Are you in the Pyrenees looking for sports activities in the middle of nature? So here is a list of sites where to make canyoning around Laruns, for a maximum of sensations!
Laruns is a pretty town typical of the Pyrenees-Atlantic, located less than 40 kilometers from Pau , in the beautiful and preserved Ossau valley.
Ideal playground for outdoor and nature lovers, the situation of Laruns, close to the Pyrenees National Park , in fact an ideal starting point for hiking, but not just... The Ossau valley also known to be a must-see for the practice of mountain sports with, among them: canyoning.
Indeed, the Ossau valley has a large number of canyons, accessible and varied, allowing everyone to practice this dynamic and refreshing activity. Whether you're a beginner or confirmed, there's something for all tastes and levels! Here is our selection of the 5 places where to make canyoning around Laruns, in the heart of the Ossau valley!
1. Canceigt Canyon
- ⏳ Duration of the course 2:30
- ▲ Level : easy
- ✱ Period : April to October
The Canceigt Canyon is located between villages of Bagès and Béost only a few minutes from Laruns. It is an unmistakable place to make canyoning around Laruns.
Situated in a wooded and pleasant gorge, you will discover a unique atmosphere, due to its deep and narrow encasement, and its rocky walls covered with foam. It is the ideal canyon for an initiation to this playful activity.
On the programme: a 13-metre recall descent from one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the region, more or less technical jumps and many natural slides through clear water and an impressive setting!
If you want to make canyoning around Laruns, don’t hesitate for a second to try the Canceigt canyon. A moment of guaranteed fun and happiness for the eyes.
2. Bious Canyon
- ⏳ Duration of the course : from 2h30 (half day) to 4h of canyon (full view)
- ▲ Level : easy / intermediate
- ✱ Period : April to October
Looking for a canyoning around Laruns? Go to the Bious Canyon! Located in Gabas , only 20 minutes de Laruns, discover this easy and playful canyon, perfect for groups of families and friends who want to discover this outdoor practice.
You can easily access it in 10 to 15 minutes walk from the hamlet of Gabas, following the river that leads to Lake Bious Artigues.
During the descent, accessible to all, you will alternate swimming, hiking, natural slides, recall descents and jumps up to 7 meters! You will plunge into the heart of large clear water vessels, climb waterfalls, run at speed in slides dug into the rock... In short, a pure moment of pleasure and sensations.
Located close to the property Lake of Bious Artigues , enjoy it to go to admire this magnificent place at the foot of the Pic du midi d’Ossau .
3. Canyon of Soussouéou

Photo credit: Flickr – Benoît Dandonneau
- ⏳ Duration of the course 2:30
- ▲ Level : easy / intermediate
- ✱ Period : April to October
If there is a canyon suitable for initiation, it is the canyon of Soussouéou and its succession of slides and natural pools carved in the granite. It is also one of the best known canyons in the region. It is even nicknamed by some Aqualand!
To access it, count about 30 minutes of approach walk through a beautiful tree and beech forest. And from there, start the jumps, going for some up to 10 meters, the slides, the descents as a reminder, and the cascades. But there will also be more calm moments in large natural pools, or along the river where you can observe this absolutely amazing environment.
The canyon of Soussouéou is a series of continuous obstacles, for a day at the same time sporting, playful and fun, and especially one of the best places to make canyoning around Laruns.
4. Brousset Canyon
- ⏳ Duration of the course 4:30
- ▲ Level intermediate:
- ✱ Period June to October
Are you an amateur of strong sensations, already a follower of this practice and are you looking for a great spot to make canyoning around Laruns? Without waiting, take the direction of the ga, in the middle of the estive area, to discover its limestone pots.
The Brousset canyon is located 5 kilometres from the Pourtalet Pass, also named Tourmoun. Its fresh waters, which reach the 15th in the summer, and its huge pots, make the happiness of canyoning enthusiasts! Note that this canyon is one of the only ones in the Ossau valley to be in natural flow, that is, without hydroelectric work.
For 1.5 kilometers, will follow under your feet (or your buttocks), a multitude of obstacles. However, note that their difficulties do not really allow the discovery of the activity, but rather remain reserved for an insider audience. In handrails, 16-metre reminders, and 7-metre jumps, there's something to please you!
5. Canyon in the Gorges du Bitet
- ⏳ Duration of the course : from 5 to 6h canyon
- ▲ Level : difficult / very difficult
- ✱ Period June to October
We climbed crescendo in this article recensing the best places to make canyoning around Laruns, to finish with the Gorges du Bitet... The favorite canyon of enthusiasts, intrepid and especially the initiates of practice!
Indeed, it is one of the most technical and impressive canyons in the region, and it is strongly advised to have some experience and ease with the rope. And for the reason, here’s what you’re looking for if you want to venture into it: a 40-minute approach walk, difficult handrails, a more substantial water flow, technical and mandatory jumps (around a lot of canyon where jumps can be avoided), ejectable slides, and a reminder of more than 30 meters!
So, always tempted? In any case, if you are familiar with canyoning, try the experience of the Bitet, to discover one of the most beautiful canyons of the Atlantic Pyrenees.
One thing is sure, if you’re experienced and looking for a sensational place to make canyoning around Laruns, you’re not going to be disappointed with this canyon!
Rates and practical information
Rates
If you want to make canyoning around Laruns, here is an idea of the average rates practiced:
- Classic half day course (between 2h and 4h): about 45€ per person.
- Canyoning Day (between 4h and 6h): from 65 to 100€ per person.
- Exit with private guide (half day): from 300€ the group of 6 people maximum.
- Exit with private guide (day): from 500€ the group of 6 people maximum.
Practical information
- Reservation : it is very easy to book the activity on the internet, directly on the sites of the canyoning centers around Laruns, or also by phone. But you can also go through booking sites specializing in outdoor activities.
- Accessibility : canyoning is an activity that can be practiced by all. Depending on your level and your desire, monitors and guides will choose suitable courses. However, canyoning remains a physical sport activity. It is therefore advisable to be in good physical shape. Also note that jumps are expected. Even if they are not mandatory in most cases, it is better not to have vertigo.
- Difficulty : the difficulty of the routes corresponds to the flow of the river, the difficulty of the obstacles or the engagement of the canyon.
- Equipment : all the specific material is provided by the canyoning center, namely: the combination, slippers and the baudrier. All you have to do is plan your swimsuit, good sports basketballs (which will be wet) and your towel for arrival.
- solo : it is obviously possible, like any sports practice, to make canyoning without accompaniment. However, you must be experienced and have the necessary equipment. You can also choose to follow a training to evolve afterwards independently and avoid accidents.
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