Controversy Over The Development Of Canyoning In The Mercantour National Park

This article explores the activity of canyoning in the natural territory of the Mercantour National Park (France). The investigation refers to the sociology of logics of action to understand the disparity of its development. The 85 canyons are explored according to their interest and their use. The interviews conducted with professionals and other actors in the mountain territories lead to the observation that despite a varied offer, made attractive by the presence of a natural park, only 16 canyons are regularly visited. This situation is the result of a controversy between the use that depends on the practitioners and the professionals who live there and the development of the canyons that depends on the political will of the local authorities.