This tradition has remained because it provides one more opportunity to experience special moments with friends. Unique, surprising and always festive, this day remains etched in the minds of the future bride and groom and his/her friends.
We organize this day in advance with you so that it resembles you as much as possible by choosing the canyon most suited to the group and it's free for the bride or groom! (Offer until June 26)
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.
Making canyoning an activity that brings everyone together
It is also an opportunity for you to learn the basics of canyoning with a full briefing from the instructor upon arrival! You will be welcomed with coffee, fruit juice, and cookies... to explain the course of the outing, from the complete individual equipment to the subtleties of abseiling and teamwork!
And to make your experience as comfortable as possible, our equipment is new and of high quality! You will have canyoning shoes for even more safety, and that is unique and it is with us!
And as a bonus, our professional photographer specializing in canyoning
And since we like to bring you the best, you have the possibility to book our professional photographer who will follow the group throughout the descent to immortalize the most beautiful, funniest, craziest moments. Arthur will make your experience even more memorable by capturing the most beautiful images of your day! And no need to wait to see them! The photos will be projected on a screen once you return to our center. So you can immerse yourself together in these highlights around the special bride and groom drink that will be offered to you to close this beautiful day!
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!
In February, the NZ (New Zealand) Canyoning Festival took place in this beautiful country at the end of the world. The event was organized by the NZ Canyoning Association. Places are limited but not expensive, $80 to register online. It's best to book in advance. The concept is simple: get together to go canyoning together and talk about our shared passion. The festival took place over three days.
The day before the festival, rescue drills were held supervised by LandSAR NZ, the official search and rescue service in New Zealand, in partnership with the NZ Canyoning Association and the Christchurch Alpine Cliff Rescue team. On the first day, workshops were held. One of these was called; Walking Like a Ninja. The workshops perfected the skills of moving from rock to rock, adding a ninja touch to the move. Then everyone met at the canyon base, at the Oxford Cultural Centre, Canterbury, for a meal. It was an opportunity to meet up with people from the canyoning community who were in New Zealand, as well as others who had come specially from overseas. For me, it was an opportunity to meet up with familiar faces, some well-known at Spéléo Canyon Ariège (SCA), and to meet new ones.
L'île du Sud de la Nouvelle Zélande
The first night, over a buffet of build-your-own burgers, I met Adrien Paris, who now lives in New Zealand and with whom wehad been canyoning a while earlier, as well as Gus Schiavon. Both were canyoning photographers at SCA and they were the ones who trained me. It's been a while since we've been together and it was a pleasure to see them again! George Yates was also there, a former intern of Rodolphe at SCA. He now owns his company in Scotland, The Canyoning Company, with whom he offers sports trips in Ariège. I had the pleasure of meeting him on several occasions. Other former trainees and acquaintances of Rod were there, I was able to meet Andrew Humphrey, Usa Colorado, Toine Hountenbos, Abel Tasman NZ and Mike Barnett,Hawaii, Usa.
The canyoning world is not that big, the activity is still young, especially in New Zealand, we find each other easily and that was the goal of this first evening; to meet up for a beer with a burger while laughing hard. The next day, we went canyoning, we had to decide where. It was difficult but we managed to agree on Curtis Creek, in Arthur's Pass. On the V4A2III side, with an hour and twenty minutes of ascent for three hours and twenty minutes of descent, it seemed appropriate to us to do a pleasant and sporty canyoning outing together.
Arthur's Pass
We met up in front of the famous Sheffield Pie early in the morning. Well, early in the morning, there were two who managed not to find the meeting place and who arrived like flowers half an hour late. Our team was composed of Adrien, Gus, George, Mike, Camille the only Kiwi of the expedition, Pitt an Australian who works in a canyon company in Queenstown, Laura the only French of the expedition and me. The road to reach Arthur's Pass is superb, it lasts almost two hours, especially with an old Toyota van. When we arrived there we dropped off the second car at the exit of the canyon and we started the approach walk under a beautiful sun in the Ottira valley. Grey clouds clung to the distant peaks of the valley.
