Presentation of the Valbelle Canyon
The Valbelle is one of the most beautiful canyoning descents near Sisteron. This tributary of the Jabron of Sisteron has sculpted beautiful ponds of clear water. The environment is magnificent. The canyon will allow you to follow beaten paths. Indeed it’s very wild with a very well preserved wildlife. Speaking of obstacles, there are many abseiling, more or less watered and a dozen of meters high. You will also find some natural slides however you won’t find any jumps.
Please note that the Valbelle canyon is dry during summer. Moreover, a prefectural order forbids the crayoning activity in this canyon until the 1st of May. AS a consequence, the Valbelle canyon is only available for two months: Mai and June.
The Planning of the Day
The meeting with the instructor takes place at the parking of the Valbelle village church. After a distribution of the necessary equipment, you will take a car again to join another parking located at 8km. From there, you will walk 10 minutes to join the canyon. Meanwhile, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the environment. At the mid-term of the canyon you will have a picnic. The canyon ends in the village of Valbelle, next to the church.
Difficulty: Medium
The Valbelle canyon represents 4 to 5 hours of activity (depending on the groups). From a technical point a view, you need to be able to abseil approximatively 10 to 12 meters highs. You really should not be afraid of heights.
The Valbelle canyon can be undertaken by beginners if they are in a good sportive shape because it is 5 hours long. There are parts where you have to walk in the river and it is physically demanding. As a consequence you need to be in a good physical shape.
Where is the Valbelle canyon located?
The canyon is located in the Valbelle commune. The GPS coordinates of the canyon are the following:
44.1479, 5.8804 (decimal degrees)
44°08'52.4"N 5°52'49.4"E (DMS).
From Sisteron take the Dignes direction. Turn right, following the direction of Nyers sur Jabron (D946). After a few kilometres, turn left following the Valbelle direction (D53) and park your car at the parking of the church.
Remarks
You can estimate your itinerary on our interactive map.
However, please do not trust Google Map or your GPS for the time they indicate, and plan some more time for travel, in order to avoid being late.