Canyoning · Vosges
The essentials
Vertic'Eau runs one half-day descent of the Saulin canyon at 61 €, rated sporty, with instruction in French. This is the right pick if you want a physical introduction to canyoning in the Vosges, combining rappels, jumps and natural water slides in a single session. Book early in the season (May to September) as slots fill fast on summer weekends. Waterproof shoes and a willingness to get cold and wet are the only real prerequisites.
The offer
Descent of the Saulin canyon, Vosges
Frequently asked questions
How intense is the Saulin canyon descent?
The trip is rated sporty, meaning you'll face real physical demands: rappels, jumps into pools and scrambling through rock passages. It's not a gentle walk, but it doesn't require prior canyoning experience.
What is the most intense moment of the descent?
Rappels down the canyon's waterfalls are typically the peak moment, combining exposure to the void, cold rushing water and full-body effort at the same time.
Do you need to be comfortable with heights?
Some comfort with exposure helps, since rappelling down wet rock faces is part of the program. The guide from Vertic'Eau manages the ropes and safety systems, so technical experience is not required.
How cold is the water in the Saulin canyon?
Water temperature in the Vosges canyons varies by season and recent rainfall. The operator provides a wetsuit, which is essential even in summer.
Best time to go
| Month | Temperature | Rainfall | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 1.5°C | 154.4 mm | Poor |
| February | 3°C | 116.5 mm | Poor |
| March | 4.1°C | 116.5 mm | Poor |
| April | 8.2°C | 94.9 mm | Possible |
| May | 11.1°C | 103.4 mm | Possible |
| June | 15.5°C | 87.6 mm | Good |
| July | 18.7°C | 94.9 mm | Good |
| August | 17.5°C | 56.6 mm | Good |
| September | 15.3°C | 55.4 mm | Good |
| October | 9.9°C | 131.5 mm | Possible |
| November | 5°C | 146.6 mm | Possible |
| December | 0.4°C | 94.3 mm | Possible |
Practical info
Equipment
A wetsuit is provided by Vertic'Eau, but bring a swimsuit to wear underneath, water shoes or old trainers with grip, and a change of dry clothes for after. Given the sporty rating and a half-day duration, expect sustained physical effort and pack a small snack and water for the return.
Getting there
The meeting point is the Cascade de la goutte des saules, Plancher-les-Mines (70290), in the southern Vosges, reachable by car from Belfort or Mulhouse in under an hour.
See also
Updated March 2026