Annecy Canyoning FAQ:
all your questions, our answers
Everything you need to know before booking a canyoning trip around Lake Annecy. 8 themes, 40+ questions, concrete answers based on 30 years of field experience.
Honest answers, based on the field
For over 30 years, we've been guiding canyoning trips around Lake Annecy. Through countless seasons, the same questions come up again and again: do I need to know how to swim? From what age? How much does it cost? How do I book? What should I bring?
This FAQ gathers our answers, organised by theme so you can quickly find what you're looking for. No marketing fluff, just concrete and useful information. If a question isn't answered here, contact us directly, we'll get back to you.
Understanding canyoning
The basics for those discovering the activity.
What exactly is canyoning?
Canyoning is an outdoor adventure sport that involves descending the bed of a watercourse through narrow gorges carved by erosion. It's a mix of several disciplines:
- Walking in varied terrain along the streambed
- Whitewater swimming through pools and channels
- Jumps into deep natural pools
- Natural slides carved into the rock
- Down-climbing on rocky passages
- Abseiling alongside waterfalls
The activity requires specific equipment (neoprene wetsuit, helmet, harness, ropes) and mastery of particular techniques. That's why it's always practised with a state-certified guide when you're not personally trained.
What's the difference between canyoning, aquatic hiking and rafting?
Three closely related but distinct activities:
- Aquatic hiking: descending an easy watercourse, no rope techniques, accessible to young children. No big jumps, no abseiling.
- Canyoning: technical descent with abseils, demanding jumps, whitewater swimming. Requires guidance and specific equipment.
- Rafting: descending a river in an inflatable boat, in a group, with a guide steering. No walking, no jumping.
If you're looking for something gentler than canyoning, ask us about aquatic hiking. For a more energetic boat-based activity, head to our rafting site.
Where does canyoning come from? Is it an old sport?
Modern canyoning is a relatively young sport in France. The first documented descents date back to the early 20th century in the Pyrenees and Alpes-Maritimes (Édouard-Alfred Martel, the father of speleology, explored several canyons in the 1900s). But it was in the 1980s that the discipline became widespread with the arrival of modern equipment (neoprene wetsuits, specific harnesses, suitable ropes).
In Haute-Savoie, the Angon canyon was descended in full for the first time in 1989 by J. Espejo. Since then, thousands of practitioners have descended it every year.
Why is Annecy a renowned canyoning destination?
Annecy combines several unique factors:
- Concentration of spots: within a 1-hour radius, there are 5+ canyons of varying levels (Angon, Montmin, Pont du Diable, Eau Rousse, Grenant)
- Reliable water: glacier and high-altitude spring sources ensure interesting flow throughout summer
- Diversity: from family-friendly canyons (from age 8) to engaged gorges for experienced practitioners
- Ideal logistics: Annecy is a major tourist destination with all services
- Combinable: you can do canyoning + lake + paragliding + hiking in the same week
Do you need a qualification to do canyoning?
No to participate as a client, yes to guide professionally. You need no qualification to take part in a guided canyoning trip. You just follow the guide's instructions.
To guide professionally, you need the French DEJEPS canyoning diploma (State Diploma in Youth, Popular Education and Sport, canyoning specialty), a long training programme with demanding sporting and technical prerequisites. All our guides (Céline, Étienne, Vincent) hold this state qualification.
To practise independently without supervision, you need to take a canyoning course that teaches rope techniques, water reading and team management.
Choosing your trip
Finding the canyon and level that suit your profile.
Which canyon should I choose for my first time?
For a first experience in Annecy, we strongly recommend the Discovery trip at the Angon canyon (€57, from age 8). Why?
- Course covering the lower section only, with no big verticals
- Natural slides, small jumps, beginner-friendly abseils
- The iconic "Letterbox" passage
- Just 30 minutes from Annecy
- Specialised supervision for beginners
It's the ideal trip to understand what canyoning is without pushing yourself too hard.
What's the difference between Angon Discovery, Advanced and Full?
Three trips on the same canyon, but with different entry points:
- Discovery (€57): entry through the "Letterbox", no big abseil. All levels from age 8.
