Vallon de Bes-Courmes

Short and not difficult canyon, which most important passage consist in the descent of a 65 meters high waterfall. The upper part, even if never wonderful, can anyway be a good "training" for the big fall.

 

 

Difficulty: v5 a2 II
Period: june to october
Length: less than 1 km
Alt. difference: 230 meters (600 - 370)
Rope descents: 7, higher 65 meters
Bolts: sufficient - 1997
Duration: 30' approach + 2h descent + 5' coming back
Shuttle: 0 km
Equipment: 1 rope 60 meters long, 2 ropes 70 meters long

 

Access: leave the highway at Nice St. Isidore and follow the indications for Vence, then turn onto the D2210 towards Grasse. Before the village of Pont du Loup turn right on the road D6 heading for Greolieres. Rise up the gorges of the Loup until a tunnel and then, a few meters after on the right, you'll see the final fall of the Vallon des Bes-Courmes. Pass over another tunnel and a bridge and park on the right.

Approach: come back from the parking and cross the bridge. Take the steep path rising up on the left (there may be an interdiction access sign). Leave a junction on the right side of the path and go on rising untill a second crossroad; the path on the right takes directly to the top of the big fall and can be used to avoid the descent of the fall, to avoid the upper part and descend only the fall or to come back to the bolts to eventually recover the rope if fixed. To reach the top of the canyon proceed on the path, pass over a few rocks and reach a plateau with a wide grass on its left; it's then possible to see the canyon on the right. Go on until a wooden little bridge and wear the wetsuits.

Coming Back: from the big fall it's already possible to see the parking. Once at the end of the descent rise up onto the road.

Copyright © Cica Rude Clan.