Créé par Emilie, le 21 juin 2026

Votre guide Ryo

Canyoning in Auvergne: 10 must-see spots

The wetsuit, helmet, harness and a smile on your face: this is the basic equipment to start canyoning in Auvergne. And for good reason, the Massif Central is one of France's most generous playgrounds for this aquatic discipline. Its volcanic geology shaped by millennia of erosion has carved spectacular gorges, emerald pools and narrow waterfalls where adrenaline meets wild beauty. From Cantal to Puy-de-Dôme, passing through the Ardèche borders, you'll find here something to satisfy all levels, from beginner families to experienced athletes seeking thrills.

Canyoning involves descending the course of torrents and rivers, often in natural gorges, combining swimming, jumping, sliding and rappelling. In Auvergne, the volcanic richness of the subsoil and the density of the hydrographic network offer courses of remarkable variety. Before choosing your spot, it is however essential to clarify that this activity must be practiced with state-certified guides, who provide all the equipment and ensure the safety of all participants. To prepare or complete your stay in the region, consider Visiting Clermont-Ferrand, capital of Auvergne and ideal starting point for reaching all these canyoning spots.

1. The Jordanne waterfalls, discovery canyon in Cantal

Level: discovery, from 8 years old — Duration: 2h30 — Period: May to October (low flow possible in July-August)

Located a few kilometers from Aurillac, the Gorges de la Jordanne (Saint-Cirgues-de-Jordanne, 15570 Cantal) represent the discovery canyon par excellence to start canyoning in Auvergne. The route starts in the commune of Saint-Cirgues-de-Jordanne and is located halfway between aquatic hiking and real canyoning, making it a perfect option for families or beginners wanting to taste their first sensations. The good news? All obstacles can be bypassed, so no pressure!

The playground is particularly aquatic: many passages are done in water, with beautiful pools for swimming, waterfalls that can be crossed by sliding and some accessible rappels for those who want to be introduced to verticality. Jumps are also on the program for thrill seekers, but again, all are avoidable. The gorges also offer superb volcanic landscapes, carved in typically Auvergne dark rock. To organize your outing, the Bureau des Guides d'Auvergne (15 rue du Val Loisir, 15000 Aurillac) offers supervised packages from 43 € per person on this canyon.

If you make this canyon your starting point for a weekend in Auvergne, take the opportunity to explore the regional capital. Visiting Clermont-Ferrand on foot means discovering volcanism, Romanesque architecture and the effervescence of a university city in a single circuit. The Ryo audio-guided tour will guide you step by step through its iconic streets and squares.

2. The Haut-Alagnon canyon, at the glacial cirque of Lioran

Level: discovery, from 8 years old — Duration: 2h30 — Period: May to September

Direction the Glacial Cirque of Font d'Alagnon for this second canyoning in Auvergne spot! The departure of this beautiful outing is located directly at the Lioran ski resort (Le Lioran, 15300 Cantal), making it a particularly accessible destination. Although classified as discovery level, this canyon is not boring: the Haut-Alagnon gorges are deep and narrow, with large volcanic rock walls that command respect and invite contemplation.

The route is fun and varied: natural slides, easy climbing passages on rock blocks, numerous slides and jumps reaching up to 3 meters high – all avoidable if needed. Three rappel passages also punctuate the descent, but they are short and accessible even to accompanied children. The glacial setting brings a unique atmosphere, quite different from canyons carved only by river erosion. For families who want to combine canyoning and Auvergne mountains, it's an ideal option. The Bureau des Guides d'Auvergne offers outings on this site from 45 € per person.

3. The Espinasse canyon, the most complete in the Massif Central

Level: intermediate to sporty depending on the formula — Duration: half-day or full day — Period: May to September

Let's be direct: the Espinasse canyon (commune of Vaulmier, 15380 Cantal) is considered by many practitioners as the most complete canyon in the entire region. Located in the Monts du Cantal, this site is reserved for those who already have canyoning experience and good physical condition. Don't suffer from vertigo? Perfect. Also be comfortable with rappel progressions, because from the short version (half a day nonetheless!), several rappels await you including a spectacular 45-meter one that crosses an entire cirque.

In the long version of the day, it's no less than 12 rappels that punctuate your descent, to which are added jumps (up to 6 meters for the highest) and slides in pools where you can let yourself be carried by the current. But the game is well worth it: the geology of the Espinasse ravines is superb, with rock formations sculpted by water over millions of years. All in an atmosphere of preserved nature, far from any tourist agitation. If you practice canyoning in Auvergne and only visit one canyon, Espinasse should be your choice.

Clermont-Ferrand, ideal base to explore Auvergne for canyoning

Between two canyon outings in Cantal or Puy-de-Dôme, Clermont-Ferrand stands out as the perfect anchor point. Nicknamed "the Black Diamond of Auvergne" for its Volvic stone facades, the city is full of remarkable monuments, from the black Gothic cathedral to the Basilique Notre-Dame-du-Port, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To discover it in complete autonomy, without looking for your way or missing the anecdotes that make a visit unforgettable, let yourself be guided by the Ryo audio-guided circuit.

