highest waterfall: 10 metres
Period: June to September
Duration: Approach walk 30 minutes, descent 2 h 30 to 4 hours, return 5 minutes
The Canyon du Bitet - lower section - (Gabas)
An emblematic route in the Ossau Valley. The descent offers special moments in a wild and particularly beautiful setting. Numerous pools and waterfalls accompany the descent. The grand cascade remains the key passage of the route, with a brief but magnificent underground passage.Practical information
Level: Intermediate - Sporty
Technique: Rope technique, river progression, horizontal progression, jumps, slides, de-escalation, highest waterfall: 32 metres
Period: July to October
Duration: 0 to 25-minute approach walk, 5-hour descent, 5-minute return.