Canyoning · Lyon
How to choose
Both tours are run by Pep's Nature, last exactly 3h and are open to all fitness levels, so the choice comes down to the canyon itself. The Chaley river option costs 50 € and suits first-timers looking for a classic introduction to canyoning between Lyon and Chambéry, with natural slides, jumps and rappels on a well-known waterway. The Tréfonds Pernaz route costs 55 €, and the name suggests a more technical or committed descent, likely with narrower gorges and a higher exposure factor. That 5 € gap reflects the additional challenge of the terrain. If it's your first time in a wetsuit, start with the Chaley. If you want more intensity from the first session, go Tréfonds Pernaz.
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Our picks
Canyoning on the Chaley river between Lyon and Chambéry
At 50 €, the Chaley river tour is the lower-commitment entry point for anyone new to canyoning, with the same 3h format and 'Everybody welcome' level as the alternative.
Canyoning in the Tréfonds Pernaz between Lyon and Chambéry
The Tréfonds Pernaz at 55 € targets those who want a more challenging descent and are ready to push further on their first or second session.
Frequently asked questions
What's the most intense moment in a canyoning session?
The first jump or rappel into a pool of water. Your body reads the drop as a threat, adrenaline spikes hard, and you have about two seconds to commit. That moment hits differently than any rollercoaster because there's no harness pulling you back.
Do you need to be a strong swimmer?
Both tours are rated 'Everybody welcome', so no advanced swimming ability is required. A basic comfort in water is enough. You'll be wearing a wetsuit and buoyancy vest throughout.
Which canyon has the bigger jumps?
Jump heights are not published for either route. Ask Pep's Nature directly after booking when you confirm your meeting point, they'll give you the exact breakdown for your chosen canyon.
Is 3 hours long enough to really feel it?
Yes. Three hours in an active canyon means continuous movement: rappelling, jumping, sliding, swimming through narrows. There's no long hiking transfer eating into that time on either route.
What's the best time of year to go?
Season runs from May through September. July and August give the warmest water temperatures and the most consistent flow for the slides and jumps. May and June can run cooler but the rivers are fuller.
Best time to go
| Month | Temperature | Rainfall | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 4.4°C | 115.6 mm | Poor |
| February | 6.5°C | 73.7 mm | Possible |
| March | 7.7°C | 95.9 mm | Possible |
| April | 11.4°C | 80.1 mm | Good |
| May | 14.7°C | 75.5 mm | Good |
| June | 19.3°C | 58.2 mm | Good |
| July | 22.6°C | 59.8 mm | Peak |
| August | 22.1°C | 33 mm | Peak |
| September | 19°C | 55.2 mm | Good |
| October | 13.4°C | 110 mm | Possible |
| November | 8.2°C | 132.5 mm | Possible |
| December | 3.2°C | 66.7 mm | Possible |
Practical info
Equipment
Wear a swimsuit under your clothes and bring a change of dry clothes for after. Pep's Nature provides wetsuits and helmets for both 3h sessions, but close-toed shoes you can get wet (old trainers work) are strongly recommended.
Getting there
The meeting point is confirmed with your instructor after booking, as both tours operate between Lyon and Chambéry, so coordinate directly with Pep's Nature once your reservation is confirmed.
See also
Other activities in Lyon
Updated March 2026