The Ottira Valley
We found ourselves in front of a large scree slope that was quite steep. During the climb, the gray clouds gathered and a light rain surprised us in our swimsuits. We arrived too high compared to the entrance of the canyon and we had to go back down a little.
Climbing the scree slope
We got kitted out in the rain before starting the descent through the New Zealand bush, an experience in itself. We didn't really know where the entrance to the canyon was but we had to go down. We finally got there and the descent could begin, the rain had passed, we could enjoy the adventure.
"Bush bash down" as the kiwis say
The first waterfalls of Curtis Creek, in a plant-filled atmosphere at the end of the world
The beginning of the canyon consisted of some pretty wet waterfalls, George went ahead with Pitt like rockets, equipping the obstacles. I took pictures. We went down quite a few rappels, before finding ourselves facing the big sixty.
Camille in the Curtis Creek rappels
Mike Barnett in a waterfall
Adri Paris
In front of us the landscape opened up onto the large viaduct that crosses Arthur's Pass. The bottom of the river was sixty meters lower. The descent facing the majestic scenery is indescribable, we pass under a powerful waterfall, and we abseil down the large wall, telling ourselves that few people come this far. For a moment, nothing matters but this moment. The rest of the world has disappeared and we can be fully present in every gesture and every second. Everyone enjoyed this beautiful passage.
Pitt is first to set off down the sixty
George Yates in the sixty meter with the viaduct in the background.
The sixty meter seen from below
We followed the river across to the viaduct. We walked along the road to the second car. The rain started again as we were changing. We headed towards Oxford, Gus was showing a film of an expedition he had been on, the screening was that evening. We shared a beer and laughed about our adventure in the rain in our swimsuits.
The team at the exit
It was a great adventure to find ourselves together on the other side of the world for this canyon. Between former SCA trainees, we were able to take full advantage of our skills acquired in France and discover some of the most beautiful canyons in the world! We were able to discuss the different projects that are being set up and we were able to meet around a common passion, for a moment of joy and sporting laughter. So if like us, you dream of getting off the beaten track, I invite you to contact Rodolphe and train with him.
The Artigue canyon is the big brother of the canyons in the Vicdessos valley. It is the most fun and the richest in obstacles.
We start the day with a coffee, because without coffee it's not the same. The reception takes place at the Niaux canyon center. Around the table in the garden, the participants meet. Rod details the day's program. We start with individual equipment, everyone receives their equipment; socks, shoes, wetsuit, harness, helmet. We make a backpack with everything that we call a "turtle". We pack everyone's picnic, we check that we haven't forgotten anything. We put everything in the truck. We're off for a short drive to the Artigue car park.
From the car park, the approach walk is superb. It starts off a bit steep and then opens up onto the Montcalm massif. In front of us stands the Pic d'Estat and the canyon of the same name. In the middle of the mountains, we frolic with our turtles on our backs. This is the beginning of the adventure. We are in the heart of the Ariège Pyrenees, in the middle of nowhere. Civilisation gradually fades away, giving way to the wild nature of the peaks. We arrive behind the Bassiès cirque and its red peak. This is "the restaurant room", the picnic area, facing the mountains. Already there, we have worked up a good sweat and are happy to eat a bite.
After a complete briefing on communication, canyoning and abseiling and jumping techniques, knowing that jumps are never mandatory, we begin the descent. The Artigue is a progressive canyon. The first part, open to the peaks, allows you to admire the surroundings while getting into the swing of the activity. A first small jump, short slides, we dip ourselves in the water, we're there. The obstacles follow one after the other, it's sporty, we jump five meters, we do dry abseiling, abseiling in the waterfall, we pass the big slide.
Already the configuration of the canyon has changed, it becomes more steep, the vegetation is rarer, we feel that we are touching the heart of the canyoning activity. In a bend, the landscape appears, dazzling. We quickly understand that there is only one way to access this very special place; by practicing canyoning. While we have already taken in the view, comes the big jump, possible up to ten meters. Adrenaline rush obliges, we do not jump ten meters every day. This is where the canyoner learns that sometimes you have to know how to give up jumping the obstacle.
