Ajaccio is the main city of South Corsica. Located on the west coast of Corsica, it is a very popular seaside resort for its cultural heritage ( it is the birthplace of Napoleon), for the beauty of its beaches, the wealth of its water sports activities and for its mountainous hinterland.
It is in these valleys so close that are the best canyoning spots in Ajaccio, at the foot of the mountain chain overlooking the gulf, for the greatest pleasure of lovers of extreme sports.
Thus, from the city center, you are only 45 minutes away from the most famous route in the region, Richiusa, only 25 minutes from the start of Gravona water hike and barely more from the gorges of Ese.
Gravona originates on the summits above Vizzavona Pass, digs a wide valley to end by joining Prunelli, just before its mouth. The numerous tributaries of this valley have dug deep and enclosed canyons, ideal playground for practicing canyoning near Ajaccio.
Bocognano village is the epicenter of canyoning activity in the Ajaccio region. This important village, famous for outdoor sports, becomes during the summer the base of all canyon lovers. Near the village there are 3 exceptional canyons, Richiusa, Red Leccia and Pruniccia.
Baracci
For those staying on the south shore of the Gulf of Ajaccio, Baracci Canyon which is located in the Propriano region, is easily accessible. It is only 1 hour drive from Porticcio.
Richiusa Canyon is one of the most famous in Corsica. Located on the municipality of Bocognano, in Gravona Valley, it is easily accessible from Ajaccio after 45 minutes of drive ( same time from Corte).
Easy to access, this fun descent offers a succession of very beautiful natural pools, jumps (none are mandatory), rappel descents, natural slides carved in rock and zip-line.
Richiusa canyoning is a true concentrate of the pleasures of canyoning in Corsica, which will allow you to taste all the joys of canyoning. This route is very suitable for beginners wanting to introduce themselves to the activity
Not to miss for the more sporty, the Sport Richiusa course, this descent a little longer than the classic descent is a must for sensations.
Richiusa canyoning requires an approach walk of about 45 minutes. The descent itself takes about 2 hours. Sport Richiusa requires 55 min approach for 2h45 of pleasure.
From the last pool, the return walk will take 15 to 20 minutes.
Gravona bed offers some passages perfect for discovering the first pleasures of practicing canyoning, in a fun way and without any difficulty.
Gravona water hike allows jumps, introduction to river descent, swimming in holes, use of a zip-line and a monkey bridge, all to share as a family in a very pleasant setting.
This is the perfect course for children.
Located between Cauro and Bastelica, this water hike is adapted for the whole family and children from age 6 (provided they can swim).
It is perfect to take the first steps in canyoning. Everyone finds their dose of sensations.
The course is very fun in a fairly wild setting, far from summer crowds, it is dotted with rope passages and jumps in beautiful clear pools.
Little sister of Gravona and much less frequented during the summer season
Located on the municipality of Bocognano, Pruniccia Canyon is wilder and less known than its neighbor Richiusa.
We find the same water quality and very beautiful natural pools and pools to alternate jumps, slides and rappels.
The approach walk is about 1h30 for a 3-hour descent.
This is a rather sporty course and little frequented, which requires a good physical level.
Pruniccia is a course to favor in spring or autumn (after rains). In full summer, it may lack water to really enjoy all passages.
Located in Bocognano, Red Leccia Canyon is a rather easy course, to introduce and discover the pleasures of canyoning in Corsica in a wild setting.
The descent offers very beautiful natural pools but the summer flow can be a hindrance to practicing.
Located on the municipality of Tavaco, 1h30 drive from Ajaccio.
Engaged and technical canyoning course, it is to reserve for experienced practitioners.
The approach walk is long to reach the starting point, the panorama is remarkable over the valley.
This aerial canyon offers many rappels including 2 exceeding 70 m.
Located in Taravo Valley, south of Ajaccio region, halfway between Ajaccio and Propriano, the start of Tignoso Canyon is from altitude at Cuscione Plateau.
The travel time is long ( between 5 and 7 hours) and the progression is technical.
This canyon is to reserve for experienced practitioners who can move in all situations that sporting canyoning requires.
Canyoning practice in the Ajaccio region is generally done between April and late October.
In full summer, some of the routes presented above are less practicable, due to lack of water. They are therefore to be discovered in spring or after a period of rain.
In April and May we recommend Richiusa, Dardu and Baracci
In June, July, August and September, we recommend Richiusa, Sport Richiusa, Zoïcu and Sport Zoïcu.
In July/August for children and families, we recommend Gravona, Ese and Zoicu family course.
Even if the weather is beautiful on Ajaccio, it is important to remember that canyoning is a whitewater sport practiced in the mountains. Thus, regardless of the weather at the seaside, you must consider the weather of the mountain massifs to know the conditions to expect during descents.
To practice canyoning in Corsica with certified instructors from Canyon Corse, you must book your descent.
In fact, it will be impossible to equip you on the day, at the start of the route.
Groups on canyoning outings are limited to 12 people per instructor to ensure your safety.
In summer, groups fill up quickly, it is imperative to book as early as possible.
All equipment to practice safely and comfortably is prepared in advance. For this reason, we ask you, at the time of your reservation, to provide your size and weight and shoe size if you reserve them through us.
Thus, you will find at the starting point your personalized package, ready to go.
This would be impossible without prior booking.
The rates to do canyoning in the Ajaccio region start at €45 for a half day with all mandatory safety equipment provided by us.
Rates differ depending on the requested route and the sporting level required.
Thus, for the canyons in the Ajaccio region, the rates are as follows:
Canyoning is an outdoor sport requiring minimal equipment to be practiced safely.
For the practice carried out within the framework of Canyon Corse, the mandatory equipment is provided by us.
This is a suitable wetsuit, a helmet, a harness and a backpack.
Canyoning consists of descending rivers in their bed, naturally slippery.
It is possible and strongly recommended to rent canyoning shoes adapted to the practice.
Otherwise, you must bring a pair of closed sneakers.
You must also bring into the supplied backpack what you need to eat and drink ( a bottle of water per person and energy bars).
There are different levels of accessibility among the canyoning routes in the Ajaccio region.
The descents supervised by Canyon Corse correspond to the following levels:
Richiusa, introduction and discovery, open to everyone wishing to practice a sporting activity.
Sport Richiusa, sporting level, for the initiated and lovers of strong sensations.
Gravona and Ese, introduction level, for children from age 6 and for the whole family.
For all canyons:
You must be able to swim and be comfortable in water
You must be in good physical condition and be able to walk on trails to reach enclosed watercourses.
What is the special family canyon program, so adapted for children in the Ajaccio region?
In the Ajaccio region, the most suitable are the water hike courses of Gravona and Ese, accessible to children from age 6.
Richiusa Canyon is accessible to children from age 9.
Children must be accompanied by a responsible parent.