Vecchio Canyon
History and myth - Vecchio Canyon
This is one of the most aquatic canyons in Corsica. The Vecchio rises in the heart of the island’s mountains and is joined by several tributaries. It therefore has a good flow.
The Vecchio canyon is characterised by large, wide and deep pools. In the middle of the canyon, there is a hundred-metre reach to cross.
The special feature of this Corsican canyon is the jumps. There are jumps in every basin, from 2 to 10 metres high.
Of course, jumps in canyoning are never compulsory.
Everyone chooses their own jump height and limits. And for those looking for a thrill, the transparency of the water makes the jumps really impressive!
And for those who are more contemplative, the huge granite boulders that dot the descent of the Vecchio canyon give you the impression of being in another world.
Description of the Vecchio Canyon
Jumps, slides, abseiling and zip-lines are the main activities you’ll encounter on a canyoning trip. The Verghellu is a complete canyon, with all the ingredients needed to create a beautiful canyon. The landscapes of the Verghellu canyon valley will round off your adventure. Some of the jumps can be repeated.
Level - Intermediate - Active
The Vecchio canyon requires a good level of fitness, as the walk in and out is long.
The access path is difficult, steep and rocky.
The way back is not difficult, but it is steep. After all your hard work in the canyon, it’s not always easy.
The canyon itself is a real pleasure. There are large pools where you can float in the sun, jumps of varying heights and a few slides.
The picnic break at midday is a great way to relax.
Thanks to its difficult access, the Vecchio canyon remains one of the wildest in Corsica. Even in August, you won’t come across anyone.
Period - the aquatic nature of canyoning
Très aquatique, le canyoning du Vecchio est accessible à partir de juillet et reste en eau tout l’été.
Au printemps, avec la fonte des neiges, le débit du Vecchio est trop important pour être parcouru en canyoning.
The little secret that can't be shared
Have you ever been to the Moon?
I’ve never been, but I know someone who almost walked on the moon, or rather walked down the Vecchio canyon with us.
He told me: ‘The landscapes are the same as on the Moon: these huge boulders, this white rock washed by the floods, worn by time, it’s like the Moon, but with water’. So, if you’re sporty and contemplative…
If you’re enjoying this turquoise water, it’s also thanks to Bigoud who, over 35 years ago, opened an access and exit path to the Vecchio canyon. Without Bigoud’s original demaquisage (clearing of the maquis, ‘medium-sized forest, 5-6 m’, composed mainly of heather and arbutus), you wouldn’t be able to enjoy one of Corsica’s most aquatic canyons.
Altipiani currently maintains the access paths to the canyons.
The Vecchio canyon
from 7 July2025
You would like to book a descent of the Vecchio canyon.
Canyon du Vecchio
70.00€ 5 hours
The Vecchio canyon in private
from 7 July 2025
Would you like to descend the U Branu canyon with a private guide? This is the most comfortable way to enjoy this activity at your own pace, as a couple, with family or friends.
With Altipiani, you choose the best time to make the most of your canyoning trip.Vecchio
Canyon du Vecchio en Privé
470.00€ 5 hours
The Vecchio Canyon in pictures
Free loan of canyoning shoes
The free loan of special canyoning shoes is included in your equipment. Descending with special shoes gives you better grip at no extra cost!
Meeting point for the Vecchio canyon
Coming from Corte or Aleria, follow the signs for Ajaccio, pass the village of Vivario, drive for a further 1.3km, and in a large bend to the left there is a car park on your right.
Coming from Ajaccio, from the Col de Vizzavona you drive 13km, you pass the restaurant ‘Le Châlet’ (on your right) by 700m and the car park is on your left.
On your GPS the coordinates are: 42.17499663200912, 9.163744344621563
Practical info
70 € per person
Directly online, by Paypal or credit card
Bank transfer before the day of the canyoning trip
Only by cheque, holiday vouchers or cash on the day of the canyoning.
The vecchio canyon in private 470€
Duration of the activity 6h00
30 minutes
40 minutes
IActive intermediate
Knowing how to swim is compulsory. You must declare any health problem, medical history, one-off or long-term treatment, accident, likely to affect your physical or psychological health, as well as any particular apprehension (vertigo, history, fears…).
From 12 years
Equipment required
A swimming costume
A pair of socks
Cereal bars, dried fruit. Picnic lunches for the day’s canyoning
Bottle of water
Long-sleeved T-shirt, if possible, for the approach walk
Do not use sun cream in the canyons, the fish will thank you and you will be wearing a neoprene wetsuit, which is totally unnecessary.
Special canyon shoes are always supplied free of charge by Altipiani, and have been for the last 20 years.