Download the audio-guided circuit to discover Clermont-Ferrand on foot and autonomously

The audio-guided circuit of Clermont-Ferrand proposed by Ryo takes you on a 5.3 km route in about 2h10, through 21 commented points of interest. From Place de Jaude to the Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption, passing through Place Royale and the Basilique Notre-Dame-du-Port, each stop is an opportunity to dive into the history of the Auvergne capital through accessible, fun and anecdote-rich audio commentary. An excellent way to prepare or extend your outdoor stay in Auvergne.

4. The Cornillou, a fun spot for beginners

Level: beginner, from 8 years old — Duration: 2h30 — Period: April to October

The Cornillou is one of the Auvergne canyons most appreciated by families and groups who want a first complete experience without putting themselves in danger. This narrow canyon, fed by the Gabacut stream, indeed offers a well-balanced program for beginners. Some accessible rappels, a spectacular 25-meter long zipline and beautiful pools where you have to jump (up to 8 meters for the bravest, with bypass possibility) make up a dense route despite a relatively short duration. To book a supervised outing on this site, the Bureau des Guides d'Auvergne (15 rue du Val Loisir, 15000 Aurillac) offers Cornillou outings from 55 € per person.

The strong point of this canyon is its great diversity in little time: three swimming pools, slides including a small siphon, and a narrow atmosphere that really gives you the impression of being in the heart of wild Auvergne nature. It's also a good approach to canyoning in Auvergne for children from 8 years old who want to surpass themselves in complete safety. Take advantage of the long season (April-October) to schedule this outing outside the busy summer period. If you're in the region, don't miss stopping at Clermont-Ferrand, an hour's drive away, to discover its remarkable heritage.

5. Argence, for thrill seekers and verticality lovers

Level: intermediate sporty, from 13 years old — Duration: half-day or full day — Period: May to October

If adrenaline is your favorite fuel and you're perfectly comfortable with verticality, the Argence canyon is for you. This site offers two options: descending only the lower part of the gorges (half-day) or tackling the complete descent (full day). In all cases, even if the routes remain accessible, good physical condition is essential. The obstacles are varied enough to maintain the level of commitment throughout the descent.

What distinguishes Argence in the canyoning in Auvergne panorama is notably the presence of impressive aerial passages: a "spider web" rappel makes you descend directly into the void, without a wall to lean on. The slides reach up to 8 meters high, and two more classic rappel passages complete the program. For families looking for something more gentle, it's better to head towards Jordanne or Cornillou. Argence is for those who really want to push their limits in an exceptional natural environment.

6. The Bromme canyon, a wild and intense day

Level: advanced sporty — Duration: 1 full day — Period: May to September

The Bromme canyon is renowned for its wild character and high physical commitment. Some guides even evaluate participants' physical condition before departure, a sign that this is not an outing to take lightly. Obstacle bypasses are difficult, even impossible, which implies being sure of yourself before committing. But for well-prepared athletes, it's an absolutely memorable day in the Auvergne gorges. The descent even starts with an unusual passage: crossing an arch carved into the remains of an old dam.

Throughout the day, you progress in a setting of rocky chaos dotted with beautiful pools. Jumps and rappels of different heights punctuate the descent, with numerous slide glides between the two. This canyon is also the one where you'll return exhausted but fulfilled, with the feeling of having really earned your canyoner badge in Auvergne. To prepare your outing, contact specialized providers like Murmur & Nature – Canyoning Auvergne, who operate in Cantal with state-certified guides.

7. Haute-Borne, the Ardèche gorges with emerald pools

Level: intermediate sporty — Duration: 4 hours — Period: May to September

Small parenthesis outside the strict borders of Auvergne for this seventh spot: Haute-Borne is located in Ardèche, in the Tanargue massif, but it remains an essential destination for all those who practice canyoning in the region and want to vary their pleasures. Count 1h30 from Vallon-Pont-d'Arc to reach this atypical canyon which stands out for its very aquatic side. A useful clarification before diving: the water is reportedly cold there, so prepare yourself mentally!

The Haute-Borne canyon is a true paradise for swimmers, with numerous emerald-tinted pools where you splash happily between two waterfalls to descend by rappel. A long 40-meter zipline crowns the end of the route in an atmosphere of lush vegetation. Jumps (up to 10 meters for the highest) are strongly recommended to fully enjoy the visit, even if they remain technically optional. This canyon ideally complements a stay dedicated to canyoning in Auvergne and its surroundings. If you pass through Clermont-Ferrand on the way, the audio-guided circuit of the city is a cultural stop you won't regret.

8. Ricou La Peyre, the waterfall canyon in Cantal

Level: beginner-intermediate, from 12 years old — Duration: 2h30 — Period: May-June preferably (low flow in summer)

Rappel and waterfall lovers, welcome to your favorite playground in Auvergne. Ricou La Peyre is one of the emblematic canyons of Cantalou, located in the Claux sector. From the start, the scene is set: from the first meters, you overlook the Claux valley in a setting of raw and authentic mountains. What awaits canyoners on this route? Waterfalls. More waterfalls. And even more waterfalls. Eleven in total, ranging from 4 to 45 meters high for the last, impressive one!