- Advanced (€69): entry via the tourist walkways with a 35m abseil into the waterfall. Sporty, from age 14.
- Full (€85): start from Pont des Fées, complete course (710m, 250m elevation drop) with 60m abseil in one go. Reserved for experienced practitioners.
More details on the Angon canyon page.
Which canyon for someone who loves jumping?
Head to the Montmin canyon (€69). It's our most aquatic canyon: 8 to 10 jumps into deep pools (up to 5-6m), natural slides and whitewater swimming. The "jumps canyon" par excellence, at the foot of the Tournette.
If you want even more, on private trips we can also take you to the Grenant canyon (Chartreuse, varied jumps) or Pont du Diable (Bauges, optional 12m jump for confirmed practitioners).
Which canyon for someone who loves abseiling?
If you love verticality and rope techniques, two options:
- Angon Advanced (€69): 35m abseil in one go down the great Angon waterfall, accessible to athletic people who've never done canyoning but are comfortable with heights.
- Angon Full (€85): 60m abseil in one single drop, no intermediate belay. For practitioners already initiated to canyoning.
The Angon abseil is one of the most impressive in France for a commercial trip.
Which canyon for families with children?
For families, we recommend the Discovery trip at Angon canyon (from age 8). It's our most family-friendly format: specialised supervision, secured course, alternation between playful passages and calm moments. Children aged 8-12 love it.
For families wanting to privatise their trip (birthday, family reunion), our Private Guide formula at €350 for up to 6 people is very popular.
Which canyon for experienced sports enthusiasts?
For experienced sports enthusiasts already comfortable on ropes or who've done canyoning before, several options:
- Angon Full (€85): the ultimate trip on Angon, vertical 60m abseil in one drop
- Pont du Diable on private trip: spectacular 50m gorges, unique enclosed atmosphere
- Groin canyon on private trip: the unique troglodyte canyon in France
For these challenging canyons, contact us via the Private Guide page.
Preparing your trip
What to plan, what to bring, how to prepare physically.
What should I bring on the day of the trip?
Here's the essential list to bring:
- Swimsuit to wear under the wetsuit
- An old pair of sports trainers (which will get wet — no flip-flops, no city shoes)
- Towel to dry off afterwards
- Complete change of clothes (including underwear)
- A snack for after the trip (cereal bar, fruit)
- Water to hydrate before and after
- Sunscreen if it's sunny
All technical equipment (wetsuit, helmet, harness, ropes) is provided by our guides.
What shoes are required?
Closed sports shoes that grip your feet, ideally running or trail shoes. They'll be soaked the entire trip, so no need for them to be your new pair. Absolutely avoid:
- Flip-flops, sandals and slip-ons (fly off at the first jump)
- Crocs and beach shoes (no support)
- Leather city shoes (irreversibly damaged)
- Hiking shoes that are too rigid (heavy when wet)
If you don't have the right pair, let us know in advance — we sometimes have a few loan pairs available.
Is special physical condition required?
For our Discovery and Montmin trips, normal physical condition is enough. If you can walk 30 minutes uphill and swim 50 metres in calm water, that's largely sufficient.
For more challenging trips (Advanced, Full, Pont du Diable), good physical condition is necessary: you'll string together 3 to 4 hours of sustained effort with abseils, jumps and approach hikes.
Canyoning isn't a cardiac risk sport like running, but it does require motor skills and some endurance over time.
Should I train beforehand?
No specific training necessary for an introductory trip. For more demanding trips, some recommendations:
- Do some regular cardio (running, cycling, swimming) in the weeks leading up
- If possible, do some indoor climbing to get used to harnesses and ropes
- Work on flexibility (yoga, stretching) to ease unusual positions
The day before the trip: no big drinking nights, good night's sleep, light breakfast in the morning (no big breakfast).
What should I put in the bag I leave at the car?
For the return-to-car bag:
- Complete change of clothes (you'll be soaked when leaving the canyon)
- Towel and possibly a bathrobe
- Second pair of dry shoes
- Something to drink and eat on return
- Your valuables that you don't want to put in the guide's waterproof bag
At the Angon chalet, you have access to a hot shower to change in good conditions.
