Notre-Dame dry canyon (Verdon)

Description

Join me in the beautiful Notre-Dame canyon, which overlooks the stunning village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and provides the perfect setting for discovering dry canyoning.

A dry canyon, even if once carved by a torrent, is now only sporadically filled with water. Therefore, descending it doesn't require any contact with the water and, consequently, no wetsuit. This activity offers many advantages. Unlike a water canyon, which is often very seasonal, a dry canyon can be explored almost year-round. In most cases, this type of canyon requires little technical skill and remains accessible to a wide range of people, especially children. It also provides a good alternative for those who might be put off by whitewater. In any case, descending dry canyons offers a fun and captivating way to discover wild and impressive environments.

The Notre-Dame dry canyon is accessed from the beautiful village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie via a trail that winds along a small valley (approximately a 45-minute walk). The first part of the canyon is quite narrow and enclosed, so much so that you might even feel like you're caving!

Here, you'll find a series of handrails, short zip lines over pools, and short rappels, allowing you to cross rocky ledges. The second part of the canyon is more open and consists of longer rappels (up to about twenty meters) and short walks. This route doesn't require you to be particularly athletic, but you shouldn't be too prone to vertigo.

I will ensure your safety throughout the entire route, while teaching you the various techniques for navigating the canyon and introducing you to the site's rich history (geology, fauna, flora, etc.).

If you want other vertical adventures in the region, I recommend the nearby descent of the dry canyon of Venascle near Moustiers-Sainte-Marie or, why not, an introduction to multi-pitch climbing in the Gorges du Verdon.

Program

• Meet in the village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie (upper parking lot) at 8.30am.
  I will explain the activity, distribute your necessary equipment for the canyoning descent (harness, lanyards, helmet, belau device, etc.), and answer any questions you may have.
• Approach: We will leave from the village and reach the canyon via a slightly steep but not difficult trail. It will take us approximately 45 minutes to walk to the canyon entrance.
• Canyoning: After a safety briefing and equipment usage instructions, we will begin the descent.
  The first part of the canyon is quite narrow. Our route will consist of fixed ropes, short rappels and zip lines, and short walks. This will be an opportunity for me to teach you these different progression techniques. The second part of the canyon is more open and offers, in particular, longer rappels.
  At the end of our descent, we'll enjoy a breathtaking view overlooking the village.
• Return: A short walk along the chapel path will take us back to our starting point. After returning your equipment, you can stroll through the cobbled streets of this charming village.

The price includes

• Supervision by the climbing instructor.
• Loan of equipment necessary for the practice of the activity: ropes, harness, helmet, lanyards, belay device, etc.

The price does not include

• Round-trip transportation to the village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, an hour's drive south of Digne-les-Bains.
• Snacks.
• Drinks.
• Anything not mentioned in "The price includes".

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