We arrive at the large twenty-meter waterfall! Several options open up, depending on the flow of the water; either we pass a large dry rappel with as a backdrop this enormous turquoise water pot embedded between walls of a breathtaking ochre-reddish color, or we go on the large zip line to arrive directly in the middle of this same pot. It continues with an eight-meter jump, a last slide and we arrive at the foot of the Artigue waterfalls, a little cherry on the cake. The tributary that comes from the Estat canyon pours from the top of beautiful waterfalls where we feel small in the face of the power of the water. After a last little jump to make sure we don't regret anything, we walk to the parking lot to change.
After a day like that, nothing beats a nice cold beer! We take the opportunity to meet up around the garden table in the center of Niaux and talk about this beautiful day we just spent. Everyone has their own little story, about this moment they really loved, about this place where it was so beautiful. The Artigue canyon is a great discovery of canyoning and a superb change of scenery in the heart of Ariège. Rod is happy to be able to share with you, for a day, his lifelong passion; canyoning!
See you this summer at the Artigue canyon!
Une journée canyoning à l'Artigue chez Spéléo Canyon Ariège
Made in Spéléo Canyon Ariège ; un jour au canyon de l'Artigue
On s'est retrouvés avec Thomas et ses enfants au centre de Spéléo Canyon Ariège. On buvait un café en discutant, John et Clyde étaient en retard. Thomas venait d'Allemagne, il était en vacances. John et Clyde sont arrivés, on s'est tous salués, John était d'origine anglaise et son fils Clyde l'accompagnait pour cette sortie. C'était sa première expérience en canyon. John était assez charpenté, avec une bonne cage thoracique, son fils était plutôt baraque lui aussi, Thomas était un peu plus petit mais bien costaud, ses enfants étaient ados, ils avaient l'air en forme. On avait une bonne équipe pour cette journée !
Rod expliquait le déroulement de la journée, un café à la main. On est allé s'équiper dans le centre, on a tout mit dans le camion et on s'est dirigés vers l'Artigue. On était un peu dans l'expectative, on ne savait pas comment allait être le niveau d'eau. On avait pris la météo, tout était bon, ça devrait le faire ! Après la bonne marche d'approche, on s'est installés face aux montagnes pour manger nos pique-nique. Le niveau de l'eau était parfait, des conditions idéales, on pouvait se détendre. John donnait à qui en voulait des morceaux de truite fumée, on regardait l'eau couler et les sommets au loin en mâchant nos sandwichs. On a quand même enfilé les combis et on est partis vers l'aventure.
Thomas et ses enfants étaient bien à l'aise dans le canyon. Un petit briefing sur la descente en rappel les a mis dans l'ambiance. John et Clyde s'amusent comme des petits fous dans les vasques d'eau, on avance. Le premier saut assez imposant passe tout seul, on se déplace comme des flèches, de cailloux en cailloux, de cascades en cascades. On attaque le grand toboggan, le saut, tout le monde a le sourire, les ados se régalent et les grands aussi. On est tous de grands enfants à jouer dans des marmites. La grande cascade de vingt mètre, on reprend un peu de sérieux. L’obstacle est d'envergure. L'eau fonce dans la marmite avec un bruit assourdissant, on passe à côté grâce à un grand rappel sec. Le canyon se finit, on reprend un petit sentier pour revenir à la voiture.
En remettant des vêtements secs, tout le monde rigolait. Quelle journée, on en prend plein les yeux ! De retour au centre, on a pris un verre en regardant les photos de cette belle sortie canyon. Tout le monde était heureux d'avoir pu participer à cette aventure. Pourquoi pas vous ?
