Ariège upside down: a speleology paradise?

My name is Romain, I’m a caving instructor around Tarascon-sur-Ariège, and trust me, if you want to discover a land where caves aren’t just “beautiful” but alive, authentic, and sometimes downright playful, then you’re in the right place.

Let me give you a quick tour of the local tourist caves I love, and then I’ll take you to my playgrounds—where I guide groups of adventurers just like you!

These two worlds are different… but totally complementary. Tourist caves are equipped, lit, and open to all: perfect for discovering the beauty, history, and enormous chambers of the underground world.

And then there are the ones where I guide you: the other side. Here, you touch the rock, you move forward, you crawl, you get wet… in short, you experience real exploration. This is authentic caving, in undeveloped caves where you need to gear up, put on your wetsuit, headlamp, and be ready to push yourself a little.

My favorite "classic" caves in Ariège that I love to recommend

Niaux Cave

This one, whether you know about Prehistory or not, it leaves a mark! What I loved most: > The total silence in the galleries, and then suddenly… the cave paintings. We’re not talking about "little drawings," but true masterpieces. Why is it interesting? > Because you literally walk where humans walked over 13,000 years ago. Places like this to visit are extremely rare now!

peintures préhistoriques grotte Niaux — The cave paintings of Niaux Cave

Bédeilhac Cave

Huge, impressive, almost "cathedral-like." My feeling: > The first time I entered, I felt like a giant had carved it out. The chambers are enormous! Why is it interesting? > Because you can see both stunning natural formations and a rich history tied to exploration, prehistory… and even aviation during the war!

entrée grotte bédeilhac — Entry of Bédeilhac Cave

Mas d'Azil Cave

The cave where a road passes through! Unique in France. What I love: > It’s completely unusual and rich in prehistoric remains. Why is it interesting? > Because it’s a tunnel-cave, a mix of geology, history, and underground landscapes, with part of it developed for visits. It was inhabited by prehistoric humans and holds many fascinating remains. A huge number of bats live there!

route traversant grotte mas d'azil — The road passing through the Mas d'Azil Cave

Lombrives Cave

It’s said to be the “largest in Europe”—and honestly, you can see why! My feeling: > The immensity! When you enter, you never really see the end... What I love most: > The Cathedral Chamber—gigantic, silent, almost mystical. It regularly hosts concerts, and thanks to its incredible acoustics, the experience is one-of-a-kind! Why is it interesting? > Because this cave blends legends, biology, geology, and a unique sense of infinity. The formations are breathtaking.

salle cathédrale grotte lombrives — The Cathedral Chamber of Lombrives Cave

Labouïche underground river

A classic, but so much fun—especially with family! My feeling: > It’s a trip back to childhood in a magical world, but watch out for splashes on the boat… It’s become a tradition! What I loved most: > Sailing in a small boat on the underground river—it’s rare and super fun for a first introduction to the underground world. Why is it interesting? > Because it’s a “comfortable” discovery but in a real natural setting. The boat ride on the underground river delights the whole family.

barque rivière souterraine Labouiche — Boat on the Labouïche underground river

So what’s the difference with "caving" caves?

Let’s get serious:

...The caves where I really take you.

Here, we leave behind the walkways and lighting to put on our boots, wetsuit, headlamp… and a smile.

Siech Cave – it’s perfect for your first real underground adventure!

My feeling: I love this cave! From the first few meters, you feel the humidity, the echo of water, the polished limestone, and stalactites are everywhere. What I love most:

The underground stream and the incredible work of water on the rock.
The clean floor! Sand, gravel… no mud. You could set up a deck chair in some of the chambers.
Magnificent limestone formations everywhere, and such variety!
The passages where you use your hands and knees just enough to feel like an "explorer."

Why is it interesting?

It’s a “real” cave, not a developed tourist visit.
You’ll discover the water, the rock, the limestone formations, stalactites, stalagmites, and so much more… in complete tranquility.
Everyone can find something they love, even those who don’t yet know they enjoy caving.

Grotte de Siech, initiation à la spéléologie en famille en Ariège — Siech Cave, caving family initiation in Ariège

The Vicdessos Underground Traverse – adventure just as you imagine it!

Here, we step up the level—but no need to be an athlete: just eager to move!

