So, you are planning your next outdoor adventure on the French Riviera with Les Geckos! Whether you are booked for a fun family river trekking day or an adrenaline-filled canyoning session, one question always comes up: what equipment do I need to bring for canyoning?
To make sure your experience at the foot of the famous Cascade de Courmes is pure fun and comfort, here is our simple, transparent check-list so you don’t forget anything in your sports bag.
What Les Geckos provides (Included in your booking)
For your safety and thermal comfort in the refreshing waters of the Courmes river and the Loup river, we provide top-of-the-line, professional gear, fully washed and sanitized after every trip:
- A full-body neoprene wetsuit adapted to your size for optimal warmth.
- A safety helmet certified for whitewater sports.
- A complete harness equipped with lanyards and a “figure-8” descender for our two fun introductory abseils (rappels).
What you absolutely need to bring yourself
To ensure your session of about 2 hours in the water goes smoothly, make sure your bag includes these essentials:
- A swimsuit: Ideally, put it on under your clothes before arriving at our private base in Courmes (this saves precious time for the whole group before departure!). While baggy boardshorts are accepted under the wetsuit, a tight swimsuit or a one-piece usually feels much more comfortable under the neoprene.
- A towel: To dry off comfortably after the activity in our private changing tents.
- A pair of closed-toe sports shoes: Standard lace-up sneakers, running shoes, or trail shoes with decent soles so you don’t slip on the river rocks.
💡 The Guide’s Pro-Tip (Socks or no socks?)
We get asked this all the time! You can absolutely wear your regular fabric sports socks during the activity. It is completely up to you! Keeping your socks on inside your wet sneakers actually helps prevent friction and blisters, adding a real layer of comfort while walking. Just remember to pack a dry pair of socks to change into after the canyon.
Important Note: Flip-flops, open sandals, Crocs, water shoes with ultra-thin mesh soles, or transparent plastic beach shoes are strictly forbidden. They will not stay on your feet in the current and will not protect your ankles.
The “Forgetful Traveler” Joker: Our €5 Sneaker Rental Service
Are you backpacking around Europe, traveling light by train or plane, or staying in a hotel in Nice or Cannes without extra gear? Did you forget to pack a second pair of shoes? Or maybe you just don’t want to ruin your brand-new white designer sneakers in the river? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
To keep you from missing the tour, we offer a sneaker rental backup service at our base for €5 per pair.
Let’s be completely honest: these are not the latest fashionable running shoes! They are simple, sturdy, high-grip sneakers perfectly suited for walking in water and climbing on the rocks of the Prealps.
Why do we charge for this service?
Thoroughly cleaning, drying, and stocking dozens of pairs of shoes in every single size every day takes a massive amount of logistical effort for our small, independent team. This €5 fee allows us to cover these costs and keeps the service available for those who truly need a backup (last-minute forgetfulness, light travelers). It’s the perfect joker to keep your luggage light and your mind at peace!
After the Canyon: Enjoy our private base on the French Riviera
Once the activity is over and the wet gear is off, you won’t have to change awkwardly on the side of a busy public road. Our private, shaded base in Courmes features comfortable individual changing tents and real, clean restrooms.
Feel free to bring dry clothes and a picnic or some snacks: our property has direct access to the riverbanks, making it the perfect spot to relax and recharge after your adventure!