Caving bivouac at Bufo Fret
Two days underground in the Bufo Fret network
An expedition in preparation
Let's get back to the root of the matter; what is an expedition? According to Larousse, an expedition is, among other things; "A scientific trip to a remote or difficult country, or a more or less important or eventful tourist trip; men and equipment participating in this trip: Expedition to the South Pole."Of course, we didn't go to the South Pole, but as for the eventful part, why not. Bivouacking in the Bufo Fret network is no small feat. Olivier was the first to be motivated by the adventure, he took his son Baptiste and Benoît, a friend, with him. Sandrine also joined the project. At the last minute, Morgan saw the event on social media and without hesitating for a second came to complete the team. We had our motivated team, we just had to take care of the logistics. We had to gather the necessary equipment; suits, harnesses, helmets, lights, sleeping bags... And also food for two days underground. I was in charge of preparing food for the group and ensuring media coverage of the event, camera in hand. Rod went out several times to scout the terrain, he identified the key places and the location of the bivouac. We met in Bugarach on Saturday morning, 10am.
Together, we took care of packing the things. Sleeping bags, spare clothes, food, ropes and first aid kit. It's complicated to pack bags for an expedition like this. You can't forget anything but you need the minimum, because caving bags require special attention and management. You have to take the bags with you, and that's no easy task through the bowels of the Earth. Rod explained to us how to manage the bags, a sort of third arm for the caving expert. We managed to have an acceptable number of bags, with everything we needed inside. We set off for the entrance to the Bufo Fret network.
First day underground
A short approach walk put us right in the bath, the entrance to the cave was there. Head first we throw ourselves into the unknown. At first the excitement and the management of the bags dominate the activity. We arrive in "the lake of the elves", we splash around in the water, the rock gives us a few tastes of what nature underground can offer us but no elves. We eat a bite near the lake. It is time for the first rope climb. And yes, the originality of this network is to go back up into the mountain.
Climbing a rope is one thing, our team was well briefed by Rod, we save ourselves, there is no performance to follow, we have to master the technique in order to climb up without burning ourselves out completely at the start of the exploration of the network. But lifting the bags is another matter. A team member climbs, he is followed by a bag at the end of a rope mounted on the pulley. This passage finished, we attack the section called "Pearl Harbor". A little more technical, we have to slip into a narrower passage by passing the bags to each other. A great action! The team spirit is at its best, we laugh, we sweat, the bags are passed from one hand to another, we climb into the network and we arrive at the "Grand Balcon". From there, vacation! The bags are taken up to the "Galerie des Sables", where we will be bivouac, and we can set off again to explore the network.
Another short rope climb and we enter the "Spike Gallery". The atmosphere is superb, there are seven of us underground explorers, concretions everywhere are arranged like theatrical performances by Mother Nature, with each step we discover new shapes. It's quite big and to get our bearings Rod brought with him his tablet and a PDF version of the network topography that can be enlarged to 400%. Technology is beautiful!
We discover with amusement the names given to the different parts of the network, not always funny like "the brown plague" or more cheerful; "the boubou network". For the moment it would seem that we are in the "Gallery of the Intraterrestrials". We continue to advance, we go from fairly large rooms to narrower sections, we pay attention where we put our feet. Sometimes large faults dig the ground and we can't see the bottom. It's an adventure!
In the "Galerie des petits gris", we arrive at the big clay slide. Before going there, Rod tells us that he has not gone any further in his previous explorations of the cavity. He is, like us, facing the unknown and therefore facing discovery. Going up a clay slide is not the best idea you've ever had. Rod finds a passage, we slip through, we arrive in front of a rolling mill, a passage that can be wide but has a low ceiling, we are forced to move by crawling. We come out of there above the slide, bet won! We continue, intoxicated by the discovery and the unknown.
Using the tablet, we can tell that we are making this big 360° turn, for now it's going well, everyone is smiling, everyone wants to continue. But after a few moments we find ourselves facing a crevasse where we are moving in opposition, with a little gas under our feet and it seems that we can't go very far without exposing ourselves dangerously. Rod decides to turn around, explaining to us that it is the lot of speleologists to have to give up without having seen the bottom. It is rare to see the bottom. So we go the other way, we go up or down ropes, we arrive at the bivouac. The notion of time has completely disappeared in our team.
