Official Site of Ardèche Tourism
www.ardeche-guide.com

Ecotourism

Canyoning and Caving in Ardèche

Canyoning:

Canyoning - Ardèche
An activity combining swimming, climbing, abseiling
and walking, canyoning is the rendezvous for lovers of strong sensations.

Beware: The descent of canyons requires the presence
of a specialised instructor for guaranteed safety.

Multimedia:
Overview of the activity, on video.
Source: Ardèche-guide.

Caving:

For millions of years, cavities have been forming in the limestone masses making up southern Ardèche, which makes this environment a living memory of departmental geography.
The number and variety of these phenomena inscribes the Ardèche as a site or European importance with over 2,500 subterranean cavities listed.
Caving is practiced throughout the year in Ardèche. However be wary of violent storms and torrential rain in the spring and at the end of summer.
With a reputation for being rather easy due to the agreeable temperature (12°C), the short approach walks and a large number of cavities allowing the discovery of the underground environment.

Beware: Visiting a cavity demand technical competence to move around in complete safety. Consequently training with different caving clubs is necessary. Otherwise, ensure you have the supervision of a competent guide.

**************

Advices:

# Collect information (description, topography, equipment list, hydrological regime and meteorological conditions...).
# Communicate the itinerary and approximate timings to someone who knows how to raise the alert (specific to underground rescue).
# Never go alone
# Adjust the duration of the stay underground depending on the type of cavity, the age and number of participants, their technical level, their physical condition and their individual equipment.
# Match the clothing and equipment to the type of cavity: helmet with chinstrap and effective lighting being indispensable.

Recommendations:

To preserve free access to the sights and as good citizens, the caver takes care to cause the least possible disturbance (respect, courtesy, discretion) to landowners and users. Like everyone else, he is subject to the current regulations (fire, camping, protected areas…) in accordance with the Charter adopted by the Federation.

Practical information:
Comité départemental de spéléologie Ardèche ()
Tel: +33 (0)8 77 91 28 13 - Email.