My feeling: Every time I come out, I’m grinning because this cave is alive! Water, movement, varied passages… and a real sense of progress.

What I prefer:

The rappels in the pits: technical but accessible and super rewarding, with a splash at the start of the season.
The narrow crawling passage: it’s physical but so much fun. I swear, every time I think, “Okay, now we’re REALLY caving.”
The natural slides: yes, yes, you slide… and end up in the water.
The exit downstream, somewhere other than where you entered: through-trips are rare, and they change everything. You feel like you’ve “achieved” something, like a real accomplishment.

* A pit is a vertical obstacle that you descend on a rope using a harness. * Crawling is a caving technique that involves moving forward on your hands and knees because the ceiling is low.

Why is it interesting?

It’s a complete cave: water + rope sections + tight passages + large walking areas.
You really make progress, you “live” the caving experience.
You come out refreshed, proud and with stories to tell.

ramping dans la traversée du vicdessos — Crawling in the Vicdessos Cave

And soon you’ll be able to discover...

The Sakany Cave System

A beautiful technical network, a true exploration playground. What I love: The maze-like feel, the varied passages, the sense of entering a hidden world. There are multiple route options depending on the level... It’s a cave for the motivated, a full-day trip, and I can’t wait to share it with you!

In short: Why should you come caving with me?

Because Ariège has an incredible diversity of caves. Because here, underground, you experience a total break: no screens, no noise. Because we laugh, we move, we discover, we progress together—and I’m there to guide you, reassure you, and teach you.

And above all...

Because real caving—the kind you experience in Siech or the Vicdessos traverse—stays with you forever.

So if you want to live an authentic adventure, have a blast, pick up a few skills along the way, and come out with stars in your eyes…

Put on the suit. I wait for you…

We have slots available during the winter—don’t hesitate to contact us!

Discover the routes

Why choose Spéléo Canyon Ariège to discover canyoning?

Are you looking for an original, fun, and refreshing activity for your next vacation or weekend in Ariège? Come discover the hidden gorges and aquatic nooks of Ariège with our team!

Here, we don’t just offer you a descent! We’re different, and that’s why you love coming to us! We welcome you like friends, equip you like pros, and guide you with all our passion.

1. High-end equipment for a 100% enjoyable adventure

At Spéléo Canyon Ariège, all our equipment is regularly renewed, carefully maintained, and adapted to every body type, even for the youngest adventurers. We provide you with a thick neoprene wetsuit for cool water, neoprene tops for those who get cold easily, a comfortable helmet, and equipment we’ll teach you how to use—your safety and comfort are our top priority.

ambiance fun tranquille en famille et groupe dans le canyon de la freyte

2. A welcoming center with all the comforts

Avant même de chausser vos chaussures pros de canyon, vous êtes reçus avec convivialité dans notre centre d’accueil, niché en pleine nature. Parking facile, zone de détente, vestiaires, toilettes et surtout la collation avant et après l’activité ! Tout est pensé pour que
vous passiez un moment agréable en famille ou entre amis, avant et après votre expérience. L’ambiance y est détendue, avec des infos claires, toujours avec le sourire et un café ou un jus de fruit toujours prêt ☕️.

3. Qualified AND caring instructors

Our instructors aren’t just qualified professionals. They are also passionate, continuously trained in pedagogy, group psychology, and supporting both beginners and experienced adventurers.

They know how to reassure the anxious, motivate children, and offer options for the most hesitant—all with good humor and no pressure to ensure your experience is the best it can be! They share their tips, canyoning anecdotes, and above all… their love for the wild and preserved Ariège.

4. A tailored approach for families and beginners

Never been canyoning before? A little afraid of heights? Your kids aren’t big on sports? No problem! Here, we adapt every outing to your level, desires, and pace. Everyone has their own Everest! And that’s what motivates us to guide you!

Jumps are optional, rappels are guided, and everything is done to ensure you feel safe and proud of yourself at every step. We focus on fun, experience, and smiles—not performance! Your smiles are our best reward!

encadrement moniteur enfant canyon Freyte Ariège

What if it were your turn?