Safety & guides
Everything you need to know about safety and our guides.
Do I need to know how to swim?
Yes, knowing how to swim is mandatory for all our canyons without exception. But no need to be a competition swimmer: knowing how to float, turn around and swim a few metres in calm water is enough.
The 5mm neoprene wetsuit we provide ensures excellent buoyancy — you'll naturally float even without moving. It's a permanent life jacket of sorts. But in case of currents or rough pools, knowing how to handle your body in water is essential.
If you're afraid of water or can't swim at all, canyoning isn't for you — prefer an activity like hiking.
Is canyoning dangerous?
Canyoning is an activity in an unsecured natural environment, so there are inherent risks: falls, hypothermia, sudden floods, equipment blockages. But on a guided trip with a state-certified guide, these risks are controlled to a very low level.
Statistically, guided canyoning is less dangerous than skiing in terms of accidents per participant. The vast majority of canyon accidents in France involve untrained autonomous practitioners who go out without a guide.
Our team has 30 years of experience, checks weather and flow conditions daily, and adapts trips accordingly. Safety always takes priority over the programme.
Are your guides certified?
Yes, all our guides hold the DEJEPS Canyoning qualification, the French state diploma authorising professional canyoning supervision. It's a long training programme (1 to 2 years) with demanding sporting and technical prerequisites.
Our team:
- Céline: team leader, over 20 years of experience, reference for women's canyoning
- Étienne: rope specialist, technical expert for challenging trips
- Vincent: dual canyon + climbing certification, specialist in private trips
All speak English and several other languages depending on the season.
Are jumps mandatory?
No, never. On all our canyons, jumps are always optional. For each jump, the guide offers an alternative: down-climbing, sliding, or abseiling depending on the passage.
You can perfectly do an entire canyon without jumping once. No judgement, no peer pressure: canyoning shouldn't be a courage test. Many of our clients who fear jumps at the start end up jumping by the end of the trip, once reassured by the first passages.
What happens in case of an emergency in the canyon?
Our guides are trained in canyon-specific first aid and always carry a rescue kit in a waterproof bag: survival blanket, first aid kit, whistle, head torch.
In case of serious emergency, a call to mountain rescue (PGHM) is possible from most points in the canyon, and our guides know the escape routes of each course to evacuate a client if needed.
In 30 years of operation, we've fortunately had no serious accidents thanks to a rigorous prevention policy.
Is insurance included?
Yes, third-party liability insurance is included in all our services. It covers damage you might cause to a third party during the activity.
However, personal accident insurance (which covers you in case of injury) is not systematically included. Most home multi-risk contracts, premium credit cards or sports licences cover it. Check before the trip; if needed, we can direct you to one-time insurance.
Who can do it
Who can practise canyoning in Annecy?
From what age can you do canyoning?
Minimum age varies by trip:
- 8 years for the Angon Discovery (specific trip for children)
- 14 years for Angon Advanced and Montmin
- 15 years (and 1.55m height) for Winter Canyoning
- 12 years for the Private Guide on Angon
- 16 years for the Groin canyon
- Experienced practitioners (no fixed age) for the Angon Full
For children under 8, we recommend a swim at the lake or a family hike instead.
Is there an upper age limit?
No, no strict upper age limit. We regularly have clients aged 60-70 doing the Discovery or Advanced trip without difficulty. What matters is physical condition and comfort in water, not the age on your ID.
A few recommendations for seniors:
- Prefer calmer trips (Discovery rather than Full)
- Inform the guide of any issues (knees, back, cardiac)
- Avoid in case of severe heart problems or balance disorders
If in doubt, contact us — we'll evaluate together whether the trip is suitable.
Is canyoning suitable for pregnant women?
No, unfortunately. Canyoning isn't suitable for pregnant women for several reasons: risk of falls, jumps into water, harness compressing the abdomen, significant physical demands. Pregnancy is a formal contraindication, even in the first trimester.