At the bivouac, it's a question of setting up a place marked out before by Rod for the pee area, taking off the wetsuits to put on dry clothes, preparing the meal. On a tarpaulin we spread a nice tablecloth, we lay out the food. The sausage, the liver sausage, the Provençal marinated anchovies, a few radishes, cherry tomatoes, olives, a goat's cheese and a cow-sheep toudeille, the leek and potato soup, my grandmother's recipe, heats up on a stove. We eat with good appetite, everyone is smiling but fatigue is present. We have trekked eight hours in the network and when the soup arrives it is appreciated by all. A small glass of Gaillac to get the most valiant back on their feet, we laugh around the table, we recover from a great day exploring. We set up camp, a collective tent is moored in the middle of the beautiful "sand gallery", all our explorers settle in except Baptiste who is determined to face the night underground alone, but still right next to the others.
Second day underground
The night was marked by sporadic unidentified snoring, maybe the cave bear? We didn't wake up early, we had coffee and breakfast, then we tidied up the camp, repacked everything in the bags that had become lighter. The goal is to leave no trace of our passage so as not to disturb the underground world. Before leaving the "Sand Gallery", we will push a little into this gallery, to see what is further.
We pass through a rolling mill and arrive in a beautiful little room where the rock takes on unsuspected shapes. Further on, the rolling mill is too narrow for us to venture inside. We turn around and return to our bivouac. Once the reconditioning exercise is done, we can lower the bags at the crossroads between the return path and the ropes to climb up to the "Galerie des piques" from where we push on to the "Galerie blanche".
What is superb in the Bufo Fret network is that each gallery has a very particular style, the landscape is never the same and we constantly discover the different cave landscapes. The white gallery, almost unknown to Rod, is quite narrow, uneven, beautiful finely chiseled concretions extend into the rock, the atmosphere is more electric. We go up, we pass in opposition some places and then we find ourselves at the well.
It's hard to go any further, so we turn around. We find our bags and the location is ideal for a picnic lunch. All we have to do is cross "Pearl Harbor" again, the memory of which remains vivid in our minds. Strangely enough, the descent was very quick and without much difficulty. We found the lake again after rappelling down what we had climbed the day before with a rope. We found the exit under a bright sun, the beach under our bags and we went back down to the car to change, put away our gear, drink a beer and smile and chat about this outing.
An expedition like this does not leave you indifferent. The notion of time escapes, telephones no longer exist, the link with the outside world is completely cut, we are in a hostile and foreign world, far from home. We face ourselves, our fears and our desires but we are well surrounded. It is a beautiful experience and an intense piece of life. With the right team, it is a shared pleasure! If you like adventure and discovery, do not hesitate to inquire about our next bivouac expeditions!
Text, photo credit, drawing and video: Arthur Serres
Family expedition to the Siech cave
The Siech cave, family caving
The Siech Cave does not require rappelling or any rope technique whatsoever. No, the Siech Cave is a horizontal progression through a cavity full of wonders for adults and children! We welcomed a family with two little ones who we dressed as miners without picks and we went to see the treasures of the cave!
It is an easy route where you can discover the incredible shapes that the rock takes underground. Stalactites, stalagmites, columns, drinking fountains, you can find everything in the Siech cave! Filled with the unsuspected beauties of the underground world, everyone is amazed.
It’s a journey through the ages of the Earth. Our little ones listened fascinated as Rod talked about the geological formation of the mountains, ancestors of our world. A journey through time, a discovery, a change of scenery, an adventure with the whole family, from the youngest to the oldest. For a unique family outing, don’t wait any longer and come with us on May 29, 2019 to the Siech cave!
The underground canyon of Vicdessos
Un canyon sous Vicdessos ?
The first time it's surprising. First, the approach walk in the forest where we wonder how a canyon could possibly be hidden under these trees. And then we look for the entrance. Is it there? It's a bit like Indiana Jones. In the Ariège jungle, near a river, we equip ourselves to enter the cavity. Haaaa so that's where the entrance to this famous underground canyon was hidden! We're very quickly in the game.
We start with a few small reminders that set the mood pretty quickly. We hear the water flowing in the distance in the depths, Rod giving advice on the position of the legs in the rope descent, the plic ploc of the drops falling from the walls. There's nothing difficult but it's an underground adventure! We advance through corridors, we enter rooms dug into the rock. If we're lucky we come across cave animals. With our helmets on, we're exploring.
