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Write to usBalagne, in Upper Corsica is a northwest region which includes the cities of Calvi and Ile Rousse. It is located between the Desert of Agriates and Monte Cinto Massif.
Known for its villages overlooking the Mediterranean and its paradisiacal beaches, this region turned to the sea and water activities reserves many spots for lovers of nature sports.
Canyoning practitioners will need to go inland to enjoy their favorite sport, just 1 hour drive away, the Corte region, Central Corsica, offers several very interesting canyoning spots:
- Verghellu Canyon, the par excellence introduction canyon - from 10 years old
- Tavignano Canyon, haven of nature from Corte - from 12 years old
- Vecchio water hike as a family - for children from age 6
- Grand Vecchio Canyon, wild nature bath in a unique setting - from 12 years old
Verghellu Canyon is located between Venaco and Vivario, right near the famous Eiffel Bridge.
Very aquatic canyon in a wild setting with emerald green pools. Even in summer, the water is cool and translucent. Magical place, it is a true pleasure to travel this descent dotted with waterfalls.
This canyoning descent is both fun and complete. True concentrate of all the activities sought in canyoning: numerous jumps (non-mandatory), natural slides including one ejectable, a rappel, numerous swimming in crystalline waters and a large zip-line.
This descent is intended for all (from 10 years old) and even for the most daring. It requires an approach walk of about 30 minutes, the descent itself lasts 2 hours and only 3 minutes of return walk.
Nested in Cortenais, Tavignano is Corsica's 2nd longest river. The canyoning starts from Corte, city located in the heart of the Island with its immense citadel overlooking the city.
No difficulty in this descent, but Tavignano water hike addresses experienced and sporty people: the approach walk and return as well as river progression are long.
You will swim in very beautiful clear-colored pools throughout the course surrounded by enchanting landscapes; many waterfalls and natural pools suitable for jumps.
This descent is ideal for nature lovers, very aquatic and wild canyoning. The approach walk is about 1.5 hours for 3 to 4 hours of descent and the return walk is 20 minutes. You will need to plan a picnic for a friendly break during the day. Course adapted for children from 12 years old.
The water hike is done over a full day and invites you to unforgettable moments.
Vecchio River originates in the beautiful Vizzavona forest over a length of more than 20 km, it is also a tributary of Tavignano river.
It is suitable for several activities such as family water hiking (adapted for children from age 6 - provided they can swim), full-day water hiking for the more sporty.
Vecchio descent is dotted with beautiful natural emerald green crystalline pools, surrounded by grandiose landscapes.
The course is dotted with swimming, various obstacles and jumps, ideal for discovering the activity. It is a beautiful introduction to discover the joys of canyoning.
Family Vecchio water hike requires 10 min approach walk for 2h descent and 20 min return walk. It addresses the whole family and the little ones (from age 6). Everyone can find their dose of sensations.
Unforgettable moment of tranquility to share.
Vecchio River, tributary of Tavignano offers a true wild nature bath, far from summer crowds.
This full-day water hike is one of Corsica's longest descents. It is intended for sporty and motivated people.
The course includes slides, numerous jumps in superb natural clear pools, swimming and water walking, all in an exceptional setting. No rope passages, which is why this canyoning route is more like a water hike.
Descent ideal for nature lovers. To fully enjoy this unforgettable and long day, a picnic will be needed for a well-deserved break during descent. The approach walk is 30 minutes, followed by 3 to 4 hours of river descent, then return walk of about 45 minutes. This course is adapted for children from 12 years old.
Canyoning practice in Balagne and Central Corsica is generally done from mid-June to mid-September. In fact, after snowmelt in early spring, water flow is too high and temperatures too cold to be able to enjoy the descent.
Canyoning descents in this mountainous region are appreciated by nature lovers, the water there is always clear and crystalline even in summer.
To practice canyoning in Corsica with certified instructors from Canyon Corse, you must book your descent. In fact, it will be impossible to show up on the day at the start of the route without having previously booked, because the instructor will have no spare equipment.
At reservation, you will be asked your size and weight so the instructor can prepare the equipment (see our article on canyoning equipment). Your instructor will be at the meeting with all your individual equipment: wetsuit, helmet, backpack and canyoning harness.
You can also rent shoes from our agency; again, you will need to reserve them at registration. We strongly recommend renting these shoes, specially designed for practice. Canyoning shoes protect the foot and ankle and offer perfect grip on sometimes slippery rocks.
Groups on canyoning descents are limited to 12 people per instructor to ensure your safety. In the summer season, groups fill up quickly, so it is better to book as early as possible.
Rates to do canyoning in Balagne and Central Corsica start at €45/person for a half-day (mandatory safety equipment provided by us) - shoe rental will be additional: €10/person.
Rates differ depending on the selected descents:
- Verghellu Canyon: €55/person *
- Vecchio water hike as a family: €45/person
- Tavignano water hike: €90/person * - shoe rental included
- Vecchio water hike: €90/person- shoe rental included
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 several levels of difficulty among the canyoning descents in Balagne and Central Corsica.
- Verghellu: canyon accessible to children from 10 years old - it is a true canyoning descent, quite sporty and very aquatic
- Tavignano: full-day water hike - accessible to children from 12 years old - descent among Corsica's longest - sporty because of its duration - intended for nature lovers
- Grand Vecchio: full-day water hike - accessible to children from 12 years old - long and sporty descent - sumptuous landscapes throughout the course
- Vecchio as a family: half-day water hike - accessible to children from age 6 and for the whole family - introduction level
For all descents, it is imperative to know how to swim and be self-sufficient in the water. You must also be in good physical condition.
Just over an hour and a quarter from Ile Rousse, the most suitable descent for families with children (from age 6) is Vecchio water hike as a family (located between Vivario and Venaco).
Verghellu Canyon is accessible to children from 10 years old. It is also located between Vivario and Venaco.
Children must know how to swim imperatively and be accompanied by a responsible parent.
