Underrated in the Vosges but perfect for hot summer days, canyoning lets you descend gorges combining swimming, jumps, abseils and natural slides.
Flagship routes: detailed characteristics
Gorges du Rupt
The entry-level route par excellence, ideal for a first experience. The Rupt de Basse offers regular pools, jumps of 1 to 3 metres from rounded rocks, and a natural slide of about 5 metres. Main abseil of 8 metres. Water temperature around 14-16°C in midsummer. Duration: 2h30. Accessible from age 10, low physical fitness requirement.
Canyon de l’Ours
A sporty route for experienced canyonists. Abseils up to 20 metres in enclosed gorges, technical jumps of 4 to 6 metres requiring controlled landing. Active swimming sections through narrow corridors. Water is cooler (12-14°C even in summer) due to permanent shade from the rock walls. Duration: 4h. Intermediate to advanced level, minimum age 14 recommended.
Canyon de la Doller (Alsatian side)
A historic canyon of the Vosges massif, often used for guide training. Total length of the active section: approximately 2 km. Jumps of 2 to 5 metres, main abseil of 12 metres, gorge atmosphere with coloured sandstone walls. Water at 15°C in July. Duration: 3h. Ideal for intermediate level.
Lac d’Alfeld and surrounds of the Ballon d’Alsace
A complete route with slab jumps, a natural slide and a swimming section in a mountain lake. Exceptional views over the Ballon d’Alsace. Lake water at 17-18°C in high season, making this the most comfortable thermally. Duration: 3h.
Kappelbach (Alsatian side)
A very aquatic route with few abseils but many successive pools and swims in clear water. Ideal for those who want to maximise swimming and minimise vertical work. Jumps of 1 to 4 metres, playful atmosphere. Water at 14-16°C. Duration: 2 to 2h30.
Canyoning with children
Most Vosges operators set the minimum age at 10 for intro routes, but some offer family outings from age 8 on very short adapted sections.
How to reassure a reluctant child:
- Present the activity as forest swimming, not an extreme sport
- Show them the neoprene wetsuit beforehand: it floats and keeps you warm
- Start with the smallest jumps, never push a refused jump
- Celebrate each stage completed, not just the highest jump
Adapted equipment for children:
- 5 mm neoprene wetsuits available in all sizes
- Helmets adjustable to small heads
- Child-size harnesses, checked by the guide before entering the water
- Some operators offer assisted swimming with floats for non-swimmers
Guide qualifications: what to check
In France, a professional canyoning guide must hold the BPJEPS (Professional Certificate in Youth, Popular Education and Sport) in Aquatic and Whitewater Swimming Activities, or be a qualified state instructor. Some guides are also certified by the French Mountaineering and Climbing Federation (FFME) or the French Speleology Federation (FFS).
Before booking, check:
- The guide’s diploma (ask explicitly: a serious professional will show it without hesitation)
- The operator’s professional liability insurance
- The equipment: approved wetsuits, CE-marked helmets, harnesses and lanyards in good condition
- The guide-to-participant ratio (no more than 8 people per guide)
Be wary of any offer without professional supervision or a suspiciously low price.
Weather and flow: when to cancel
Canyoning takes place in watercourses whose flow varies directly with the weather. A storm 50 km away can suddenly raise the flow in a canyon without the sky looking threatening on site.
Automatic cancellation criteria:
- Thunderstorm forecast over the catchment area within 6 hours
- Flow more than 1.5 times the average seasonal rate
- Murky or coloured water (sign of significant recent run-off)
- Brown or yellow water colour at the canyon entrance
How to check before leaving:
- Check Météo France and select “storm risk” on the Vosges map
- Look at Vigicrues data for the relevant watercourses (vigicrues.gouv.fr)
- Call the operator the evening before: local guides know the safety thresholds for each canyon
Professional operators always cancel without extra charge when conditions are degraded.
Alternatives in bad weather
If canyoning is cancelled due to weather, several covered or safer activities exist in the area:
- Indoor climbing wall in Remiremont: indoor structure, initiation possible on the day
- Indoor swimming pool in Gérardmer: intercommunal pool, ideal for families with young children
- Rainy hiking: with good waterproof gear, Vosges forests are beautiful even in grey weather
- La Bresse museum: local heritage, Vosges textile history
Group rates: discounts from 6 people
Operators generally apply a sliding scale:
| Group size | Indicative discount |
|---|---|
| 1 to 5 people | Full price |
| 6 to 9 people | 10 to 15% |
| 10 to 15 people | 15 to 20% |
| 16 people and over | Negotiate directly |
For works councils and associations, personalised quotes are generally available, sometimes including transport. Plan a minimum of 3 weeks’ advance booking for groups of 10 or more.
Best period
June to August is the ideal window for several reasons:
- Warmer water (14 to 18°C vs 8 to 12°C in May)
- Stable river flows, lower flash flood risk
- Long days allowing complete outings with daylight return
- Guides available: book early as their schedules fill up
May suits experienced practitioners and groups tolerant of cold. Landscapes are often more beautiful (fresh vegetation) but the water is cold.
September: excellent value for money, fewer people, water still acceptable until around 15 September.
What you learn
- White-water swimming
- Abseiling
- Safe jumps into pools
- Basic river reading
Gear provided
Full neoprene wetsuit, helmet, harness, canyoning shoes. Bring: swimwear, towel, change of clothes, sunscreen.
Prices
Count 55 to 80 euros per person for a half-day intro, 85 to 110 euros for a full day with a qualified guide.
When?
May to September depending on river flow. Avoid after heavy rain (flash floods). Guides automatically cancel risky trips.
Where to book
Several guide offices in La Bresse, Gérardmer and Munster offer canyoning. Online booking possible. Groups of 4 to 8 max advised for safety and enjoyment.
Where to stay
Chalets in La Bresse: direct base for canyoning, with drying room and garden for gear.
Also read
Frequently asked questions
Do you need to be sporty to go canyoning?
No for intro routes, open from age 10 with basic fitness. Sporty routes need good general fitness, stamina and no fear of heights.
What does it cost?
55 to 80 euros per person for a half-day intro, 85 to 110 euros for a full day with a qualified guide.
When is the season?
May to September depending on river flow. Avoid after heavy rain (flash floods). Guides cancel any risky trip automatically.
What's provided?
Full neoprene wetsuit, helmet, harness, canyoning shoes. Bring: swimwear, towel, change of clothes, sunscreen.
Where to book in La Bresse?
Several guide offices in La Bresse, Gérardmer and Munster offer canyoning. Online booking possible. Groups of 4 to 8 max recommended for safety and enjoyment.