The corridors give way to large vaults, then it's the underground river. The most daring pass in front and crawl in the cool water under the ceiling of the cave. The Indiana Jones side comes back pretty quickly!
We leave the cavity at the foot of the Auzat dam, even for those who know the place it is disconcerting, how did we get there? Thanks to Spéléo Canyon Ariège! Are you interested? On May 30 and June 2 what are you doing? Explore the Vicdessos underground canyon with family or friends!
What is caving?
But what is caving?
Hello to all adventurers and nature lovers!
Are you looking for an activity that combines exploration, discovery and thrills? Then caving is for you! And if you want to live a unique and unforgettable experience, the Ariège Pyrenees are the ideal destination for this activity.
What is caving?
Caving is the activity of exploring underground caves. These caves are natural formations that have been created over time, thanks to geological processes such as erosion and the dissolution of rocks. They are often composed of limestone, a rock that dissolves easily in water. Underground caves are therefore often formed by water infiltrating the rocks and gradually dissolving them.
The Pyrenees, an ideal playground for caving
The Pyrenees are a mountain range that extends over more than 430 kilometers, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. This mountain range is characterized by great geological diversity, which has allowed the formation of numerous underground cavities. The Pyrenees therefore offer a variety of sites suitable for caving, suitable for all levels.
Prehistory in the Pyrenees
Caving in the Pyrenees is also a unique opportunity to discover the history of humanity. The Pyrenees have been inhabited since prehistoric times, and many caves contain rock paintings and engravings, evidence of the first civilizations. The caves of Niaux, Mas d'Azil and Bedeilhac are perfect examples. Caving therefore allows you to discover exceptional historical sites, while enjoying a sporting activity in the great outdoors.
The geology of the Pyrenees
Caving in the Pyrenees also allows you to discover the unique geological formations of this region. The Pyrenees are characterized by limestone, marble and schist formations, which offer a great variety of landscapes. Caves and underground cavities are therefore privileged places to discover the geological wealth of the Pyrenees.
Caving, an activity accessible to all
Caving is often seen as an activity reserved for the bravest and most athletic. But in reality, it is accessible to everyone, provided you are well supervised and equipped. Professional guides are there to accompany and guide you, to allow you to discover the underground cavities in complete safety. It is also important to be well equipped with a helmet, a headlamp, suitable shoes and a harness.
In addition to the sporting and exploration aspect, caving is also an opportunity to reconnect with nature and discover sublime landscapes, often inaccessible otherwise. Professional guides will also be able to share their passion for the geology and prehistory of the region.
In short, caving in the Pyrenees is an exceptional activity that allows you to discover unique geological formations, fascinating prehistoric sites and live unforgettable experiences. Don't hesitate any longer and set off on an adventure in the Pyrenees for an unforgettable caving experience! And if you are a beginner or hesitant, don't worry, there are courses adapted to all levels. Whether you are looking for thrills or a discovery experience with family or friends, caving in the Pyrenees is an activity not to be missed.
Don't hesitate any longer and come and discover the hidden beauty of the Ariège Pyrenees during your next caving adventure!
The canyon d’Estat is the most beautiful and largest in the Vicdessos valley. Over the course of a day, the expedition takes place at the foot of the 3000 Arièges. The already sporty approach walk takes us below the Pic d’Estat, 3144 meters above sea level all the same. A beautiful hike to start the day as an introduction before starting the descent itself. Opposite the Pic Rouge de Bassiès, overlooking the Artigue canyon, the Estat canyon is cut out of red schist between a high mountain landscape and abseiling.
Now this is a first in this summer of 2018, we are setting up an expedition! The late snowmelt offers us exceptional aquatic conditions for this unique adventure. This sporty descent requires a combination of endurance and technique. In this canyon, everyone has their role to play, everyone participates in the advancement of the group.
So if you are initiated in abseiling, if you want to deepen your knowledge of canyoning, if you have team spirit, if you want to escape, if at night you dream of canyoning in the high mountains, if you want to cool off, join the Estat team on Tuesday August 7, 2018!
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