In the heart of the Alpes-Maritimes, only 45 minutes from the sea, the Vallon de Bès-Courmes canyon is an exceptional site for adventure lovers. Located near the village of Courmes, this route offers a spectacular vertical immersion within the Gorges du Loup.
Region / County: Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Alpes-Maritimes.
Town / Basin: Courmes / Gorges du Loup.
Maximum Waterfall: Approximately 60 m.
Rating: V4A2III.
Approach: Approximately 600 m from the gate (end of the paved road).
Return: Approximately 250 m on the road after the C60 waterfall.
Shuttle: Not required for the main itinerary.
From Pont-du-Loup, take the D6 towards Gorges du Loup / Gréolières. After approximately 2.7 km, park at the exit of the tunnel on the left-hand side.
Continue on the D6 for 3.3 km until you reach Bramafan. After the bridge, turn right onto the D503 towards Courmes. Parking is mandatory at the visitors’ car park before entering the village.
Descend the steps and head into the village. Then, take the small paved road on the right until you reach the gate (the end of the tarmac, ≈ 600 m after the village). A path starts on the left, leading to the start of the canyon.
The route consists of a series of closely spaced and sustained waterfalls.
Handrail: Use the handrail to reach the pool, then find the anchor on the true left.
Start: Begins via a gully that is often dry.
Abseil: A free-hanging “spider-wire” descent for approximately 25 m.
Alternative Anchors: True right or intermediate at around -15 m (aerial anchors, primarily useful for rope manoeuvres).
There are two possibilities:
Classic Option: Climb back up to the road via the low wall or the traverse just after the C60, then walk down the road for ≈ 250 m.
Extended Option: Continue under the road through two additional waterfalls and link up with the Gorges du Loup descent.
Possible Escape Routes (True Right):
After the first sequence of waterfalls.
From the top of the C60 towards the old path.
It is possible to continue the adventure by linking into the Gorges du Loup canyoning trek.
For total peace of mind, we recommend being accompanied by a professional.
To check the water flow conditions, please do not hesitate to visit this website.
