Did you know that it is possible to go canyoning near Lyon? The tourist office has tested the canyons of Bugey (Ain) for you. A maximum of sensations!
The advantage of canyoning is that it can be done in all weathers. If it's raining, we're already wet and if it's hot, it's good fresh plan. However, guides will tell you that it is best to practice in the spring and fall to get the most out of it. The water is then at its maximum for guaranteed thrills!
Departure for a memorable day
Marilou and Sabrina have therefore decided to try the adventure on a beautiful day in April. Meet in one of the beautiful canyons of the Bugey massif. The descent will be done along the water and with the good advice of Sébastien (Vertical Sensation) and his apprentice instructor Jérémy.
As soon as you put on the equipment, the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. Sébastien and Jérémy brief us. Small test of equipment and climbing knots. Let's go for the big dive!
Back in 10 questions on this experience full of sensations
Of all this day, what will you remember? What marked you?
In the end, it is an overall experience. What delighted me the most was walking for hours in the middle of a wild nature. The forest, the river water, the rocks, everything has an almost magical aura. We feel completely privileged to walk in such a preserved and isolated nature.
It's an intense adventure! The multitude of ways to descend the natural obstacles of the river is what struck me the most. We feel connected with nature but also with humans because real mutual aid is created within the group. To sum up: sensations, nature and sharing.
What do you think is the most fun in canyoning?
Natural slides! You let yourself slide on the smooth stone in the torrents. Landing in the middle of superb turquoise basins, the best!
Let yourself slide along the currents in the "toboggans". More sensational than it seems, on arrival you just want to start over. Back to childhood !
What did you fear the most for this first descent?
I admit that I was not reassured by the abseilings. I don't really like having the emptiness in my back. But with the good advice and kindness of Sébastien and Jérémy, it went very well. In addition, the guides are very careful about safety. I even enjoyed hanging under a waterfall!
Without hesitation: the cold. I had heard that the water was freezing even in summer. In fact, with the combination I was not cold at all. On the contrary, being able to bathe in a river in the spring while remaining "warmly" protected was great.
Besides, in terms of equipment, how is it going?
The suit is really not easy to put on. Allow some time before departure to adjust everything properly. Once in the water it is more comfortable to wear and very effective. All the rest of the equipment is provided, that's practical. Notice to spectacle wearers, put on contact lenses or hang your frames on a lace!
My friend's advice following this adventure is the following: bringing shoes that go in the water is good, but that don't slip is even better! For the rest, just don't lie to the guide about these measurements hehe.
What is the "sensations" side that you preferred during this canyoning?
The jumps! Some jumps are made from a piece of rock several meters high in a gully. It's very impressive at the start. But once you get started, it's fabulous! We ask for more. And if you don't feel like it, the instructors will take you down another way.
For me, jumping from the top of the waterfalls was the most impressive. It is always possible to descend another way but I advise you to try if you feel comfortable. Don't worry, it's impossible to be more ridiculous than me, who screamed like a guinea fowl for my first jump. The instructor always checks the water level and advises you on the best way to get started!
A place, an obstacle that you preferred?
Abseil along a waterfall. It was the first time I abseiled, and now I do it every day! (No it's wrong but it's great). And then, it's still class, isn't it?
A place with magical vibrations, nicknamed the crocodile basin. To understand why, you have to look carefully at a certain rock above the water.
Is canyoning environmentally friendly?
The instructors know the course and the surrounding nature like the back of their hand. They share their knowledge of plants, rock and most importantly how to move in harmony with your surroundings.
I appreciated that attention to nature is an integral part of canyoning and the approach of our guides. For example, you have to move in line to damage as little as possible.
Any advice for someone wanting to get started for the first time?
Get started! The guides put you at ease all the time, so that you live the experience to the fullest. Just fun, you risk nothing. Just having fun and wanting to start over.
Don't hesitate for a second, take good shoes (yes I insist) and embark a group of friends or family!
So, in summary this experience of canyoning
It's a superb walk, a privileged moment in the heart of nature. Few people have the chance to see these landscapes. With the little bonus "sensations" and self-transcendence. Both sporty and exotic. I also found it very pleasant to share this moment with Marilou. It is to be done with friends without hesitation.
It's really an exceptional moment that allows you to connect with nature and others. If you are looking for an unusual and sporty activity: this is what you need. Perfect for making memories!
To get started in the canyoning experience
Ready to get started? The Bugey has many very beautiful canyons. A brief overview of these natural nuggets:
Canyon of Tréfond-Pernaz (1h10 from Lyon):
- Canyon classified as a wild river, the natural obstacles are very good for sports novices or people who already have a first experience. From April to October (except August)
Canyon du Rhéby (1h15 from Lyon):
- Shorter than its colleagues, it is also cooler but offers great sensations over a shorter duration. From April to October (except August)
Chaley Canyon (1h30 from Lyon):
- Perfect for beginners, all obstacles can be bypassed. It is recommended with children. It is open from April to October.
Useful information
To start in canyoning, it is mandatory to be accompanied by a guide because the practice of canyoning requires learning. He will also be the guarantor of a practice that respects the environment and its inhabitants. Vertical Sensations accompanies you with pleasure in this adventure. Sebastian is one of many monitors working in the Pérouges Bugey Tourisme sector.
