Canyoning

Presentation

Refreshing thrills for all ages and abilities!

Discover canyoning in the Ossau Valley in the Pyrenees.

This outdoor white-water activity consists of descending a deep river (canyon or gorge) using walking, jumping, swimming, natural slides and abseiling. Half-day or full-day outings, ideal for families aged 10 to 77 or friends! This activity requires a very good knowledge of the natural environment, particularly because of the variations in water flow. The presence of a professional 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 Canyon du Canceigt (Béost) 

A short descent with a very attractive finish. Well-equipped canyon for beginners to advanced.
Fun and enjoyable for a half-day trip, with a constant flow of water, even in summer. Steep passages with an underground atmosphere.

Practical information

Level: Easy
Technique: Rope technique, river progression, jumps, slides, highest waterfall: 13 metres
Period: May to October
Duration: Approach walk 5 minutes, descent 2 h 30, return 15 minutes

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
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.

Canyoning in all seasons!

Canyoning can now be enjoyed in winter too!

Thanks to advances in equipment, canyoning is now a winter sport. Equipped with wetsuits specially designed and adapted for extreme conditions, come and discover the snowy and icy canyons of Ossalon.

Practical info:
  • Prerequisite: previous abseiling experience
  • Age: from 17 years
  • Level: sporty
  • Period: winter
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