Angon Waterfalls Canyoning: An Honest Review

So, you’re thinking about giving canyoning a go at the Angon Waterfalls in Annecy, are you? I get that, as it certainly looks pretty amazing, almost like something out of a movie, to be completely honest. But hey, is it actually all it’s cracked up to be? I mean, you know, are we talking fun memories or maybe a little bit of a “nope, never again” type situation? This review, then, is all about giving you the lowdown on what canyoning here really entails. We’ll cover the thrills, what you might want to watch out for, and basically, you know, whether or not it’s really something for you, so you get all the details, pretty much.

What’s Canyoning at Angon Waterfalls Like?

Okay, so first up, what’s the real deal with canyoning at Angon Waterfalls? Well, put simply, you are basically finding your way down a section of the Angon stream as it makes its way, very quickly, downhill. Of course you aren’t just walking. Oh no. Think rappelling down rocky faces right alongside the waterfall. Picture yourself, you know, sliding down natural rock slides like you are in some kind of nature-themed waterpark, or something. Now, sometimes, the jumps might be a bit smaller, a few feet perhaps, you know. But other times, they’re, like, “Woah, that’s higher than I thought,” so you do get a bit of everything.

The thing, that, I found most captivating was, maybe, the incredible surroundings. Honestly, it’s beautiful around there. Crystal-clear water, sunlight filtering through trees. Really something to see when you aren’t, you know, worrying about what you have to do next, in a way. The canyon itself, well it’s basically cut deep into the rock by, you know, years of water flow. It kind of feels like, just a little, you are venturing into somewhere that has remained untouched for centuries. So there’s that.

One thing that is worth pointing out is that it is quite popular, it feels like, during peak season (think July and August), which sometimes does impact, just a little, the experience itself. In effect that basically means, often, waiting behind other groups. It means maybe you do not get the isolated feel, in some respects, that you might have hoped for. Of course this just means you should book early, go out-of-season or during the week. It is France after all, so it is often pretty crowded with locals too. You know, something you do need to consider.

Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Go Canyoning at Angon?

Okay, so here is the burning question, it seems like: Is canyoning at Angon for everybody? Maybe not, that is often the way with adventures, or any outdoor activity. Put simply, a reasonable level of fitness will be required. It means that you have to be okay with heights, maybe a lot. You also should be a, let’s say, comfortable swimmer, so you are OK when you are in the water, too it’s almost as if it helps calm your nerves when you are waiting at the top of a water slide or decent, that, I think. If, you know, the idea of jumping into deep pools of water, of course, and scaling slippery rocks fills you with something resembling dread, it is probable, that this just isn’t your cup of tea, to be fair.

Who would this be well-suited for? It seems like adrenaline junkies will be absolutely at home, really. Adventurers of all stripes, also. So will people seeking a refreshing escape from, well, just pretty much everything, it has to be said. Canyoning can give a sense of camaraderie. It makes you feel united as a group (as you encourage each other to, like, face those challenges), if that sounds fun. A reasonable ability with the French language tends to help, so, too it’s almost worth taking a bit of time to pick up a little vocab to, you know, help improve the experience if you are a tourist from abroad. It makes a big difference when you chat to instructors.

Importantly, it seems that many companies, basically, do set a minimum age limit (usually around 12 years old, or something, anyway) because the canyons there involve tricky, hazardous bits. So always double-check that before you book. Of course, people with pre-existing health conditions, you know, should probably check with a doctor first to make sure it’s something you should do, you see?

