An adventure par excellence, the Bendola in its entirety remains the wildest canyon in the Alpes-Maritimes: its exceptionally extensive route combines remoteness, difficulty and commitment like no other.
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This interminable descent takes place over two days, with a bivouac halfway down the route, and covers a distance of 15 km and a vertical drop of 1,400 m, making it one of the longest canyons in Europe. Carrying a lot of equipment, due to the bivouac and the height of the waterfalls, slows progress, but you must be completely self-sufficient, because if there is an accident in the first part of the route, there is a risk of a delay in transmitting the alarm.
Level of difficulty: Rating...
Level of difficulty: Rating...
Openings
Openings
From 1 April 2025 until 31 October 2025 - Open everyday
Recommended period: June-September
Total duration: 7h
Access on foot: 3h
Canyon descent: 3h
Return to vehicle on foot: 1h
Total duration: 7h
Access on foot: 3h
Canyon descent: 3h
Return to vehicle on foot: 1h
Location
Location
Contact Randoxygène ‘Clues et Canyons’ guide: the Bendola in its entirety
Spoken languages
Spoken languages
Environment
Environment
- Mountain location
Access
Access
- You need 2 vehicles to make the 30 km shuttle. The easiest way is to park one in the village of Saorge, on the Fontan access side.
With the other, follow the RD 6204 as far as St-Dalmas-de-Tende; turn right onto the route de la Brigue, go through the village and continue as far as the Notre-Dame-des-Fontaines chapel. Continue down the valley and turn right onto a forest track which climbs a long slope to reach the Sanson drop (4 x 4 vehicle recommended). Turn right to follow the track southwards on the Italian side, which leads to the ruined barracks below the summit of Marta, where you can park your vehicle.
