Silky-surfaced rocks smoothed by thousand-year-old waters, in colors from white limestone to red mudstone, with the most extravagant calcifications where the plant world has turned to stone – the region’s “clues” are wonder-filled gorges that neophytes, once over their astonishment, quickly learn to love.
Exhilarating slides, jumps that promise a serious adrenaline rush, daring rappels down walls of tufa or green moss or even under waterfalls, swimming in frothy whirlpools as you move through a maze of natural obstacles – a clue (cluse or narrow gorge) is a playground of countless thrills for canyoning fans.
The act of canyoning can alter the balance between man and nature that has existed at these sites for centuries.
Do not throw anything into the water. Do not soil the river’s edge. Degradation of a site happens as much through many small actions as bigger ones, and any pollution can be carried by the water for miles. As soon as you are able, you should avoid walking in the water.
It is essential to pay close attention to your movements and remember that these sites are home to life forms and natural balances that are often invisible to the human eye.

 

 

Clue des Mujouls

This canyon, with abundant water, presents few difficulties apart from those related to the water flow. The Estéron flows through it in a long parade surrounded by high cliffs that often are home to nesting raptors. Near the halfway point, on the walls of the left bank, dramatic waterfalls sheltered by tufa provide a sight of rare beauty. As you leave the canyon, the water intake of an old canal, actually carved into the rock with a tunnel passage, illustrates how past generations labored to have access to this liquid treasure, once essential for crop irrigation. Important: This descent should only be undertaken when the water is at its lowest level, while constantly monitoring any changes in the water flow and movement in every pool, bearing fully in mind that there is no escape route once you have entered the gorges.

Canyoning information
Village: Les Mujouls
Authorized period: April 1 through October 31 – every day
Recommended period: June through September
Equipment: personal safety gear, group safety gear, ropes: one 100-foot (30m) rope, 1 emergency rope
Map: IGN Blue Series “Haut Estéron” No. 3542 ET 1:25,000 scale

For more information (in French): www.randoxygene.departement06.fr


 

Clue de Saint-Auban

The sightseeing road running along the left bank above the waters of the gorge gives you a perfect view of the canyoning route before you take on the abundant waters of the Estéron. But canyoners should not be distracted by nearby civilization and any spectators on the road above them, as they will need to remain focused so to not be lulled by this deceptively reassuring environment. Note that this descent is only possible when the water level is low, as many passages present flow-related risks. This means it is essential to remain alert, and any apparent movement of water on the surface should be met with the greatest caution so as to avoid unfortunate accidents.

Canyoning information
Town: Saint Auban
Authorized period: April 1 through October 31 - Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Recommended period: June through September
Equipment: personal safety gear, group safety gear, ropes: two 65-foot (20m) ropes, 1 emergency rope: Map: IGN Blue Series “Haut Estéron” TOP25 No. 3542 ET 1:25,000 scale

For more information (in French): www.randoxygene.departement06.fr


 

Siagne de la Pare

High in the Grasse backcountry, the Siagne de la Pare canyon is an exciting way to explore a vast, wild, unspoiled area. It is more than just a canyon descent – it is an extensive, all-day journey in which the on-foot approach and the return along a spectacular route high above the river are essential parts of the experience. This long day outside should thus be viewed as a whole, with eagerness to discover the unique natural environment of limestone-rich regions. The sparkling waters of the many pools beckon you to jump, but beware the first big waterfall, as it conceals a sly rocky sill (rappel required).


Canyoning information
Town: Escragnolles
Authorized period: June 15 through October 31 - Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Recommended period: July through September
Equipment: personal safety gear, group safety gear, ropes: one 100-foot (30m) rope, 1 emergency rope
Map: IGN Blue Series “Haute Siagne” TOP25 No. 3543 ET 1:25,000 scale


For more information (in French): www.randoxygene.departement06.fr


 

Clue d'Aiglun

It is perhaps the area’s most famous canyon: long  used as a playground, offering an especially beautiful descent by virtue of the untamed, grandiose site cradling the green waters of the Estéron. Canyoning here imperatively requires low flow (low water levels), because advancing along the course involves extremely narrow passages that sometimes force canyoners to move forward on ledges above the water. These passages are equipped for the installation of handrails, and ropes are sometimes permanently installed, but users should always remain wary of the reliability of existing support systems, because they are not inspected and can sometimes be damaged by floods or rockfall. There is the option of accessing the start of this gorge on foot from Aiglun by taking the Mont Saint-Martin trail (1 hour 45 minutes).

Canyoning information
Town: Sallagriffon
Authorized period: April 1 to October 31 – every day
Recommended period: June through September
Equipment: personal safety gear, group safety gear, ropes: one 100-foot (30m) rope, 1 emergency rope
Map: IGN Blue Series “Haut Estéron” TOP25 No. 3542 ET 1:25,000 scale

For more information (in French): www.randoxygene.departement06.fr