At Spéléo Canyon Ariège, we don’t just sell an activity: we take you on a break filled with nature, emotion, and fun, accessible to everyone. Young and old, friends or families, come discover canyoning in a whole new way, in a safe and welcoming environment. Ready for the adventure? Book your spot now—summer slots fill up fast!

LEARN MORE

Introduction to speleology and prehistory

Discover the fascinating world of speleo during your exploration of the Siech cave in Ariège! This initiation is ideal for families with children, groups of friends and all those curious about nature who wish to immerse themselves in the history of our planet.

Au programme de cette initiation, vous aurez l'opportunité de découvrir les secrets de la grotte de Siech. Cette cavité souterraine, d'une beauté époustouflante, vous permettra de vous émerveiller devant les différentes formes que peut prendre la roche. En compagnie de notre moniteur passionné et expérimenté, vous pourrez explorer les galeries souterraines et découvrir les trésors cachés de la grotte. Vous serez équipés de casques et de lampes frontales pour éclairer votre chemin.

You will be able to admire the concretions, stalactites and stalagmites that mark the route. The Siech cave is famous for its large room, with a vault height of more than 15 meters, where the walls are covered with calcite crystals. It is a magical spectacle that you are not ready to forget!

As you explore, you will learn more about the formation of underground cavities and the life that reigns there.
The different ecosystems present in the cave are home to unique fauna and flora, which you will have the chance to observe.

Our initiation is suitable for all levels and does not require any prior experience.
Our instructors will introduce you to the techniques of progression in an underground environment, in complete safety.
You will be able to learn to climb, crawl and progress in the different passages of the cave. You will overcome each of the obstacles at your level and fully enjoy your experience.

The Siech Cave is a place steeped in history and prehistory, offering a fascinating dive into the life of Magdalenians
and the evolution of the region through the ages.

Come discover these traces of the past and learn to understand them during your exploration.

This introduction to caving is an unforgettable experience to enjoy with family or friends. You will leave the Siech cave with your head full of memories and a new passion for caving.

Don't wait any longer, come and discover the magic of the Siech cave with Speleo Canyon Ariege!
Don't forget to book your activity in advance to ensure you have a place on this exciting adventure!

Crossing the underground river of Vicdessos

Crossing the underground river of Vicdessos in Ariège is an incredible experience for caving enthusiasts, sportsmen, adventurers, families and groups of friends in search of thrills and discovery of nature. This activity, offered by Speleo Canyon Ariège, is ideal for discovering all the richness, beauty and variety of the underground environment in a friendly and fun atmosphere.

Le parcours débutant permet de s'initier aux techniques de progression souterraines telles que la descente en rappel, les resserrements, les laminoirs, les désescalades, les oppositions et les glissades aquatiques. L'équipe de moniteurs expérimentés vous accompagne tout au long de la traversée, vous dévoilant les méthodes d'exploration et d'orientation afin que vous puissiez prendre la tête de l'équipe pour terminer la traversée par vous-même.

We will welcome you in the garden of our center Speleo Canyon Ariege in front of a small coffee or fruit juice in order to present the activity and the topography of the cavity to make you feel super comfortable. To fully enjoy this experience, we will then provide you with suitable clothing (caving suit, river shoes, full harness and helmet with electric lighting)...

and the adventure begins!!

After a short approach walk in the forest, the cave finally opens up in the heart of the Ariège jungle. You will reach the 3 small easy abseil descents of 4, 10 and 3 meters, then engage in the passage of the "serpentine" to reach the large rooms of the cave.

The main underground river awaits you for a tonic descent through the large galleries. You will cross wet vaults and many water slides before ending in the mineral canyon, a unique experience that will remain etched in your memory.

Le canyon souterrain est une aventure originale, facile et accessible à tous, mais qui n'en reste pas moins riche en sensations. Vous pourrez admirer les merveilles de la nature sous un autre angle, découvrir les jeux de lumières et d'ombres, et peut-être même apercevoir quelques chauves-souris.

Crossing the underground river of Vicdessos in Ariège is an activity not to be missed if you are looking for adventure, discovery and thrills. With Speleo Canyon Ariège, you can live a unique experience, accompanied by a team of passionate and experienced professionals.

So don't hesitate any longer, book your adventure now and dive into the fascinating world of caving!

Experience a memorable bachelorette or bachelor party!

