Rio Sourd Canyon
Wild and Playful Initiation in the Vercors
Plunge into the heart of the South Vercors for an unforgettable outing in the Canyon du Rio Sourd. Located near Châtillon-en-Diois, this route is a veritable geological gem, offering total immersion in pristine, verdant nature. Often regarded as one of the region's most beautiful initiation canyons, the Rio Sourd perfectly combines the mineral ambience of deep gorges with the gentleness of lush vegetation.
In contrast to the very watery canyons of northern Isère, the Rio Sourd is distinguished by its vertical character and spectacular incision. It's the ideal playground for those who want to discover the activity gently while learning rope techniques. Whether you're with family, friends or a keen sportsman, this canyon promises you a half-day of total relaxation, far from the crowds.
An Accessible Vertical Discovery
The Canyon du Rio Sourd is ideal for beginners eager to learn. There are no scary jumps here, just a succession of aesthetic abseils that allow you to familiarize yourself with rope descent in complete safety. The course is progressive: you start with small obstacles to build your confidence, before tackling higher waterfalls, reaching up to 17 m.
The atmosphere here is unique, almost tropical. The narrow limestone walls are carpeted with moss and ferns, creating a corridor of greenery where the crystal-clear water meanders merrily. It's a sensory experience as much as a sporting one, where the pleasure of sliding down the natural toboggans meets the wonder of the raw beauty of the Diois.
Adventure in the Heart of the Diois
Located a stone's throw from the medieval village of Châtillon-en-Diois, this canyon benefits from the sunny climate of the Drôme. The approach is a pleasant 30-minute walk, offering breathtaking views of the Gorges des Gâts before rejoining the riverbed. It's an ideal outing to complete a day in the Vercors, combining freshness and adrenalin.
This course is an excellent introduction to the world of canyoning for youngsters (aged 10 and over) and novice adults. It requires a minimum of motor skills to manage the abseils, but remains very accessible. Let yourself be guided by the current and enjoy a timeless moment in one of the best-kept secrets of the southern Vercors.
The experience
Obstacles and Sensations
The Rio Sourd is above all a canyon of atmosphere and learning. The course is punctuated by numerous natural slides sculpted by the water, offering fun and refreshing slides. The main attraction is the abseiling. You'll cross a number of waterfalls, the highest of which stands at around 17 metres.
Important note: This canyon is à "predominantly vertical". This means that abseiling mastery is at the heart of the activity. Not all obstacles can be avoided, but our guides are on hand to secure every descent and teach you the techniques gently. Water is present, but the discharge is generally moderate, making for a reassuring experience. Note that there are no jumps or swimming in this canyon.
Safety and equipment
Your safety is our top priority. You will be supervised by state-qualified instructors who are experts in the Vercors and Diois regions. Before you set off, a full briefing will explain the safety instructions and gestures to adopt.
We supply all the necessary technical equipment to CE standards:
Full 5mm wetsuit (top and bottom) to protect you from the cold.
Harness equipped with lanyards and descender.
Equipment included
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A pair of neoprene shoes
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A neoprene wetsuit (Seland brand)
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A harness for canyoning
Equipped with lanyards + an eight -
A layer of protection
for water rides -
Helmet
Equipment to bring
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Good walking shoes
Tied with shoelace with rigid sole (like sport or wandering shoes) -
A bathing suit
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A towel
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Warm and waterproof clothes
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Snacks, drinks and a change of clothes
For the way back to the car -
for whole day canyon, something to eat during the descent of the river (protected in a water-proof container)
Location and Logistics
See on Google MapsAccess and travel time
The canyon is located in the Drôme department, south of the Vercors massif. It is easily accessible from the surrounding major towns:
From Valence: About 1h30 drive via the Drôme valley.
From Grenoble: About 1 h30 minutes via the Col de Menée or the Route du Trièves.
immediate proximity: 30 minutes from Die and 10 minutes from Châtillon-en-Diois.
Point of Rendezvous
The meeting point is generally set at the Parking des Gorges des Gâts, located in the commune of Treschenu-Creyers (near Châtillon-en-Diois).
Instructions: Once your reservation has been confirmed, we'll send you the exact GPS point. The telephone network may be limited in the gorges, so remember to load your itinerary in advance.
EMAIL: contact@revedecimes.com
TELEPHONE: +33 (0)6 28 79 89 47
