VERDON EXPERIENCE
THE CANYONING GUIDES OFFICE IN CASTELLANE
Our team
All instructors are part of the Bureau des Guides de Canyonwhich is based at Castellane. A historical and physical presence to welcome you on site and answer your questions. First and foremost, we are a team of professionals with many years' experience who are specialists in our respective disciplines. In addition, we work together all year round to climb, set up or open new routes, explore canyons and caves and travel.
This mutual knowledge allows us to organise and work together seamlessly, with the aim of ensuring your safety, but in a fun and enthusiastic atmosphere. The diversity of our activities will ensure that you have the best possible stay in this region, which we know perfectly well from having been born here or living here. Our pleasure in guiding you is the same as your pleasure in taking part in our outings.
Every guide at the Canyon Guides Office is covered by professional liability insurance. We are one of the few providers to automatically take out personal accident insurance on your behalf.
Lionel Catsoyannis
A former competitor (a member of the French national climbing team for six consecutive years), Lionel has also been involved in caving, mountain biking, diving and canyoning for many years. He has bolted numerous routes in the Calanques, the Verdon, at Annot and at La Tour.
Lionel Catsoyannis
Already a «veteran climber» and former competitor (a member of the French national team for six consecutive years), Lionel has long been involved in caving, mountain biking, diving and, finally, rock climbing. Ever since he was a child, Lionel has devoted his time to re-climbing old routes in «adventure terrain» and equipping new tracks in the calanques and especially the Verdon and Annot. On the strength of this experience and the diversity of his practice, he is also trainer of future climbing and canyoning instructors.
Diplomas:
- Master's degree in Sports Management
- BEES 1st degree climbing and canyoning option
Other activities and qualifications :
- Responsible for traditional climbing courses in Annot.
- Member of Mountain Rescue 04
- Regional competition opener
- Federal mountain bike instructor
- Federal canoe-kayak instructor
Eric Chauviré
A carpenter, but not just that: Eric is a climbing and canyoning instructor. A natural teacher and a joker, he’ll have you laughing no matter what. He continues to build adventure courses and treehouses.
Eric Chauviré
A carpenter, Eric has retained all the rigour necessary for his reconversion to the construction of adventure courses and tree houses. Today, Eric concentrates his activities on canyoning and climbing. He is also a tireless cyclist.
Diplomas:
- BEES 1st degree climbing and canyoning option
- Bapatt Canoeing
- Bapatt mountain bike
- Bapatt Orienteering
Other qualifications :
- Canyoning equipment inspector (06)
Eric Valls
A university lecturer with a deep passion for climbing and route-setting, Eric will keep his cool in any situation and amaze you with his legendary sense of humour and organisational skills.
Eric Vals
A university lecturer, but very much involved in climbing and equipping routes, Eric will keep his cool in all circumstances and amaze you with his legendary humour and organisation.
Diplomas :
- State climbing certificate.
Timo Maszewski
A keen rock climber, Timo travels all over France in search of the finest routes. He will guide you on multi-pitch climbs with calm and patience.
Timo Maszewski
Originally from Savoie, Timo frequently travels to the Verdon to lead introductory and advanced multi-pitch climbing courses.
A former top-level freestyle skier, he developed a passion for climbing whilst at engineering school. Since then, he has travelled to as many crags as possible in search of the finest routes and multi-pitch climbs, both in France and abroad.
He also worked as an engineer on a project with the FFME analysing videos of competitive climbing.
For further information, see its website: www.timo-mzk.com
Qualification : DEJEPS «Climbing in Natural Environments»
Fred Campani
Fred has been with us since the beginning. He's a pillar in the noblest sense of the word, always in shape and a great teacher, Fred will help you achieve things you'd never imagine.
Fred Campani
Fred has been with us since the beginning, and is a pillar in the noblest sense of the word. Always in good shape, and a great teacher, Fred will help you achieve things you'd never imagine - that's his vocation. A former alpine hunter trainer, his life revolves around nature and cliffs. Fred is also based in Fontainebleau and offers authentic experiences to reveal human potential in the great outdoors: https://www.top-natureaventure.fr/ .
Ophélie
Ophélie is the backbone of the Puget via ferrata; she’s everywhere – at the reception desk handing out kit and giving instructions, and at the end of the long zip line to help you!
Jasmine
Jasmine will welcome you on the phone and in the office, making sure you have a good time in the area and that the level of activity is appropriate.