We make your bachelorette or bachelor party memorable!

This tradition has remained because it gives one more opportunity to experience special moments with friends.
Unique, surprising and always festive, this day remains engraved in the minds of the future bride and groom and his friends.

We organize this day with you in advance so that it resembles you as much as possible by choosing the canyon best suited to the group!

Nous vous proposons la formule spéciale EVG/ EVJF en canyoning :

"Le Marc Gourmand: pique nique brunch les pieds dans l'eau!"

Share a friendly adventure and an unforgettable event with the future bride/groom!

Your bachelorette or bachelor party with a unique service with us

From surprise to surprise, the descent of the canyon offers you frank laughs in an unusual and new place, surpassing yourself creating a strong cohesion in the group, adrenaline, challenge, fun…

We make sure to individualize our supervision as much as possible. Thus there will be one instructor for every eight participants and therefore more if necessary, to ensure a smooth and safe process throughout the descent, for maximum pleasure! Teaching quality is a major and essential asset for us.

Le canyoning : une activité qui réunit tout le monde!

C’est aussi l’occasion pour vous d’apprendre les bases du canyoning par un briefing complet de l’instructeur dès l’accueil ! Vous serez accueillis autour d'un café et d'un jus de fruits afin de vous expliquer le déroulement de la sortie, depuis l’équipement individuel complet jusqu’aux subtilités de la descente en rappel et du travail d’équipe !

Et pour que votre expérience soit la plus confortable, nos équipements sont neufs et de qualité ! Vous aurez des chaussures pro de canyoning pour encore plus de sécurité, et ça, ça fait toute la différence et c’est chez nous !

Et en bonus, des photos tout au long de la descente

Pour immortaliser cette journée unique, l'instructeur prendra des photos du groupe et de chaque membre grâce à son appareil photo étanche qui réalise de jolies photos! Elles vous seront envoyées par mail grâce à un lien.

Don't wait any longer to book YOUR day by challenging your friends to live a unique experience for a unique day, because you are the center of our attention!

Information and Reservation

Holidays in Ariège

Spending your holidays in Ariège means choosing the authentic and the wild. Ariège is still not very well known, even if more and more people are managing to place it on the map today. In the heart of the Pyrenees, 1 hour south of Toulouse, 1 hour from the principality of Andorra, the department offers, in a word, a change of scenery for the traveler.

Nature et sauvage : prendre le temps de vivre!

Ariège is vast and rich in landscapes. For that alone, it's worth spending your vacation there. Part of the territory is registered in the Pyrénées Ariégeoises Regional Natural Park. We're going to focus on this part of the department. It's a real breath of fresh air and greenery as well as majestic and wild mountains. Here, time has stopped, the geological strata put you back in your place and you feel small. It's these mountains covered in dense forest and with bare peaks that make the charm of the Vicdessos valley.

Que faire pendant ses vacances en Ariège ?

Ariège is a region full of history but also activities. Water, air, fire, there is something for everyone. Welcome to the paradise of nature sports, for beginners and experienced athletes alike.

Hiking

For lovers of nature and freedom, you are in the right place. There are so many hiking trails in the Vicdessos Valley that we have stopped trying to count them. You have two mythical Ariège summits within reach: the Pic du Montcalm at an altitude of 3077 meters and the Pic des Trois Seigneurs at an altitude of 2199 meters. In other words, you can hike all summer in the valley without doing the same hike twice. Guaranteed! You will find many places along the way to take a dip or install a barbecue grill.

Paragliding

Why not take advantage of your holidays in Ariège to try one of the many activities offered in the Vicdessos valley? Try something new, you have the choice. Kymaya Parapente offers you paragliding baptisms facing the mountains of Ariège. You fly to the magnificent site of Port de Lers. This is a paragliding school that we know well at Spéléo Canyon Ariège. The founders Franck and Hélio were part of the first aerial reconnaissance expeditions in the Himalayas before drones were invented. The entire team is made up of solid professionals who have proven themselves. They also offer autonomy training to "fly on your own" as well as accompanied trips to go flying in superb sites around the world.

