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Canyoning in the heart of the Pyrenees

Canyoning is a refreshing sports cocktail: walking, swimming, jumping, sliding, abseiling down waterfalls, to explore the Ossau Valley, in the heart of the Atlantic Pyrenees (64), 2 hours from the Basque coast and 45 minutes from Pau!

The sculpted rock, waterfalls, natural pools are all wonders that we will come across in the canyons.

The gorges of Canceigt in Béost, the canyon of Soussouéou or the canyons of the gorges of Bitet near Artouste, the canyon of Bious in Gabas under the lake of Bious-Artigues, the canyon of Brousset under the pass of Pourtalet are some of the routes that we suggest you to descend together

Our canyons from Laruns

Our favourite playground for canyoning is the Ossau valley : Laruns 40 km south of Pau2 hours from the Basque coast, less than 3 hours from Bordeaux and Toulouse (see themap below of page).

The number and interest of Ossallois canyons make it a major and unmissable canyoning site in the southwest of France. The Canceigt (Oxygen half-day) and its end is a jewel of greenery in a deep and narrow gorge, the atmosphere is unique. The Bitet canyon (Wingspan Day) attracts canyoning enthusiasts from all over France because of its fun and technical aspects! The Cap de Pount canyon (adventure day) at the foot of the Pic du Midi d'Ossau offers a unique wilderness experience in the heart of the Pyrenees National Park. In short, a few steps from Pau, our playground is vast and varied!

We have canyoning packages for all your desires: half-day, day with one or two canyons, customised weekends, à la carte courses, etc.

The canyoning is aimed at people who have to play with water and to rub shoulders with verticality. Although some of the canyons are accessible to all, a good time is best had by comfortable in the water and want to hang from a rope. And yes, you will be able to learn how to abseil down the canyons! That's why, we recommend a minimum age of 12 years for canyoning with Aventure Chlorophylle.

If your children are between 7 and 11 years oldWe invite you to check out our other activities adapted to the youngest ones such as the Cavingon Rafting or the Escalade.

Duration

Level

Awards

How to define your level

Description of the level :

A multi-faceted introductory course that is suitable for everyone: novices or occasional practitioners.

Access walk (approach + return) limited to 30 minutes.
Progression in the natural river bed is slippery but does not require any skills other than those of mountain hiking.
No or little bag to carry (only your equipment and possibly your picnic).
Jumps from 0 to 7 metres, of simple execution, always optional and easily avoidable.
Simple but compulsory abseils, maximum 15 metres.
Short swim, calm water, weak current.
Limited commitment: effort less than 5 hours (approach + descent + return), escape routes exist.

Skills required :

Be in good physical condition, but not necessarily athletic, limited physical commitment.
Know how to swim, be able to put your head under water.
Be able to jump 1-2 metres into the water, although all jumps are avoidable.
Be able to walk, off-path, for 3 hours, with a moderate gradient.
Be able to overcome fear to hang from a rope. No previous experience required.
Children from 12 years of age (minimum age in groups, lowered to 10 years in families depending on the case).

Description of the level :

This is an introductory course in sports, with technical training, requiring a good level of comfort and a good condition to move in mountain terrain.
Beginners accepted.

Access walk (approach + return) limited to 2 hours.
Progression in the river bed requiring a certain ease to cross steep passages.
Carrying a backpack, with collective equipment.
Jumps from 0 to 8 metres, always optional but requiring good tonicity and a search for precision.
Abseiling up to 30 metres, which can be watered.
A swim that may require a minimum of whitewater proficiency.
Moderate commitment: effort of up to 7 hours (approach + descent + return), several waterfalls can be linked without interruption.

Skills required :

Be in good physical condition, have a regular sport practice.
Know how to swim, be comfortable in the water.
Be able to jump into the water without hesitation up to 3 metres.
Be able to evolve in a rocky environment, to face new and even impressive situations.
Be able to abseil: previous experience of verticality (accrobranche, climbing, canyoning) is recommended.
Children from 13 years old.

Description of the level :

This is an advanced sports course, with technical training, requiring previous experience in canyoning, particularly in climbing verticals.

Access walk (approach + return) of up to 4 hours.
Progression in the river bed requiring a certain ease of movement and participation of everyone in the management of safety.
Carrying a backpack, sometimes heavy.
Technical jumps requiring tonicity and precision.
Abseiling may be wet, and may exceed 50 metres. You will help the instructor with rope handling.
A swim that may require a minimum of whitewater proficiency.
Large-scale commitment: effort of up to 12 hours (approach + descent + return), the environment is isolated, the route does not always have possible escapes.

Skills required :

Be in good physical condition, have a regular practice of sports, especially on mountain activities.

Know how to swim, be comfortable in the water.
Be able to perform technical jumps in a difficult environment. Previous experience required.
Be able to evolve in a rocky and vertical environment, knowing how to abseil is mandatory.
Be able to manage your own safety and participate in the safety of your teammates.
Children from 14 years old.