Canyoning · Ardèche
How to choose
13 tours, 36 € to 90 €, from 1.5h to a full day: Ardèche canyoning covers every intensity level. Beginners and families go straight to the Besorgues options (36 € to 54 €, “Occasionally sporty” rating, under 2.5h to 2h45), where jumps and natural slides ease you into the water. The intermediate bracket (50 € to 75 €, “Occasionally sporty”) covers the Chassezac, Roujanel, and Borne gorges, with half-day to full-day descents that include rappels and longer swims. The sporty tier (62 € to 90 €, labelled “Sporty”) targets the Haut Chassezac and Pissevieille circuits, with sessions stretching to 5.5h or full day of continuous technical terrain. One clear decision rule: if this is your first canyon, book a shorter slot under 3h. If you've already done a descent, the Chassezac full-day tours at 64 € to 74 € deliver the biggest reward per euro spent.
13 offers available
Our picks
Mini Descent of the Besorgues Canyon, Ardèche
At 36 €, the 1.5h mini-descent with Base Canyon de la Besorgues is the lowest entry price in the lineup, rated “Occasionally sporty” and guided in English.
Adventure canyoning in the Pissevieille Canyon at Vallon-Pont-d’Arc, Ardèche
The Pissevieille descent with Born2aventure tops the price bracket at 90 € for 5.5h with a “Sporty” physical rating for maximum technical demand.
Children's Canyoning in the Besorgues Canyon, Ardèche
Base Canyon de la Besorgues runs a dedicated 2h45 kids' canyon at 46 €, rated “Occasionally sporty” and guided in three languages.
Chassezac Canyon in Ardèche
The Chassezac full day with Ceven Aventure at 64 € is the most affordable full-day option in the lineup, combining iconic scenery with an “Occasionally sporty” level.
Frequently asked questions
What's the most intense moment in an Ardèche canyon?
On the sporty-rated tours like the Haut Chassezac or Pissevieille, the peak comes during the main abseil sequences where you commit to a drop with the current pulling below you. The Ultra Aerocanyon of la Besorgues (3h15, 62 €) focuses specifically on aerial jumps, making it the most adrenaline-dense option per minute of descent.
Do I need to be afraid of heights to do canyoning here?
A mild discomfort with heights is normal and manageable on beginner routes. The 36 € mini-descent and the kids' canyon (46 €) keep jumps optional and guides stay close. On sporty tours, you will face mandatory rappels with significant drops, so genuine height anxiety is a real factor to weigh before booking those.
Which canyon has the longest descent?
The Haut Chassezac (74 €, full day, operator Face Sud) and the Chassezac by Ceven Aventure (64 €, full day) are among the longest options in the lineup, along with Born2aventure's Chassezac route (65 €, 4h to 7h). The Haute Borne (75 €, 6h) and the Pissevieille (90 €, 5.5h) are close contenders if you want maximum time in the gorge.
Can kids actually do canyoning in Ardèche?
Yes. The kids' canyon (46 €) and the family canyoning option (48 €) from Base Canyon de la Besorgues run 2h45 and 2.5h and are designed specifically for young participants. These routes are rated “Occasionally sporty”. Confirm the minimum age directly with the operator at booking.
What's the water temperature like in the Ardèche canyons?
Reliable water temperature data for each specific canyon isn't available here, but the season runs May through September. Early-season descents (May–June) in shaded gorges like the Chassezac can be noticeably cold, while July and August water levels are lower and temperatures warmer. Wetsuits are provided on guided tours.
Which operator runs the most tours here?
Base Canyon de la Besorgues runs 5 tours across the Besorgues system, while Born2aventure runs 4 routes covering the Chassezac, Roujanel, Borne, and Pissevieille canyons. Both operate in English, so language isn't a barrier for either of them.
Guides & Resources
Our guide to choosing well before you book.
Best time to go
| Month | Temperature | Rainfall | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 4.4 °C | 136.2 mm | Poor |
| February | 5.7 °C | 133.7 mm | Possible |
| March | 6.4 °C | 125.2 mm | Possible |
| April | 10.5 °C | 109.9 mm | Possible |
| May | 13.8 °C | 86.1 mm | Good |
| June | 18.6 °C | 60.1 mm | Good |
| July | 22.4 °C | 54.2 mm | Peak |
| August | 21.9 °C | 72 mm | Peak |
| September | 17.8 °C | 99.6 mm | Good |
| October | 12.4 °C | 254.1 mm | Poor |
| November | 7.6 °C | 194.4 mm | Poor |
| December | 3.8 °C | 54.8 mm | Possible |
Practical info
Equipment
Wetsuits and helmets are provided on guided tours, but bring a swimsuit to wear underneath, water shoes or old trainers with grip, and a dry bag for valuables. For sporty and full-day sessions (5h to 5.5h), pack a snack and a 1.5L water bottle since you'll be on the move well past the midday mark.
Getting there
Most Besorgues tours meet at Base Canyon de la Besorgues, 28 Chemin de Labro, Labastide-sur-Besorgues, roughly 30 minutes southwest of Aubenas by car. Chassezac tours on the Lozère side meet near Prévenchères, about 1h15 from Alès via the N106.
See also
Canyoning elsewhere
Other activities in Ardèche
Updated September 2026