Paragliding

Canyoning

At Spéléo Canyon Ariège, we invite you to discover several facets of canyoning. We are of course talking about initiation with canyons like Marc or l’Artigue but above all autonomy. For us, the most important thing is that you are the actors of your descent. We don't take you for a walk in the canyons, you are the one who goes on an adventure to take full advantage of the experience and surpass yourself. We have seen it over the years, people come back because we offer you to progress through our different canyons. It is possible to start with half-day beginners to finish with the largest canyon in Ariège; the canyon d’Estat. For canyoning enthusiasts, we also offer autonomy training, not to mention that there are training courses at higher levels to perfect the art of canyoning.

Canyoning

Caving

Try caving to cool off. It is an activity that is rich in lessons for adults and children alike. In Ariège, we are lucky to have many quite different caves. It is therefore possible to do introduction with the family, for example in the Siech cave to start gently horizontally. You can discover a slightly more sporty activity thanks to the Vicdessos underground canyon and its few meters of rope wells. For those initiated to abseiling, the George chasm is more adventurous and committed. A beautiful descent that can go up to -700 meters and which also includes a beautiful ascent!

Caving

Rafting

Rafting and hydrospeed are activities that require a beautiful, slightly choppy river. That's why we're sending you to the Oxygen Aventure base in Belvianes and Cavirac in the Aude. The scenery is worth the detour. In the superb Saint Georges gorges, you can try your hand at rafting or hydrospeed. Oxygen Aventure shares with us the desire to pass on their knowledge and passion to you. An activity masterfully supervised by Agathe who will also make this moment a great team effort on board.

Rafting

Where to stay during your holidays in Ariège?

To fully enjoy the Vicdessos Valley and all its activities that have been described above, you must not be too far away. However, you have to stay close to Tarascon sur Ariège to have access to shops, the market and traditional restaurants like Le Vieux Carré. Ariège is rich in heritage, you can visit the Prehistoric Park, the Foix Castle or the House of Wolves. Not to mention the Naux Cave and the possibility of making a round trip to Andorra. Which gives us a lot of parameters. We found the solution.

"Bien Être Miglos"

Avec "Bien Être Miglos", vous avez le lieu pour passer vos vacances en Ariège tranquille. Avec sa situation centrale, les gîtes et chambres de "Bien Être Miglos" vous permettent tout d’abord de faire toutes les activités de la vallée de Vicdessos et d’aller visiter les différents sites d’Ariège. Tania vous accueille chaleureusement! Vous avez le choix entre appartement indépendant ou chambre avec des parties communes, et un grand jardin commun pour s'y retrouver autour d'un barbecue et d'un apéro! Tania vous propose aussi des soins bien être et massage! Le pti plus des vacances!! La structure se trouve dans un petit village de montagne entouré de verdure. En bref s’il y a bien un endroit qu’on recommande pour que vous passiez de bonnes vacances, c’est à "Bien Être Miglos".

In short, to have a good holiday in Ariège, you have to manage to do a mix of all that. A bit of barbecue, a bit of activities, a bit of hiking and above all take your time. Holidays are made to relax and enjoy so don't hesitate any longer and come and see us.

“Five-stars Outdoor Occitanie” is our network of professionals in outdoor activities and independent accommodation providers, committed to offering high-quality services to our customers.

Contactez les.

Nos engagements sont basés sur cinq axes principaux

✔ your safety,
✔ your pleasure,
✔ respect for the environment,
✔ sharing our passions,
✔ human exchange.

What are our commitments to our customers?

✔ Offer a professional and personalized customer relationship throughout the purchasing process (request for information, web visibility, online and on-site booking, invoicing, etc.),
✔ Welcome our customers in a personalized and friendly way, in small groups, and while respecting health distances,
✔ Offer services adapted to each of you thanks to high-quality educational services, motivated by the sharing of our passions,
✔ Provide our customers with the best individual material and equipment, clean, in good condition and in compliance with current regulations,
✔ Initiate an environmental management approach in our structures in order to actively participate in the ecological transition,
✔ Be attentive to the impact of the activity on the natural environment by making respect for local flora and fauna our priority,
✔ Take into account the principles of sustainable development in our practices in agreement with other users sharing our territories (local residents, farmers, fishermen, hunters, and other sporting colleagues, etc.)
✔ Share our knowledge of our natural and cultural heritage, promote local producers, our quality "Five Stars" partners, and select the best tourist addresses for you.

