Groin Canyon | An Unforgettable Canyoning Experience in Bugey Artemare | Canriv

Ready for the Groin Canyon in Artemare? Siphons, drops of up to 12 meters, and 130-meter swims in a 30-meter-high gorge: an extraordinary experience in the Bugey region, 1 hour and 30 minutes from Lyon and 1 hour from Chambéry.

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Canyon Details

A Sensational Journey

The Groin Canyon, located in Artemare in the Bugey Mountains, is the jewel of the Ain’s canyons. Set in one of the most deeply incised canyons in the Alps, this labyrinthine route features a series of siphons, long swimming sections, jumps into potholes carved by erosion, and exceptional plays of light. In some places, the canyon is only 3 meters wide and 30 meters high.The atmosphere is unique, almost cave-like in the first section.

This isn't just any canyon. It's an experience. For those who love to swim, jump, and explore places few people have seen.

What you'll love:

One of the most dramatic gorges in the Alps, up to 30 meters high and 3 meters wide
Legendary siphons to navigate, including a free-diving section
Jumps of up to 12 meters into potholes carved by erosion
Swims of up to 130 meters in crystal-clear water
Exceptional light effects in the first section
The Vaucluse spring at Le Groin, a rare geological wonder
Just 1 hour and 30 minutes from Lyon and 1 hour from Chambéry

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Practical Details

Groin Canyon: Technical Specifications

All the details about the trip—no more secrets (except for the magnificent scenery and experiences we have in store for you).

Groin Canyon

Difficulty: 3/4
Minimum age: 12 years old
Duration: 3 hours and 30 minutes
Price: 60 for individuals, 55 for groups
Maximum jump: 12 m
Maximum waterfall height: 18 m
Slide: yes
Walk there: 0 min
Walk back: 10 minutes
Internship period: April through October
City: Annecy, Aix-les-Bains–Chambéry, Grenoble, Lyon
Mountain Range: Bugey

Meeting place:

How's it going?

YourDay at a Glance

From the moment you arrive at the parking lot until the final rappel, here’s how a canyoning trip with Canyons & Rivières unfolds. Every step is designed with your comfort and safety in mind.

Canriv

Reception & Facilities

Meet at the parking lot at the finish line in Artemare. Your CANRIV guide will welcome you and outfit you with a full-body wetsuit, socks, a helmet, and a harness. We’ll carpool up to the canyon’s starting point. And we’ll get started right away.

Safety briefing and entry into the canyon

A full briefing before entering the Groin. The guide will explain the siphons, jumps, and swimming sections. Important note: one siphon is mandatory. You’ll need to submerge your head underwater for less than 10 seconds. It’s quick, easy, and guided. But we’d rather tell you this beforehand than once you’re at the bottom of the canyon.

Part One: The Cave-Like Atmosphere

Right from the entrance, the scenery is breathtaking. The canyon is narrow, steep-sided, and almost dark. The first drop is between 5 and 7 meters into a deep pool, followed by a siphon, a 30-meter swim, a climb down, and another swim... Le Groin unfolds nonstop in a unique atmosphere. The play of light between the 30-meter-high walls creates exceptional shafts of light when the sun peeks through. In some spots, a headlamp comes in handy.

Part Two: The Big Leaps

We gradually emerge into the light. The canyon opens up, and the pace changes. Abseiling down waterfalls, natural slides, and to top it all off: the last two drops—12m and 6m—or, for the more daring, the 12m jump or slide. The grand finale of Le Groin.

The Return of the Heroes

It's a 10-minute walk to the parking lot. Just enough time to take in what we've just experienced and decide that we'll be back next year.

Removal of Equipment and Return of Materials

We return the gear and find our belongings dry. The full-body wetsuit did a remarkable job. Thanks to it.

A Fun Time & Memories

We’re doing the Groin Canyon again, this time in story mode with the guide. Everyone has their own take on the mandatory siphon. CANRIV offers souvenir packages to help you preserve memories of your adventures in the Bugey: professional photos and videos in the Standard Package, Couple Package, or Premium Package. Ask your guide for pricing on the day of the trip.

What are our plans?

Logistical Information

Included in the price

Complete gear (wetsuit, neoprene socks, helmet, harness)
Guided by a certified guide
Professional Liability Insurance

Things to Plan For

Swimsuit
Athletic shoes (sneakers with grippy soles)

Requirements

Knowing how to swim
Being comfortable in the water
Have no medical contraindications

There's no doubt about it—you're going to love it

A quick look: :Groin Canyon

What they're saying:

Natural slides, optional jumps, and paths carved through impressive gorges: they've been there and are sharing their experiences.

Do you have any questions about this program?

We'll answer all your questions

No, the Groin is a challenging canyon rated 3/4. Prior canyoning experience is essential. If you're a beginner, start with the Chaley Canyon or the Ternèze before tackling the Groin.

Ages 12 and up, provided you are comfortable in the water, in good physical condition, and have already gone canyoning. Le Groin is a challenging canyon that requires a serious commitment.

A siphon is a section where water completely fills the canyon floor. You have to submerge your head underwater to get past the obstacle. In the Groin, the mandatory siphon is only a few centimeters deep. You’ll have your head underwater for less than 10 seconds. You can feel the exit on the other side with your arm. It sounds daunting, but it’s actually quite simple to do. The guide will be with you every step of the way.

No. All jumps are optional. The 12-meter jump can be replaced by a 12-meter slide or a 6-meter jump. The guide adapts to each person’s skill level and preferences.

Knowing how to swim is essential. Le Groin is the most water-intensive canyon in our catalog, with swims of up to 130 meters. You don’t need to be a competitive swimmer, but being comfortable in the water is a must.

No, the Groin is a canyon that is sensitive to hydrological conditions. Its flow rate can change very quickly, even without a storm. We always check the flow rate before each outing. If conditions are unfavorable, we will suggest another canyon in the Bugey region.

Yes, it’s the perfect outing for groups of active friends and bachelor parties looking for an intense experience near Lyon and Chambéry. Let us know in advance so the guide can tailor the briefing to the group’s skill level.

The canyon is accessible from April through mid-July. The best time to visit is June and July, when water flow and temperature conditions are optimal.