For a pregnancy-suitable water activity, we recommend swimming in the lake, gentle hiking or possibly a pedal boat ride.
Is there a maximum weight?
Yes, 120 kg maximum for technical safety reasons. This limit is linked to the resistance of ropes and harnesses during abseiling.
If you're close to or exceed this limit, contact us before booking. For some trips (Discovery with few abseils), slight adaptation is sometimes possible.
Is canyoning good for bachelor / bachelorette parties?
Excellent choice! Canyoning is one of the most popular bachelor/bachelorette party activities in Annecy. Three options depending on group level:
- Sporty group wanting sensations: Montmin Canyon (jumps, slides)
- Mixed group with varied levels: Angon Discovery on private trip
- Large group (8+ people): we mobilise multiple guides, on quote
See our dedicated page for more info on group formats (currently in French).
Can you do canyoning as a couple?
Of course, it's even a very popular format. As a couple, you have two options:
- Group trip: you join a small group (max 8 pers) on one of our scheduled trips. Friendly, economical.
- Private trip: guide just for the two of you. More expensive but more intimate, perfect for a birthday or Valentine's Day for example. See Private Guide.
What if I'm afraid of heights?
You can perfectly do canyoning even with moderate fear of heights. Most passages are walking, swimming or jumps (where you see the pool below). Abseils can be impressive at first, but the guide accompanies you, and many people discover they manage much better than they thought.
For real phobias (paralysing vertigo, panic on abseil), avoid the Advanced and Full trips, and prefer Discovery or Montmin (no big abseils). Tell us during booking and we'll adapt.
Pricing & booking
How much it costs, how to book, cancellation policy.
How much does a canyoning trip in Annecy cost?
Here are our 2026 public rates:
- Angon Discovery: €57/pers (2h30, from age 8)
- Montmin Canyon: €69/pers (2h30, from age 14)
- Angon Advanced: €69/pers (3h, 35m abseil)
- Angon Full: €85/pers (4h, 60m abseil, experienced)
- Winter Canyoning: €87/pers (dry suit, winter)
- Private Guide Angon Half-day: €350 for up to 6 pers (flat rate per guide)
How do I book a trip?
For most of our trips, it's very simple:
- Go to the page of the desired trip
- Click the "Book" button
- You're redirected to our Takamaka booking platform
- Choose date and time slot, pay online securely
- Immediate email confirmation with the exact meeting address
For special trips (Winter Canyoning, private trips on challenging canyons, groups of 8+ pers), book by contact directly with us (response within 24h on weekdays).
How far in advance should I book?
It depends on the season:
- Peak season (July-August): at least 1 week in advance, especially for weekends. In high attendance, some weekends are full 3 weeks before.
- May-June and September: 2-3 days in advance often suffice.
- Private trips or Winter: minimum 1 week, ideally 2.
For last-minute bookings, check availability online or contact us: we often find a slot for you.
What payment methods are accepted?
We accept:
- Credit/debit card (online or on-site)
- Cash (on-site)
- Bank transfer (groups, events)
- French ANCV vouchers (chèques vacances and coupons sport)
Can a trip be cancelled or postponed?
Yes, our cancellation conditions are quite flexible:
- More than 48h before the trip: free cancellation, full refund
- Less than 48h before: possibility to postpone to another date subject to availability, no refund
- Cancellation by the guide (weather, dangerous flow): full refund or free postponement, your choice
- Illness or major justified impediment: handled case by case
Are there promotions or group rates?
Yes, several cases of advantageous rates:
- Groups of 8+ people: degressive rate on quote
- Private family trip: at 6 pers, it works out to ~€58/pers, equivalent to Discovery rate but private
- Gift vouchers: available (FR site), valid 1 year
- French ANCV / Pass'Sport vouchers: accepted
No flash promo or promo code: we prefer to practise fair pricing throughout the year.
Logistics & meeting
Where, when, how to get to the meeting point.
Where is the meeting point?
The meeting point is at our Angon chalet, by the lake, just past Talloires. It's our base: equipment on-site, hot shower on return, and direct access to the Angon canyon.
