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Write to usIn Corsica, young people from villages near canyons have been descending these magical places for many years. Richiusa near Bocognano, Zoicu near Soccia, or Tavignano near Corte are canyons practiced by locals for a long time for swimming or explored by trout fishermen. Commercial canyoning in Corsica began in 1982 with the organization of the first descents by professionals. Today, canyoning in Corsica is a sporting activity led by professionals and known worldwide. Some sites like those in the Bavella massif can be very crowded. However, there are still wild places and descending these rivers is a delight.
With more than fifty rivers listed for canyoning practice, Corsica is the number 1 canyoning spot in the Mediterranean.
Canyons are highly varied in terms of their size, difficulty level, flow and morphology.
There are canyons throughout Corsica, including in Cape Corsica.
The biggest spots are the region formed by the triangle Ajaccio - Corte - Porto and the Bavella Needles.
Most Corsican canyons are carved in Granite but there are also canyons in Schist and Limestone.
There are canyoning routes at all levels for children as well as experts.
Canyoning can be practiced year-round, some watercourses that are dry in summer are navigable in winter, and conversely, some canyons well fed with water are only negotiable at low water from July 15th.
Located in the heart of Corsican mountains, this region is a privileged place for practicing canyoning during summer. There is a wide variety of routes adapted to different levels, making it an unmissable sector for lovers of water activities and nature.
Verghellu: Fun and accessible
Emblematic canyon, it offers 2 hours of varied descent, accessible from 10 years old. Jumps, slides, rope passages and a spectacular final zip-line splash make it a very popular route.
Tavignano: The great water hike
Corsica's second longest river, it is discovered via a sporting water hike of approximately 6.5 hours, accessible from 12 years old. The route alternates walking, swimming, non-mandatory jumps and natural slides, in crystalline pools. Plan a picnic to fully enjoy this day.
Vecchio: Family version or sport version Tributary of Tavignano, it originates in the Vizzavona forest.
Vecchio family: water hike accessible from 6 years old (if the child can swim), ideal for a gentle introduction to canyoning.
Grand Vecchio: Full day version, more sporty, accessible from 12 years old. The route crosses a wild landscape dotted with translucent pools, considered one of Corsica's most beautiful. Picnic recommended.
Located in the Alta Rocca region, the Bavella Needles dominate the Bavella Pass at 1,218 m and connect Alta Rocca to the east coast of the Island. They are located in the heart of the Corsican Regional Natural Park and offer a grandiose panorama with its many jagged peaks forming a true rampart.
This exceptional natural site is a true playground for nature lovers. It is a popular region for hikers and canyoners. With its many rivers, natural pools and waterfalls, there is no shortage of places to practice. Many canyons are nestled there, such as Purcaraccia (among the most mythical), Pulischellu (surrounded by lush vegetation), Piscia di Gallu (sporting and committed canyon) or Vacca (fun and sporty canyon)
This region is a true natural Paradise.
Located on the west coast of Corsica, between Bonifacio and Ajaccio, Propriano is one of the most renowned seaside resorts on the island. The micro-region of Sartenais, located between sea and maquis, is unmissable, offering a breathtaking view of the Gulf of Valinco.
Between the beach resorts of Campomoro and Porto Pollo, this region is much appreciated for the wild beauty of its beaches nestled in lush maquis.
Sartène and Alta Rocca, in the hinterland of Propriano, form a rich territory, the true cradle of Corsica's history.
This region is a paradise for outdoor sports. It is interesting to venture into this mountainous inland area, so close to the coast, to practice hiking, climbing or canyoning.
The Gulf of Valinco is home to an exceptional site: Baracci Canyon.
A haven of freshness just off the coast, Baracci has a singular, almost tropical atmosphere. Its gorges carved in pink granite offer spectacular landscapes.
This canyon is at once accessible, fun, technical and varied: numerous jumps (from 1 to 10 m, all optional), natural slides, waterfalls and a zip-line at the end of the route.
It suits all levels, including children from age 7, thanks to several assets:
Canyoning in the Valinco region runs from April to late October. Other descents exist around Propriano, but none is as perfectly suited to young children.
Corsica has an extraordinary natural heritage for all outdoor sports. With its mountains, rivers and watercourses, it offers ideal terrain for canyoning enthusiasts.
Like any sport, canyoning carries risks. It is a whitewater activity that takes place in a specific environment, both fun and sporting, providing intense sensations. Good physical condition is necessary, and swimming is essential. Before getting started, it is essential to be aware of the risks and efforts required depending on the descent chosen.
It is highly recommended to use professionals, such as Canyon Corse, in order to choose the route best suited to you. They will provide you with all the advice needed to prepare your activity:
Within a group, you will be accompanied by a state-certified instructor, guarantor of your safety:
Canyoning is a safe activity when supervised by professionals. It is therefore highly recommended to favor accompanied practice rather than autonomous.
It is not recommended for children under 20 kilos (even in summer, cold sensation can come very quickly and be uncomfortable for a small frame).
Thanks to the diversity of the proposed canyons and their different difficulty levels, everyone can find a route suited to them:
Simple routes from age 7: Family Zoïcu, Baracci. Very entertaining, with swimming, jumps, natural slides, zip-line... and a very short approach walk.
Routes from age 9-10: Discovery Richiusa, Verghellu. Longer and more physical approach walk.
Routes from age 12: Richiusa and Zoïcu in sport versions, as well as Integral Dardu (in spring, full day). For the most motivated and experienced.
Water hikes from age 6: Family Vecchio, Gravona. Very fun, without rope passages, but requiring swimming skills.
Separate routes, from age 12: Tavignano and Grand Vecchio, two full-day descents requiring endurance and very good physical condition.
Canyoning is one of the most popular outdoor activities, driven by the desire to experience total immersion in nature. Canyons are preserved natural environments, sometimes technical, where it is not advisable to venture alone.
To fully enjoy the activity, it is better to be accompanied by a state-certified instructor. His role is essential:
he knows the environment and its specificities perfectly
he provides suitable, compliant and pre-checked equipment for each outing
during the briefing, he clearly explains safety instructions and techniques to adopt (walking, swimming, jumping, natural slides, rappels...)
he guides, helps and reassures throughout the route
he systematically checks weather conditions and water flow, and can interrupt or cancel the outing if safety is not guaranteed
Practicing canyoning with a state-certified instructor is the guarantee of a safe, supervised and friendly activity.
