In the sunny atmosphere of the Mediterranean vegetation on the slopes, this particularly fun descent of the Audin stream, halfway between aquatic trekking and canyoning, is a must for beginners or relaxed family outings.
The route is accessible on foot from Fanghetto in Italy, a picturesque hilltop village surrounded by olive groves, while the descent takes place entirely on French territory as far as the old restored bridge on the old road serving the lower Roya valley.
The tightly packed rock makes for pleasant progress, and the clarity of the water makes it easy to see the depth of the pools and make a number of jumps.
Road access
FROM THE COAST: 30 km From Menton, take the A8 motorway east to Ventimiglia (Italy) and follow the Roya valley as far as Olivetta; just before the border, turn right onto the Fanghetto road and park in the car park before the village entrance.
Shuttle service: None
Access on foot: 1 hour
At the entrance to Fanghetto (230 m), turn left onto the valley path that leads to Breil-sur-Roya; after a short climb, you reach the France-Italy border.
Continue for a hundred metres or so and leave the downhill valley path to follow a level path on the right (b.411). This rises gently, then runs alongside an old canal coming from the Audin stream.
At the crest of a ridge, a clear path joins the Audin stream at the start of the descent (300 m).
Descent of the canyon: 2 hours
Follow the entire course of the river, which has a number of beautiful pools where you can do a lot of jumping; the "canyon" character is not very pronounced and the route is very sunny. Nevertheless, the banks are steep and it is difficult to escape in the event of a problem; after passing under a water pipe, quickly arrive under the old stone bridge of the Fanghetto-Breil-sur-Roya path. Leave the valley on the steep right bank, equipped with a handrail, just after the bridge (170 m).
Return on foot: 0 hour 15 minutes
From the bridge, follow the valley path back to Fanghetto.
DIFFICULTIES
Rating 2.2.II
Vertical aspect: 2 Easy
Reminder(s) of easy access and execution, less than or equal to 10 metres.
Safety handrail. Easy climbing/unclimbing passage with little exposure.
Aquatic character: 2 Easy
Swim no longer than 10 metres in calm water. Single jump of less than 3 metres Short or gently sloping slide.
Commitment and Wingspan: II
Possibility of getting out of the flood zone in no more than 1/4 hour.
Escape route(s) in a maximum of 1/2 hour's progress.
Canyoning time (approach, descent, return) between 2 and 4 hours.
Free parking is available on the road between the "Da Marisa" bar-grocery on the SS20 and the hamlet of Fanghetto, close to the start of the valley trail towards the Audin, Libre and Breil canyons. WARNING: do not leave anything visible in your car: theft is frequent.
The tightly packed rock makes for pleasant progress, and the clarity of the water makes it easy to see the depth of the pools and make a number of jumps.
Road access
FROM THE COAST: 30 km From Menton, take the A8 motorway east to Ventimiglia (Italy) and follow the Roya valley as far as Olivetta; just before the border, turn right onto the Fanghetto road and park in the car park before the village entrance.
Shuttle service: None
Access on foot: 1 hour
At the entrance to Fanghetto (230 m), turn left onto the valley path that leads to Breil-sur-Roya; after a short climb, you reach the France-Italy border.
Continue for a hundred metres or so and leave the downhill valley path to follow a level path on the right (b.411). This rises gently, then runs alongside an old canal coming from the Audin stream.
At the crest of a ridge, a clear path joins the Audin stream at the start of the descent (300 m).
Descent of the canyon: 2 hours
Follow the entire course of the river, which has a number of beautiful pools where you can do a lot of jumping; the "canyon" character is not very pronounced and the route is very sunny. Nevertheless, the banks are steep and it is difficult to escape in the event of a problem; after passing under a water pipe, quickly arrive under the old stone bridge of the Fanghetto-Breil-sur-Roya path. Leave the valley on the steep right bank, equipped with a handrail, just after the bridge (170 m).
Return on foot: 0 hour 15 minutes
From the bridge, follow the valley path back to Fanghetto.
DIFFICULTIES
Rating 2.2.II
Vertical aspect: 2 Easy
Reminder(s) of easy access and execution, less than or equal to 10 metres.
Safety handrail. Easy climbing/unclimbing passage with little exposure.
Aquatic character: 2 Easy
Swim no longer than 10 metres in calm water. Single jump of less than 3 metres Short or gently sloping slide.
Commitment and Wingspan: II
Possibility of getting out of the flood zone in no more than 1/4 hour.
Escape route(s) in a maximum of 1/2 hour's progress.
Canyoning time (approach, descent, return) between 2 and 4 hours.
Free parking is available on the road between the "Da Marisa" bar-grocery on the SS20 and the hamlet of Fanghetto, close to the start of the valley trail towards the Audin, Libre and Breil canyons. WARNING: do not leave anything visible in your car: theft is frequent.
Rates
Rates
Free access.
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Openings
Openings
From 1 January 2025 until 31 October 2025 - Open everyday
Recommended period: MAY to SEPTEMBER
From 1 April 2025 until 31 October 2026 - Open everyday
Recommended period: MAY to SEPTEMBER
Location
Location
Spoken languages
Spoken languages