What to Expect on the Day

Right, so what actually happens, roughly, on the day itself, then? Typically, so, it tends to go a little something like this:

Arrival and Briefing: You meet up with the canyoning company. They will give you an introduction, often, just to the basics of canyoning, of course. They talk a bit about safety stuff, you know, just like how to use the gear they are providing and everything. Listen up and actually pay attention at this point. I am serious!
Getting Geared Up: They will sort you out, often, with a wetsuit to keep you from feeling like you are actually freezing, and so on. You’ll often also be given a harness, and a helmet to, you know, protect your head. The wetsuit will feel tighter than you were thinking, which I think is a design feature, arguably. But remember to take out earrings and necklaces etc.
The Approach: Okay, here’s a little something you might not be expecting – sometimes you might face a bit of a walk up to where you start the canyoning part. Sometimes it’s relatively short. Maybe like, oh, five or ten minutes, for example, or something, but sometimes, it might be something much more, in a way. This obviously means that good footwear makes a lot of sense.
Canyoning Time: The descent begins now. Get ready to, maybe, rappel, swim through the pools of water, slide and generally, you know, feel the rush, in a way. The guides, of course, are there, seemingly, to assist and will offer guidance throughout the whole process, basically.
The Exit (and Debrief): Finally, you’re at the bottom! Almost always, there’s a walk back from the bottom to the point where you started, really. It is generally quite short. Then, get changed. They might well ask what you thought. Of course they will – and tell them! It all tends to finish at that point.

Making the Most of Your Canyoning Adventure

Okay, so here are some of the most helpful things, or tips, if you would, you know, that will help you enjoy canyoning:

Book in Advance: So, I have made the point before. I’ll make it again. It seems, that especially in the popular months (you know, the summer ones), getting your spot sorted out early really is something smart to do. This tends to guarantee a spot. More or less. It is far less stressful too!
Listen to Your Guide: Okay, look, their experience isn’t worth much, obviously, so don’t listen. I am kidding! Basically, listen and act accordingly. The reason is that they understand the route perfectly. They know it super well, actually. Also, if they are telling you something about your safety then you would have to be quite insane not to pay close attention, really. If, for example, they tell you how to position your body when jumping then that should be taken as very good advice, indeed.
Bring the Proper Gear: Canyoning companies often furnish a lot of what you’ll actually need, in some respects, anyway. But things, like your own swimwear and a towel really make a great deal of sense. In addition, perhaps, bring footwear for after your canyoning trip to protect your feet for the walk back to the car. Finally, remember some sunscreen – that summer sun beats down on the canyon a lot, almost.
Eat Something Before You Go: Believe me, it seems like canyoning might actually require a bit more energy than you initially imagined. It just tends to do that! Fuel up beforehand with a small, light meal. Some carbs would be a good thing, I reckon. This way you don’t end up completely running on fumes halfway through, maybe, and end up in a potentially tricky situation.
Consider Travel Insurance: Obviously nobody ever intends to suffer an accident. At the same time they happen, right? Always make sure you have proper insurance with all the adventurous stuff you do. Most travel insurance will cover such things, though double check!

The Verdict: Is Angon Waterfalls Canyoning Worth It?

Here is what I think: the question on everyone’s mind. Is it worthwhile, then? Okay, well, my thoughts are a little mixed, yet very positive. Canyoning, for a start, can be one seriously incredible experience, really. It’s something you simply never forget, actually. Angon is, undeniably, in many ways a stunning location to experience this. That’s definitely true, definitely a pro for me. On the other hand it can be seriously crowded at times, it seems like. That does negatively affect the experience, just a little.

What’s my conclusion, therefore? Simply this: I seriously think that it is worthwhile – however you do need to go into it having a little bit of self-knowledge, probably. Understand that it is not going to be all peace and tranquility. So, yeah, embrace the challenge and also expect plenty of other folks around at the same time. Do that, arguably, and I suspect you are going to have a fantastic time.

Key Takeaways

Location: Angon Waterfalls, Annecy, offers beautiful scenery for canyoning.
Fitness: Moderate fitness level is needed, plus comfort with heights and swimming.
Crowds: Can get crowded in peak season (July & August), so book in advance.
Gear: Canyoning companies supply gear, but bring your own swimwear and towel.
Overall: A worthwhile adventure if you’re prepared for the crowds.