Subra Canyon, a technical pleasure.

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!

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Des écossais dans le canyon d'Estat

Des écossais à la conquête du canyon d'Estat.

canyon estat toboggan speleo canyon ariege

Petit retour en arrière. Vous vous souvenez de l'écossais qui participait à ma première journée de canyoning dans le canyon de l'Artigue ? Et bien il se trouve qu'il a fortement apprécié l'Ariège et, lorsqu'il a monté sa propre entreprise de canyon The Canyoning Company, il a mis en place une formule de voyage. Voilà que des écossais débarquent en Ariège ! C'était en 2017. Pour les aider dans leur première expédition avec leurs clients, Rod leur met à disposition le centre et je leur propose de les aider. Ils sont restés une semaine, avec chaque jour un canyon différent. Pour finir en beauté, ils partent avec Rod à l'assaut du canyon d'Estat.

canyon estat corridor speleo canyon ariege
Photo by Gus Schiavon

Ce fut une superbe journée. Il faisait grand beau et on rigolait dans la marche d'approche. On avait un peu de mal à se comprendre parfois, les accents hein... On a débouché hors de la forêt, au milieu des gispettes. La vue était imprenable sur le pic rouge de Bassiès et le canyon de l'Artigue. En dessous de la bergerie, on a pris notre déjeuner à l'entrée de la partie inférieure du canyon d'Estat.

canyon estat dessin speleo canyon ariege

Et nous voilà partis ! Les deux écossais étaient montés sur ressorts, l'équipe était maintenant au point, chacun était actif. Ceux qui n'équipaient pas les relais aidaient à remettre les cordes dans les sacs, transportaient les cordes en avant, on s'entraidait, on se marrait. Le canyon d'Estat est un bon challenge, même pour une équipe en place et motivée par une semaine de canyon. C'est le plus grand, le plus beau et le plus engagé de la vallée de Vicdessos.

canyon estat rappel speleo canyon ariege
Photo by Gus Schiavon

De rappel en rappel, on progressait à travers le canyon. La concentration était de mise, la journée était technique. On a finit sous le soleil, après le corridor vient la grande cascade de quarante cinq mètres. Les écossais auront apprécié le challenge. Il est vrai qu'il est difficile de ne pas apprécier la douceur de vivre, la beauté des paysages et les canyons de l'Ariège. En partant, ils ont insisté pour que je vienne leur rendre visite en Écosse, ce qui sera fait quelques temps plus tard.

Alors les écossais ne sont pas là, mais on prévoit quand même une sortie au canyon d'Estat jeudi 08 août. Est-ce que vous voulez relever le challenge ? Il reste peut être une place...

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.

rappel canyon souterrain vicdessos

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.

cnyon souterrain vicdessos

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!

ramper canyon souterrain vicdessos

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.

spéléo Voyage sous terre

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!

Pour la famille et les pitchounes :  c'est par ici la grotte de Siech!

Pour les jeunes et les intrépides :  accrochez-vous avec le canyon souterrain du Vicdessos!

Pour les experts et les sportifs : en avant vers des cavités plus profondes!

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An expedition to the Canyon d’Estat

The Estat canyon, quite an 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!

Getting started in the Artigue Canyon

How to start canyoning?

I started canyoning by chance, if chance exists. I met Rod in Ariège during a barbecue with friends. He was looking for people who spoke English to go on an outing to the Canyon de l’Artigue. He was giving a Assistant Instructor training course within the ICOpro structure. I was with two friends, we knew how to speak English but we knew nothing about canyoning and we had never heard of ICOpro. We said yes, and off we went.

Artigue canyon paysage

The future Assistant Instructors welcomed us enthusiastically. They came from all over the world; a Scot, a Brazilian, a Frenchman, an American… They showed us the canyoner’s equipment and the activity. It was about going down a canyon using various techniques; we were going to go tobogganing, abseiling, jumping and walking. During the approach walk I remember feeling a mixture of curiosity, apprehension and well-being. We were moving around the mountain and that was already great. Rod showed us how to use the pirana to abseil down a rope. Well, we knew that, it was not bad. All that remained was to do it.

canyon rappel dessin

The international Assistant Instructors reassured us, we weren't too smart in this river nestled between the rocks. I was afraid of heights, or at least I thought I was, I didn't like the heights and the first jump was difficult, after that it was as funny as a kid jumping into the water. And then the rappel... The first rappel I didn't act proud, I wondered if the rope would hold, I didn't know what to do with my feet, a little drop of sweat ran down my forehead and it went very well.

Artigue canyon cascade

So we spent a good part of the day, going down the Artigue canyon in joy and good humor speaking English. It was a treat to share this moment with my friends but also with these people who came from faraway lands. At the end of the canyon we turned around with our friends to say that we had gone down our first canyon. We all met at the Spéléo Canyon Ariège center to debrief the day. We received our ICOpro cards, we were family, we were initiated. And for me it was the beginning of the canyoning adventure.

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