Canyoning · Serre Chevalier
How to choose
4 canyoning tours run from Serre Chevalier between May and September, priced from 55 € to 150 €, all operated by Canyon River Trip and guided in French and English. Split by intensity: the Fournel Canyon at l'Argentière-La-Bessée is the entry point, open to everyone, half a day, 55 €. The Canyon des Acles steps it up to a sporty level at the same price and duration. The full-day Canyon of Caprie (Italy) brings cross-border terrain and a higher physical demand for 100 €. At the top end, the Canyon des Oules Freissinières hits "Very Sporty" for 150 €, still packed into a half day. Your decision rule: if you want the highest intensity-per-hour ratio, go Oules Freissinières. If you're committing a full day and want variety, Caprie wins.
4 offers available
Our picks
Canyon des Acles in Briançon, Serre Chevalier
Canyon des Acles delivers a Sporty-level half day for just 55 €, making it the cheapest way to get a real adrenaline hit in the Briançon gorges.
Canyon des Oules Freissinières near Briançon, Serre Chevalier
Canyon des Oules Freissinières is the only "Very Sporty" tour in the lineup at 150 €, packing the highest physical demand into a single half-day session.
Fournel Canyon at l'Argentière-La-Bessée, Briançonnais
Fournel Canyon is the only tour rated "Everybody welcome", at 55 €, making it the safest entry point into canyoning with no fitness prerequisites.
Canyon of Caprie (Italy) departing from Briançon, Serre Chevalier
The Canyon of Caprie in Italy is the only full-day option at 100 €, combining a cross-border descent with Sporty-level terrain for those who want more time in the water.
Frequently asked questions
What's the most intense canyoning option in Serre Chevalier?
The Canyon des Oules Freissinières is rated "Very Sporty", the highest physical level available across all 4 tours. It costs 150 € and fits into a half day, meaning the intensity is compressed into a short window.
Is there a canyoning option suitable for beginners or families?
Yes. The Fournel Canyon at l'Argentière-La-Bessée is listed as "Everybody welcome" and costs 55 €. It's the only tour with no fitness prerequisite and runs as a half-day session.
Which tour gives you the longest experience on the water?
The Canyon of Caprie in Italy is the only full-day tour in the lineup. It departs from Briançon, crosses into Italy, and is rated Sporty, so expect a demanding full day in the canyon.
Do I need to be afraid of heights to go canyoning here?
Canyoning in this area involves rappelling down rock faces and jumping into pools, so some exposure to height is part of the experience. The Fournel Canyon is the gentlest entry if you want to test your comfort level before committing to a harder route.
Are the guides English-speaking?
All 4 tours are guided in both French and English, so communication is never an issue for international participants.
What's the price range and how much should I budget?
Tours range from 55 € to 150 €. The two 55 € half-day options cover beginner and intermediate levels. The full-day Italy crossing runs 100 €, and the top-intensity Oules Freissinières peaks at 150 €.
Best time to go
| Month | Temperature | Rainfall | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | -2.7°C | 119.7 mm | Poor |
| February | -1°C | 117.1 mm | Poor |
| March | -0.6°C | 120.2 mm | Poor |
| April | 4°C | 112.2 mm | Poor |
| May | 7.7°C | 88.9 mm | Possible |
| June | 13.5°C | 87.8 mm | Good |
| July | 18.4°C | 55.3 mm | Good |
| August | 18.5°C | 72 mm | Good |
| September | 14.4°C | 82.4 mm | Good |
| October | 8.3°C | 106.7 mm | Possible |
| November | 1.4°C | 129 mm | Poor |
| December | -2.7°C | 58.8 mm | Possible |
Practical info
Equipment
Wetsuits, helmets and harnesses are standard gear for canyoning in the Hautes-Alpes, and Canyon River Trip provides technical equipment on all tours. Bring water shoes or old trainers with grip, a change of dry clothes, and sun protection for the approach hikes, especially on the full-day Caprie descent.
Getting there
All tours meet at the Chalet de la Patinoire, 5 rue du Prélong, 05240 La Salle les Alpes, next to the Lac du Pontillas in the Serre Chevalier valley, easily reachable by car from Briançon in under 10 minutes.
See also
Other activities in Serre Chevalier
Updated March 2026