The 5 Best Canyons in Savoie, According to CANRIV
The best canyons in Savoie are less than 1 hour and 30 minutes from Lyon, Chambéry, and Annecy. With turquoise waters, natural slides, and dizzying jumps, it’s hard to know where to start. CANRIV has selected the top 5 must-do canyons in the region. Whether you’re a beginner, a family, or a group of friends looking for thrills, you’re sure to find something you’ll love among the best canyons in Savoie.
The Chéran Canyon
If you could only go canyoning in one place in Savoie, this would be it. The Chéran offers some of the most beautiful turquoise waters in the region, with jumps ranging from 1 to 9 meters—all optional. Open to participants ages 10 and up, it’s the perfect introduction to canyoning with family or friends. The river carves a steep-walled gorge in the heart of a protected forest: you’ll feel like you’re in a world of your own from the very first minutes. The guide adapts to the group, and the jumps are never mandatory. It’s one of the best canyons in Savoie for a first whitewater experience.
Difficulty: 1/4 | Ages 10 and up | 2 hours
The Ternèze Canyon
The Ternèze is the canyon that everyone loves and that many people revisit. The reason? The legendary Torpille—a natural slide carved out of the rock—and jumps of up to 7 meters into pools of clear water. Accessible to ages 8 and up, it’s perfect for families and mixed groups looking for thrills without the hassle. The 2.5-hour duration gives you plenty of time to enjoy every section. Some groups do it a second time on the same day—it’s that addictive. Undoubtedly one of the best canyons in Savoie, across all categories.
Difficulty: 1/4 | Ages 8 and up | 2 hours 30 minutes
The Grenant Canyon
Le Grenant takes things up a notch in terms of technical difficulty. Challenging slides, steep-walled pools, and jumps of up to 7 meters punctuate the descent. Its signature feature? The “ejector” slide, which propels participants into the pool below—a sensation no one will ever forget. Suitable for ages 10 and up, it’s perfect for groups looking to truly push their limits. The beauty of the site, nestled in the Chartreuse Mountains, is every bit as thrilling as the experience itself. Le Grenant stands out as one of the best canyons in Savoie for athletic groups.
Difficulty: 2/4 | Ages 10 and up | 2 hours 30 minutes
Devil's Bridge Canyon
Short but intense: the Pont du Diable checks all the boxes in 2 hours and 30 minutes. A 12-meter abseil, the “Torpille” slide, jumps of up to 10 meters, and a final 300-meter swim through the forest. This canyon is designed for thrill-seekers who want maximum adrenaline in minimum time. For ages 12 and up, it requires a minimum level of self-confidence. The wild setting, far from roads and noise, adds a rare sense of adventure. For bachelor parties or groups of friends looking for a thrill, it’s one of the best canyons in Savoie.
Difficulty: 2/4 | Ages 12 and up | 2 hours 30 minutes
The Angon Canyon
The Angon Canyon is the most visually spectacular. It overlooks Lake Annecy from start to finish—a panorama you won’t find anywhere else. The legendary mailbox, the small jumps, and the accessible rappels make this a canyon suitable for everyone, with variations up to level 4/4 for the most experienced. Ages 10 and up for the introductory route; up to 4 hours for the full route. It’s the ideal itinerary for combining adventure with exceptional scenery. Angon is undoubtedly one of the best canyons in Savoie in terms of its setting.
Difficulty: 1/4 to 4/4 | Ages 10 and up | 2½ to 4 hours
Book a trip to some of the best canyons in Savoie
Ready to get started? Before you head out, be sure to check the conditions on Météo-France —water levels can change quickly in the mountains. To explore all the outdoor activities the region has to offer, the Savoie Mont Blanc Tourisme website is an excellent resource. CANRIV provides you with a certified guide and all the necessary equipment. Contact us to book your descent.
