Canyoning and electric mountain biking in the wild Mercantour
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationMercantour National Park / Alpes-Maritimes
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AgeFrom 12 - 70 years
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CO₂-Emissions95.4 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
German
Italian
In a few words
Between the Mediterranean Sea and the wild peaks of the Mercantour National Park , the Franco-Italian Alpes-Maritimes offer exceptional adventure terrain. With over 300 canyons , this region is a premier destination for canyoning enthusiasts, whitewater sports lovers , and mountain hikers . Waterfalls, crystal-clear pools, and spectacular landscapes create an ideal setting for experiencing sporting adventures in the heart of unspoiled nature.
Just 50 minutes from Nice , this getaway combines outdoor activities with unique accommodations nestled in a natural setting. For an intimate atmosphere, three comfortable yurts welcome travelers seeking to disconnect. A 14-person stone cottage provides opportunities for convivial group gatherings, while two treehouses offer an original immersion in the heart of the forest.
After your workout, enjoy a relaxing moment at the wellness center , perfect for recovering after an active day.
Between aquatic adventures , alpine landscapes and unusual accommodations , this stay brings together all the ingredients to create a unique moment , whether for a sporting getaway, a stay with friends or a friendly event in the heart of nature.
The highlights
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The Roya Valley: a condensed adventure
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Very short journeys to reach the activities
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A friendly, family atmosphere surrounded by nature
Photos
Sport
Level
Mountain biking and e-mountain biking
In figures
Canyoning
- Average duration/day: 5h
MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Average distance/day: 16 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 700 m
- Average daily descent: 1000 m
- Predominant type of terrain : Dirt road
Management
Dorian, a canyoning guide for 6 years and you could say from father to son... Pure passion after having travelled the whole world canyoning, he returned to live in his favorite valley the Roya at the foot of the peaks of the Mercantour.
Olivier, an eclectic guide specializing in the Trans-Moroccan route in Morocco, is also a mountain biking and hiking guide. Not forgetting his particular passion: the wolf, of which he is arguably one of the greatest experts, thanks to his work in partnership with shepherds.
Program
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Arrival in Breil-sur-Roya
- Transportation Minibus - 00h07 - 3km
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Your arrival in Breil-sur-Roya is scheduled for 4 pm onwards. We will meet you in front of the village's train station . From this meeting point, we will drive you to the gîte, located 2.5 km away . Your vehicle can be parked in our parking lot for the duration of your stay.
If you are coming by car , take the Paris – Nice – Ventimiglia (Italy) motorway. Exit the motorway at the last exit before Italy , then follow the Roya valley for approximately 22km to reach Breil-sur-Roya .
If you choose to travel by train , the Breil-sur-Roya SNCF train station is approximately 3km from the gîte . A minibus shuttle service is available to transfer you between the station and the accommodation.
Once settled in at the cottage, you can take the time to get settled and quietly explore the natural environment of the valley.
Day 1 -
Wild canyon in the Roya Valley
- Transportation Minibus - 00h20 - 10km
- Activity Canyoning
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Departure from the gîte at 9am to reach Breil-sur-Roya in about 10 minutes by car . From the car park, a 30-minute approach walk leads to the start of the canyon .
The descent takes place in a wild and secluded canyon , renowned for its crystal-clear water . Along the way, several natural springs offer opportunities to refresh and quench your thirst with fresh water . A picnic lunch is planned in the heart of the canyon.
You will spend approximately 4 hours exploring the canyon , alternating between jumps (up to 10m ), rappels from 4 to 19m , natural slides from 4 to 13m , and swimming sections in pools. The descent involves a total negative elevation change of approximately 250m .
At the canyon exit, a 15-minute walk back leads to the parking lot. Return to the gîte around 4 pm for some rest after this first day of activity.
Day 2 -
Canyons of the Valley of the Witches (Italy)
- Transportation Minibus - 01h30 - 60km
- Activity Canyoning
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Departure from the gîte at 9am by minibus to reach the Valley of the Witches in Italy , located approximately 40 minutes away by car . A 20-minute walk leads to the start of the first canyon.
This first route is distinguished by a series of aesthetic rappels , some reaching 15m , in a rocky and enclosed environment. The descent lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes .
Without removing your wetsuit , you'll continue with a short 15-minute walk to reach the start of the second canyon. The atmosphere changes: this route is punctuated by numerous jumps between 4 and 10 meters , which you can repeat as many times as you like. The descent takes approximately 2 hours .
A picnic is planned in the canyon to enjoy the natural surroundings.
After the activity, return to the gîte around 5:30pm . On the way, a stop is a must for a tasting of Italian “gelati” , a tradition that your guide is particularly fond of.
Day 3 -
Electric mountain bike outing in the Mercantour National Park
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 16 km
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Negative elevation 1000 m
- Predominant type of terrain Dirt road
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Departure from the gîte at 9:30 am for an electric mountain bike outing towards the Col d'Agnon , located in the Mercantour National Park and overlooking the Roya Valley .
The route begins with a climb on a dirt track that first crosses an olive grove , then continues through oak and fir trees . This gradual ascent allows you to gain altitude and opens up beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
The loop offers in particular a view of the Maglia valley , which you will also have the opportunity to discover during the canyoning activity.
The route has a total elevation gain of approximately 700m and a total elevation loss of 1000m , alternating between regular climbs and fun descents on electric mountain bikes on the trails of the mountain range.
Return to the gîte at the end of the day after this sporting immersion in the heart of the Mercantour landscapes.
Day 4 -
Barbaira Canyon in Rochetta Nervina
- Transportation Minibus - 02h - 60km
- Activity Canyoning
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Departure from the gîte at 9am by minibus to reach Rochetta Nervina in Italy , located approximately 40 minutes away by car . From the car park, a 40-minute walk leads to the entrance of the Barbaira canyon .
This canyon is distinguished by its emerald green pools and its enclosed atmosphere. A spectacular passage of approximately 400m evokes the landscapes of tropical canyons and gives the route a unique feel.
The descent lasts approximately 4 hours and alternates between jumps (up to 10m ), rappels of 4 to 10m , natural slides of 4 to 13m , and swimming sections in pools. A picnic is planned in the heart of the canyon to enjoy the surroundings.
The route has a total elevation gain of approximately 250m . A return walk of about 15 minutes leads back to the parking lot.
Return to the gîte around 4pm after this day of canyoning.
Day 5 -
Morghé Canyon, vertical drop above the Maglia
- Transportation Minibus - 00h30 - 10km
- Activity Canyoning
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Departure from the gîte at 9am by minibus to reach the Morghé canyon , a spectacular tributary of the Maglia . Nestled in a white limestone environment, this canyon offers a decidedly vertical experience, particularly appreciated by rappelling enthusiasts.
A short approach walk leads quickly to the canyon entrance. The route then unfolds in a striking mineral landscape, where rappels follow one another in an airy atmosphere.
The highlight of the descent is a 56m rappel , an impressive vertical drop that is one of the defining moments of the route. This sequence offers a striking perspective on the limestone walls and surrounding landscape.
Progress through the canyon is made at a pace adapted to the group in order to fully enjoy this technical and immersive experience .
Return to the cottage around 4pm after this last day of activity.
Day 6 -
End of stay in Breil-sur-Roya
- Transportation Minibus - 00h07 - 3km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast at the cottage , the morning passes quietly before your departure in the late morning .
For people travelling by train , a minibus transfer is organised to the SNCF train station of Breil-sur-Roya , depending on train schedules .
This is the end of your sporting stay in the Roya Valley , between canyoning and mountain biking trips in the heart of the Mercantour and Liguria landscapes.
Day 7
Note
This canyoning-focused program requires little travel and remains flexible in case of bad weather with alternative activities such as canoe rafting.
Accommodation
Lisa's Gîte d'étape
Access
Go to the starting point
For those arriving by train, the Breil-sur-Roya SNCF train station is 3 km from the gîte. A minibus shuttle service is available to transport passengers to the gîte.
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation in yurts or in a gîte
- Full board from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 7
- The stay is supervised by qualified instructors.
- Equipment rental for activities
- Transfers to get to the activity locations
- Round-trip transfer from Breil-sur-Roya SNCF train station to the gîte
The price does not include
- Transportation to the meeting point
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Your toiletries
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
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