Montmin Canyon: the guide to the "jumps canyon" near Annecy
At the foot of the Tournette, the giant peak that towers over Lake Annecy, hides one of the most playful canyons in Haute-Savoie: the Montmin canyon. Deep pools, clear water and, above all, a string of natural jumps make it a paradise for those who love to leap into the water. Here's the complete guide to this fun-filled canyon, just minutes from Annecy.
1. Where is the Montmin canyon?
The Montmin canyon is located in the commune of Talloires-Montmin, on the eastern shore of Lake Annecy, in Haute-Savoie. Like the neighbouring Angon canyon, it's very close to Annecy — less than thirty minutes' drive — making it an easy site for a half-day of adventure.
What sets it apart is its setting: the stream tumbles down the foothills of the Tournette, carving a gorge where the water gathers in deep pools — the ideal conditions for jumping safely. This is a more playful, aquatic canyon than a vertical one.
2. The Tournette, the giant of the lake
You can't talk about Montmin without mentioning the Tournette, the iconic peak rising more than 2,350 metres above Lake Annecy. It's from its slopes that the Montmin stream descends, fed by snowmelt and mountain rain.
This high-mountain origin explains the freshness and purity of the water, as well as the beautiful turquoise colour of the pools. Descending the Montmin canyon means moving through a grand alpine setting, with the silhouette of the Tournette in the background.
3. The route: the jumps canyon
If Angon is the canyon of the great waterfall, Montmin is the jumps canyon. Here you string together 8 to 10 jumps of varying heights, interspersed with swimming in white water and a few slides. Each jump is made into a deep pool checked by the guide, making it a perfect place to progress and build confidence.
- Progressive jumps, from small drops to more committing leaps — always optional;
- Turquoise pools for swimming and cooling off;
- Natural slides to vary the fun;
- A playful atmosphere, ideal with friends or a sporty family.
4. Who is it for? Level and age
The Montmin canyon is for those who love water and jumps. A minimum of ease in the water and the urge to leap are a plus. It's a sporty, playful trip, perfect for a group of friends, a team outing or a family with confident children.
As always, no jump is compulsory: the guide systematically offers an alternative (down-climb, bypass) for those who prefer to sit one out. Progression is supervised from start to finish.
5. Montmin or Angon: which to choose?
It's a question many visitors ask, since both canyons are in the same area near Talloires. The answer comes down to one word: atmosphere.
The Angon canyon is all about verticality: its great waterfall and abseils make it a spectacular canyon, with versions from beginner to expert. The Montmin canyon favours play and jumping into the pools. Angon for the waterfall, Montmin for the string of jumps: the two are complementary, and many do both on the same trip. To compare everything, see the guide to the canyons of Annecy.
6. When to do the Montmin canyon?
The ideal season runs from late spring to autumn, peaking in summer: warmer water makes the jumps and swimming even more enjoyable. The stream's flow, fed by the Tournette, is checked before each trip — the guide chooses the slot based on the weather to ensure optimal, safe conditions.
7. How a trip works
The meeting point is near Talloires-Montmin. After kitting up (wetsuit, helmet, harness provided) and a safety briefing — including jump technique — the group enters the canyon with the guide. The descent alternates walking, swimming, slides and, of course, the famous jumps. Allow around 2 to 3 hours in the canyon depending on the group.
8. Descending Montmin with a guide
Jumping in a canyon isn't something to improvise: pool depth, the exact landing zone and the height are checked at every passage. Our state-certified guides know the Montmin canyon perfectly and secure every jump, while adapting the pace to your group. That's what lets you fully enjoy the fun side of the site with peace of mind — guiding that is regularly praised in our reviews, with a 5.0/5 rating on Google.
Fancy leaping into the pools of Montmin?
8 to 10 jumps, turquoise pools and a playful atmosphere at the foot of the Tournette. Certified guides, gear provided.
Book the Montmin canyon →Frequently asked questions about the Montmin canyon
Where is the Montmin canyon?
The Montmin canyon is in Talloires-Montmin, on the eastern shore of Lake Annecy, in Haute-Savoie, at the foot of the Tournette. It's less than 30 minutes from central Annecy.
How many jumps are there in the Montmin canyon?
You string together 8 to 10 jumps of varying heights, into deep pools checked by the guide. All jumps are optional: an alternative exists at each passage.
Is the Montmin canyon difficult?
It's a sporty, playful trip centred on jumps. A minimum of ease in the water is recommended. For a gentler first experience, the Discovery trip in the Angon canyon (from age 8) is ideal.
Do you need to swim for the Montmin canyon?
Yes, you need to be comfortable in the water and able to swim a few metres, as the canyon has several pools. The neoprene wetsuit provides good buoyancy.
Montmin or Angon: what's the difference?
Angon is the canyon of the great waterfall and abseils (vertical), Montmin is the canyon of jumps into pools (playful and aquatic). Both are near Talloires and complementary.