I've tried it out for you Canyoning in the Bauges The Bauges Massif

I’ve tried it out for you!

Combining immersion in the elements with pushing your limits, canyoning is a thrilling experience. It was at the Ternèze Gorge, in the Bauges Mountains, that Pauline had her first go at canyoning. For her, it was her very first taste of the sport.

All set
for the adventure!

The meeting point? A small car park in Curienne, barely 15 minutes from Chambéry. Once there, the instructor brings out the full kit: climbing shoes, a wetsuit, gloves, a balaclava and a helmet. He explains the purpose of each item, goes over the basic safety rules, and hey presto, we’re all kitted out. Ready to dive straight into the adventure.

It’s very hot, and I’m a bit worried about having to carry all this kit on the approach walk to the canyon. But we can wear our own shoes, and **the walk is easy and short** – it takes about 20 minutes and we’re straight into the heart of nature, in the forest and in the shade.

Once the group has arrived, the instructor gives us the safety instructions. You really have to listen carefully; you must jump exactly where he tells you to. He explains what’s going to happen, and **we start with a bit of acclimatisation**.

First dip

We’re thrown straight into the water, just to get used to the huge temperature difference between the scorching air and the freezing water of the Ternèze Canyon. The wetsuit, pulled tight, quickly becomes a protective second skin. And really, what a joy it is to feel that coolness when it’s so hot outside!

The introductory session kicks off with a ‘joke’ from the instructor: turning your back to the current and letting yourself fall, without seeing where you’re jumping. A little test of confidence… and courage! Step by step, you learn to let go and trust the guide. Those who hesitate can have another go, until the fear turns into a thrill of excitement.

Then things start to ramp up. The first jumps are tiny, just to get the hang of the movement and keep your posture ‘straight as an arrow’ as you hit the water. Next, we tackle the natural slides and slightly higher jumps. You have to scramble, climb, squeeze through… and with every step, the challenge grows. The canyon turns into a real playground, where the adrenaline rises with every waterfall.

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Maud

Thrills
and pushing your limits

There’s even a section where you have to hold your breath for 1.5 metres. You can’t see a thing; you’re in the river, under a rock. It requires you to be able to swim and, above all, to overcome your fear.

For those who aren’t comfortable with certain sections, it’s possible to make your way through using abseils. Everyone can decide for themselves whether they want to push themselves through a particular section, and get help as needed. In any case, the group and the instructor encourage everyone – it’s really inspiring.

I think that to really enjoy canyoning, it’s best to have done a bit of climbing before, or not to be afraid of giving it a go. You’ll feel more at ease.

I must admit I was a bit daunted by that section where you had to hold your breath under a rock. But in the end, it was easy, just as the instructor had told us.

End of the session,
with a smile on our faces

The introductory session lasts about two hours. Along the route, you walk through the water a lot. The instructor explains the geology of the Bauges Massif Nature Park and gives a very clear description of what we can see around us in the massif.

Once the introductory session is over, there’s a short 5-minute walk back, still through the forest. You can have a bite to eat and choose an aperitif option, rounding off the session with a friendly get-together.

I didn’t really know what to expect before giving it a go, which is why I’m sharing my experience today. I thought it would be a bit like a via ferrata, but I didn’t expect to be in the water so much or to have to swim.

My impressions and thoughts on canyoning

All in all, I’m glad I plucked up the courage to do the jumps, and I’m happy to be able to talk about it to visitors at the reception desk of the Chambéry Montagnes Tourist Office. Daring to jump when you can’t see where you’re landing really does require letting go. You have to trust the instructor and the other people in the group.

The activity is suitable for children aged 8 and over. They’re often less scared than adults!

“A moment of sporting relaxation” My tip for making the most of this experience: Let go and let your inner child shine through.

My top 3
highlights from this experience

A refreshing break from the summer heat,
A gradual introduction tailored to everyone’s abilities;
A fun activity for groups made up of both fitness enthusiasts and those less active.