On Google Maps: "Takamaka Canyoning Annecy". The exact address with access photos is sent upon booking confirmation.
For trips to other canyons (Montmin, Pont du Diable, Eau Rousse, Grenant, Groin), the meeting remains at the Angon chalet with carpooling by our guide to the canyon.
How do I get to the meeting point without a car?
For the Angon canyon, several options without a car:
- Bus: line Y60 from Annecy station, "Plage d'Angon" stop (~40 min ride)
- Bicycle: the lake cycling path reaches Angon in ~45 min from Annecy via the eastern shore. Bike rental possible in Annecy
- Carpooling: Blablacar, or via local Facebook groups
- Taxi/Uber: ~€25 from Annecy
For other canyons (Montmin etc.), you'll need to reach Angon, then we carpool with the guide from there.
How long does a trip last?
Total duration (with briefing, equipment, trip and return):
- Angon Discovery: 2h30 (canyon itself 2h)
- Montmin: 2h30 (canyon 2h)
- Angon Advanced: 3h (canyon 2h30)
- Angon Full: ~5h (canyon 3 to 4h)
- Pont du Diable / Groin / Eau Rousse: full day (~7h)
- Winter Canyoning: 2h30
How many people per group?
It depends on the format:
- Group trips: 6 to 8 people per guide on average
- Private trips: 1 to 6 people per guide
- Full / Pont du Diable / Groin trips: 4 to 6 max per guide (safety)
- Large groups (8+ pers): multiple guides mobilised
Are there changing rooms and showers on-site?
Yes, at our Angon chalet:
- Separate men's/women's changing rooms
- Hot showers
- Toilets
- Space to leave your belongings safely during the trip
- Terrace area for a drink on return
No need to arrive fully kitted out: we change on-site.
Season & weather
When to come and what to do in difficult conditions.
What is the canyoning season in Annecy?
The main season runs from May to September, with some nuances:
- May-June: significant flow (snowmelt), cooler water, more athletic trips. For comfortable clients.
- July-August: peak season. Mild water, moderate flow, ideal for beginners and families.
- September: our favourite period. Beautiful weather, still pleasant water, fewer people, magnificent light.
- October: possible depending on weather, cooler conditions.
- November to April: Winter Canyoning only, in dry suits.
What happens if it rains?
Moderate rain isn't a problem for canyoning: you're already in the water! The trip goes ahead in 90% of cases.
However, in case of forecasted thunderstorm or heavy rain upstream of the canyon (risk of sudden flooding), the trip is cancelled for safety. In this case: full refund or postponement to another date, your choice.
The decision is made by the guide the evening before or the morning of, based on weather bulletins and water levels.
Is it cold in the canyon during summer?
The water in Annecy's canyons stays cool even in summer: 14 to 17°C depending on the canyon and period. But with the 5mm neoprene wetsuit we provide, you won't be cold during the descent.
Cold sensations mainly arise:
- At the very start of the season (May-early June) with snowmelt
- In very shaded pools (Pont du Diable is known for this)
- During long waits (between abseils for example)
The secret: keep moving and have a hot drink after the trip.
Can you do canyoning in winter?
Yes! It's our Winter Canyoning formula, available from November to April. Instead of the classic neoprene wetsuit, we use a premium dry suit that keeps you dry, you wear your warm clothes underneath.
Surprise: most clients find that they're less cold in winter than in summer, thanks to total insulation. Booking by contact only (not online).
Which canyon opens earliest in the season?
The Angon canyon is generally the first practicable in spring, from May, because its configuration allows handling significant flows. Other canyons open later:
- Montmin: June (needs levels to drop)
- Pont du Diable: late May to June (depending on melt)
- Eau Rousse: June (depends on hydroelectric water intake)
- Grenant: April/May (canyon at lower altitude)
- Groin: May (regulated by permits)
Do guides speak English?
Yes, all our guides speak English. For other languages (German, Spanish, Italian), we have multilingual guides available depending on the season. Don't hesitate to mention your language preference when booking.
Ready to take the leap?
You've got your answers, all that's left is to choose your trip. And if a question remains, we're here.