Because it can sometimes seem difficult to choose the offer that best meets your expectations, we have chosen to offer you the best and to be here: FOR YOU!

Marc's Canyon

Marc's canyon, the initiation par excellence

The Marc canyon is a beautiful classic of Ariège to revise your aquatic skills.

At the foot of the hamlet of Marc, the waters of the Montcalm descending into the Vicdessos valley have carved a beautiful gorge in the beech forest. In a forest atmosphere full of plays of light and shadow, a beautiful aquatic adventure awaits you.

This is a descent that can be done in half a day, it is the perfect introductory canyon: a very short approach walk (less than 15 min), beautiful obstacles that follow one after the other but without any major difficulty.

On the program: discovery, briefing and autonomy!

To begin this adventure you will have a complete technical briefing, with demonstration and training in rope techniques to allow you to be autonomous. At Spéléo Canyon Ariège, you will not be welcomed as "customers" but as "trainees", and it is you who will descend independently and be an actor in your adventure.

At the beginning we will walk a little in the river to warm up our joints and gradually immerse ourselves in the aquatic world.

Small slides will allow us to complete this immersion

A first balm will allow us to make a first small optional jump.

Then we will arrive at the 19 m waterfall, the highest obstacle on the course. Several options will be possible: a water zip line or a beautiful abseil on a spider's wire.

Marc's canyon, rhythmic and magnificent

The progression will always be very rhythmic with a succession of two waterfalls, where we will abseil or jump.

After a slide we will arrive in a more contemplative part of the canyon where we will walk on foot in the water. This part of the canyon will remind pirate lovers of Treasure Island.

At the hamlet of Marc a beautiful finale awaits us with jumps and slides.

The pot of the end

At the end of this adventure we will share a closing drink together in the garden of our canyon center. A moment of conviviality to exchange and talk about future aquatic projects.

Marc's canyon is an introductory canyon that can be done from the age of 12. There are no physical or technical prerequisites. We will support you as best we can so that you have a great descent while encouraging your independence. Jumps are not mandatory.

Information and Reservation

Destination : Lozere

Fancy a breath of fresh air? Come and get some fresh air in Lozère!

The idea of this stay is to discover Lozère and more specifically its canyons and a cave. A mystical and wild territory, made up of high plateaus cut by deep gorges, the notion of wild space takes on its full meaning here.

This internship takes place in the Cévennes National Park, home to a mosaic of landscapes: moors, gorges, terraces, greenhouses… With a unique built heritage: cobblestones, bridges, slate houses, clède… Many legends were born here, such as the Beast of Gévaudan or that of the Camisards.

In its descent towards the Mediterranean Sea, the Massif Central has created some very beautiful canyons.

The Roujanel

Japanese print atmosphere, translucent blue water basins where beech leaves levitate, the schist sculpted and polished by the water lit by the sun which filters through the beech grove.

In this canyon there are no major obstacles, but swimming and jumping in a dreamlike landscape.

The Rieutort

The southernmost canyon of our adventure. An immersion in nature along the water, we will go from the beech forest to the pine forest, crossing surprising and varied geologies.

A complete program with jumps, beautiful abseils and slides. A very pretty finale in the middle of cedars and granite blocks.

The Borne

Here it is Canada, in the middle of fir trees and granite towers, the terminal has dug beautiful emerald green pools. A beautiful atmosphere where we sometimes imagine ourselves as Davy Crockett, sometimes as a pirate.

This canyon is punctuated by numerous jumps and walks. Here the waters are fresh and invigorating.

The Chassezac

An unusual and mythical canyon, to descend into the gorge we will take old calades (stone paths) among the chestnut trees.

The descent of the Chassezac is punctuated by a diversity of obstacles: slides, mailboxes, abseiling under waterfalls, opposing passages, jumps and flushing water... It takes around 6 hours to complete the entire course.

The Chassezac is an open but deep canyon, from the bottom of the gorge to the plateau there is a 300 m drop.

Au dessus du canyon nous serons surveillés par le village fortifié de la Garde Guérin, ancienne place forte des chevaliers Pariers.