This canyon clearly stands out from other canyoning in Auvergne spots by its vertical dominance: here, you're not here to swim in pools or slide down slides (even though ropes are your allies). An aerial "spider web" rappel passage is among the strong points of the descent, with a sensation of total void. The Ricou La Peyre site is particularly recommended in May and June, when flows are at their best level and waterfalls are most spectacular. Take advantage of this stay in Cantal to discover the most beautiful villages of Cantal located nearby.

9. Sagnarade, immersion in a secret forest canyon

Level: discovery — Duration: 2h30 — Period: May to October

Sagnarade is undoubtedly the most intimate canyon in this selection. Very narrow, it stands out for its deeply vegetal character, with moss-covered tree trunks along which you slide with delight, a dense forest that filters sunlight and an end-of-the-world atmosphere that really gives the impression of being off the beaten path. It's an ideal spot for those seeking total immersion in Auvergne nature, away from crowds and tourist infrastructure.

Unlike other canyons in the sector, Sagnarade doesn't offer impressive swimming pools or large slides. The experience here is more intimate, centered on waterfalls nestled between rock blocks and rappel descents in an almost sylvan atmosphere. The heights are not vertiginous, but the site's verticality adds a certain spice to the progression. It's a beautiful option to alternate with a more committed canyon in your canyoning in Auvergne program, or for a first family experience in a truly enchanting setting.

10. The Besse canyon, the slide paradise in Puy-de-Dôme

Level: intermediate — Duration: about 2h — Period: June to October

To close this selection of the best canyoning in Auvergne spots, direction Puy-de-Dôme and the surroundings of Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise (63610, Puy-de-Dôme). The Besse canyon, located about 25 minutes south of the village, is THE slide canyon par excellence in Auvergne. The slides reign supreme here: natural, fast and varied, they constitute the common thread of a descent that delights canyoners of all levels. If this canyon is classified as intermediate, it's because it doesn't limit itself to just slides.

Two impressive waterfalls of 15 and 20 meters indeed spice up the program and must be descended by rappel, with, of course, a guaranteed shower! It's Auvergne Loisirs that supervises outings on this site, with state-certified guides who take care of everything: equipment, safety briefing and supervision throughout the descent. This canyon is practiced in a superb natural setting, close to the volcanoes of the Massif Central and Lake Pavin. A stay in this corner of Puy-de-Dôme is also the ideal opportunity to then go discover Clermont-Ferrand, located less than an hour's drive away, thanks to the Ryo audio-guided tour circuit.

In conclusion, Auvergne is a region blessed by the gods for canyoning: deep gorges carved into volcanic basalt, torrents with generous flow between May and September, and preserved wild nature that transforms each descent into an unforgettable adventure. Whether you're a family seeking a first aquatic experience, a confirmed athlete looking for maximum commitment or simply curious to discover the hidden beauty of the Massif Central gorges, you'll surely find in this list a canyon that suits you. And once dried and rested, don't leave without exploring the capital of this beautiful region: the audio-guided circuit of Clermont-Ferrand by Ryo awaits you for a cultural and historical walk through the 21 must-see places of the city, at your own pace and in complete autonomy.

FAQ – Canyoning in Auvergne

What is the best period for canyoning in Auvergne?

The vast majority of Auvergne canyons are accessible from May to September, with a flow peak in May-June particularly interesting for waterfall-dominated sites (like Ricou La Peyre). In July and August, some canyons may suffer from low flow, making slides less fluid. The months of June and September often offer the best compromise between ideal conditions and absence of crowds.

Can you do canyoning in Auvergne with children?

Yes, several canyons are perfectly accessible to children from 8 years old, like the Jordanne Waterfalls, the Haut-Alagnon Canyon and Cornillou. These so-called "discovery" routes offer all bypassable obstacles and professional supervision adapted. However, it is recommended to contact your guide beforehand to check the day's conditions and ensure that the group's level corresponds well to the chosen canyon.

Do you need to know how to swim for canyoning in Auvergne?

Knowing how to swim is strongly recommended, even essential depending on the canyons. The wetsuit and flotation equipment partly compensate for the lack of technique, but the practice involves passages in water that require a minimum of aquatic ease. For non-swimmers or children who don't yet master swimming, guides will know how to direct them towards the most suitable routes.

What equipment should you bring for canyoning in Auvergne?

Local guides and providers systematically provide all necessary equipment: wetsuit, helmet, harness, canyoning shoes and ropes. On your side, you just need to bring a swimsuit, warm change clothes for after the outing, closed sports shoes (in case shoes aren't provided), a towel and a small snack. No specific equipment to buy therefore: it's one of the most accessible outdoor activities in terms of logistics.

Where to book a canyoning outing in Auvergne?

Several serious providers operate in the region. The Bureau des Guides d'Auvergne (15 rue du Val Loisir, 15000 Aurillac) covers the entire Cantal with rates from 43 € per person. Auvergne Loisirs specializes in Puy-de-Dôme, notably for the Besse canyon. Murmur & Nature offers outings on the most technical canyons in Cantal. Prior booking is always mandatory and outings are subject to weather and flow conditions.