If you’re thinking about trying canyoning in France, the Ternèze Canyon in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region is worth considering. It’s a short, lively adventure that promises fun, splashes, and some impressive waterfalls, all within reach of Chambéry. While we haven’t done it ourselves, reviews highlight its friendly atmosphere and beautiful scenery, making it a favorite for many visitors.
What we love about this experience is how playful and accessible it sounds—perfect for those wanting a taste of canyoning without a full-day commitment. Plus, the guides seem genuinely skilled and reassuring, which helps especially if you’re new to water adventures. On the flip side, it’s important to note that you’ll need to be comfortable with swimming and heights, so it may not suit everyone.
This tour is best suited for families with kids over 8, or groups looking for a fun, half-day outing that’s not overly challenging. If you’re after an adrenaline rush or a remote wilderness experience, you might find this canyon a bit tame. Still, for many, it hits that sweet spot of excitement and safety.
Key Points

- Family-friendly activity, suitable for children aged 8 and over.
- Short, 3-hour experience making it easy to fit into a busy itinerary.
- Highly rated with a 4.9/5 from 11 reviews, indicating consistent satisfaction.
- Affordable pricing at $59 per person, offering good value for a guided adventure.
- Beautiful scenery with waterfalls and slides that suit all thrill levels.
- Perfect for beginners or those wanting a playful introduction to canyoning.
What Is the Ternèze Canyon Adventure?

Imagine a short but lively canyon filled with waterfalls, slides, and jumps that can be repeated as many times as you want—this is the essence of Ternèze Canyon. Located just 20 minutes from Chambéry, in the scenic Massif des Bauges, this spot offers a playful environment that appeals especially to families, groups, or anyone curious about canyoning but wary of more extreme routes.
The activity lasts about 3 hours, from start to finish, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the water without feeling rushed. You’ll be equipped with top-quality wetsuits, helmets, and ropes, ensuring safety while letting you focus on the fun. The guides are described as knowledgeable and reassuring, which can make a big difference if it’s your first time.
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The Experience: What You Can Expect

Starting Out: Getting Ready
Once you arrive, you’ll be fitted with your gear—wetsuits to keep warm, helmets for safety, and ropes for the various jumps and slides. The group size tends to be small, allowing for personalized attention from your guide, which is especially helpful for nervous first-timers.
The Canyon Itself
The Ternèze Canyon is renowned for its playful nature. With jumps ranging from 1 to 9 meters, you get a real variety of thrills. And if jumping isn’t your thing, you can always choose to slide or walk around the waterfalls instead; the activity is flexible enough that you can tailor your experience.
More Great Tours NearbyWaterfalls and Slides
The highlight, according to reviews, is the series of impressive waterfalls and slides. The slides are a big draw—amazing and fun, perfect for testing your bravery or simply enjoying the splashes. Many reviewers mention how repeatable the slides are, making it feel like an aquatic playground.
Safety and Guidance
One reviewer mentioned how patient and reassuring the guides are, emphasizing safety without sacrificing fun. Notably, participants are required to know how to swim and not be afraid of heights, which is an important consideration before booking.
Who Will Enjoy This?
From the positive reviews, it’s clear that families with children over 8 find this tour particularly enjoyable. Participants of all ages have found it thrilling yet manageable, thanks to the guides’ attentiveness. If you’re looking for a family adventure or just a fun day out in nature, this canyon could be a good fit.
Why Visitors Love It

Many praise the friendly guides—Yohan, Kevin, Guilhem, and Yoann get specific shout-outs for their patience, humor, and reassuring presence. Their expertise makes even nervous first-timers comfortable, which is crucial in a water activity.
The scenery also gets high marks, with reviewers describing the waterfalls as impressive and the overall environment as peaceful and green. The fact that you can choose the level of challenge adds to its appeal, especially for those who want a bit of adrenaline without going overboard.
One traveler from the Netherlands called it “really enjoyable” and appreciated the great fun for both adults and kids. Another mentioned that the activity was not too difficult but still offered large sensations, which speaks to the balance the tour strikes.
The Practical Side: Costs, Duration, and What’s Included

At $59 per person, this canyoning experience is quite affordable considering all the gear and guidance included. You’ll get wetsuits, helmets, ropes, and a professional guide to navigate the canyon safely. The 3-hour duration means it’s a perfect half-day activity, leaving plenty of time to explore Chambéry or nearby areas afterward.
Reserving is flexible—you can book now and pay later, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This makes it easy to fit into an unpredictable travel schedule.
What’s Not Included
You’ll need to bring your own food and drinks if you want a picnic afterward. But for the activity itself, everything necessary is provided, which simplifies planning.
Transport and Accessibility

While the tour is located just 20 minutes from Chambéry, consider how you’ll get there if you’re staying further out. The activity is suitable for most travelers willing to make the short drive, and the small-group size means you won’t be stuck in large tours or buses.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
For those seeking a fun, safe, and scenic introduction to canyoning, the Ternèze Canyon ticks most boxes. It’s especially attractive for families, first-timers, or groups looking for a reliable and playful adventure. The guides seem to genuinely care about creating a positive experience, and the scenery offers enough wow-factor to justify the trip.
However, if you’re not comfortable with swimming or heights, or after a more challenging, remote canyon experience, you might want to look elsewhere. The activity’s playful nature and manageable jumps make it ideal for those who want excitement without too much risk.
Overall, it offers excellent value for money and a friendly atmosphere that will likely leave you with great memories and maybe a few adrenaline-fueled stories.
Discovery of Ternèze Canyon
FAQ
Do I need to be able to swim?
Yes, swimming skills are required to participate safely in the canyon.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 8 and above who are comfortable with swimming and heights will enjoy it.
How long is the tour?
The activity lasts approximately 3 hours, making it a perfect half-day outing.
What is included in the price?
You get canyoning equipment—wetsuit, helmet, ropes—and a qualified guide.
Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund.
Is it safe?
Yes, the guides are experienced and prioritize safety, with equipment provided to ensure a secure experience.
What should I bring?
Bring your own food and drinks, as they are not included.
What if I’m afraid of heights?
This activity requires being comfortable with heights; if you’re afraid, it might not be the best fit.
Is there an age limit?
Participants should be at least 8 years old; those over 70 might want to consider their comfort levels with heights and water.
If you’re after a playful, scenic, and well-guided canyoning experience near Chambéry, the Ternèze Canyon looks like a winner. It’s a great way to enjoy nature, get your adrenaline going, and share some laughs with family or friends. Just remember to be comfortable with water and heights, and you’ll have a memorable half-day adventure.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Tour Reviews in Grenoble
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