For caving

We will go to the Champclos cave. We will go down to the foot of the Cévennes to explore the Ardèche limestone. Champclos is a very beautiful cavity which allows a varied route with meanders, wells, small underground rivers and above all very beautiful rooms, including the Mont Blanc room.

Take advantage of the experience of Spéléo Canyon Ariège instructors to enjoy this unique stay in the wild and deep Lozère. Seize the opportunity to get away from it all to face new canyons and new obstacles. For more information, contact us:

Learn more

Canyoning Initiation Course

The "Canyoneur Initiation" training day, under the educational label: "Universal Canyoning Academy", is an example of what sets us apart from other canyoning providers.

Canyoning is a trendy activity, accessible to all and which combines physical activity and sensations. How to choose the instructor or the organizing structure among the dozens who offer the "same thing" in the mountain valleys where you are going to spend your holidays?!

At Spéléo Canyon Ariège, we offer you a wide choice of canyoning activities supervised in the best safety conditions and with all the comfort possible. Our goal is to be very different from our competitors!

Imagine, you choose to come to Ariège this summer, you are alone or with your friends and you want to do an unusual canyoning outing. For this, it goes without saying that you need to be a small group of 6 to 8 people maximum so that everyone feels taken into consideration. The instructor will thus be able to give you his advice in an individualized manner. Then you must be well equipped, with almost new equipment and of course your size!

The day's schedule

Our "Canyoneur Initiation" day consists of gradually taking you into the canyon. After a welcome over coffee to get to know each other, we will discover the day's program. Together we will prepare the necessary equipment. The morning will take place at a school cliff, an easily accessible location 30 minutes by vehicle from our center. We will teach you the basics to progress on a rope, namely: how to rope, move on a handrail and of course abseil! Being dry, in a pleasant place and taking your time makes it much easier to learn canyoning! We will have a little time to climb and put into practice our various learnings.

A picnic break to regain some energy and off we go for the canyon! Having trained in the morning and knowing all the rope techniques will greatly facilitate your descent into the canyon. You will only have the pleasure of enjoying the atmosphere and the landscapes!

The aquatic part remains to be discovered!

We will see which swimming stroke is best suited to canyoning, we will learn to jump but of course, jumps are never obligatory!

Knowing your teammates a little better will help create a great atmosphere of sharing and fun during the canyon and your outing will be all the more exceptional!

And why not a 4 or 5 day introductory course?

After this crazy day of fun, we will return to the center to share the best moments of the day over a beer.

We will also offer you a summary booklet of all the techniques that we will have seen together during the activity.

It is possible to complete this day with other classic, but technical outings, which we offer in the summer. You can organize a 2, 3 or 5-day course and benefit from a decreasing rate and personalized educational monitoring.

This is how we are very different from our other colleagues, our priority is your well-being and our goal is for you to be an actor in your exit thanks to all the learning that we will have seen together.

Becoming a canyon crew member

With my friend Nico, we have gone on several mountain activities trips for our early summer holidays.

It is our special time away from our family duties to share adventure and freedom with each other.

After having tried out different nature sports, we became a little more interested in canyoning which combines a lot of techniques in an aquatic and vertical world.

This year, we are motivated to do more than just follow our instructor, we want to "get our hands dirty!"

I saw that there were courses to learn the first techniques in order to become a “canyon team member”.

A short training course to discover canyoning which takes place over two days. It also includes an E-learning course to prepare for the course.

Nico is excited by the idea, and we decide to register several months in advance to make sure there are still places available for both of us. We rush to study the online courses to prepare ourselves well.

What is a canyoning crew member?

The training program is intense and rich in learning! The mornings are devoted to theory, all aspects of canyoning are covered (general knowledge, organization of an outing) and in the afternoons we put into practice on cliffs and canyons.

A canyoning team member is a person who assists the leader of the outing to a certain extent (an instructor, a friend who is already independent, etc.).

This team member must therefore be able to descend, ascend a rope, hang on correctly, know the knots, understand the instructions given by his leader and many other things!

Nico points out to me that in addition to all the knowledge that we will acquire, the course is a good way to meet people. It is offered for small groups of 6 people who have done a few canyons in order to remain on a human scale.

Come on, be patient! Just a few more months of waiting and let's the adventure begin!