Self-guided canoe hire in the Ardèche is suitable for everyone, as the descent of the Ardèche is straightforward. Several options are available, ranging from 7 km to 32 km. However, you must be familiar with the basics of canoeing and a few safety rules, which our team will explain to you during the briefing. Equipped with our gear, you can enjoy this beautiful descent of the Ardèche in complete safety. Rentals are available for those aged 7 and over, and you must be able to swim. Discover our attractive prices.
3 canoe hire packages
Half-day options
From Sampzon to La Petite Mer on slides
A short stretch upstream of the Petite Mer: expect a 6 km paddle with 5 slides (water chutes) – perfect for a first-time experience…
There are two possible departure times: 10 am or 1 pm. After explaining the basics of paddling and the safety rules to follow, we’ll travel by bus to Sampzon.
As we travel these few kilometres, you’ll be able to enjoy the magnificent scenery, beaver lodges, a succession of lakes and swimming spots, and mills along this stretch. We’ll stop at La Petite Mer. You can arrive at our base whenever you like.
The must-see Pont d’Arc
The trip starts from our base in Vallon Pont-d’Arc and ends in Châmes, 7 km downstream. Departures are available at any time.
You’ll be paddling for around 1 ½ hours, but you can keep your canoe for the whole day if you wish. This descent of the Ardèche is ideal for a first-time experience, taking you under the legendary Pont d’Arc, and you’ll stop at the entrance to the Grand Canyon.
Around 1 ½ hours of paddling, plus time for swimming, a picnic, jumping in the water, a nap… We’ll plan your return time together so you can make the most of your day.
The Playful
A fun 12 km descent of the Ardèche, featuring 5 slides (water chutes), followed by a few rapids and the majestic Pont d’Arc.
The trip takes around 3 hours, but you can keep your canoe for the whole day if you wish.
Departures are at 10 am or 1 pm; return times are arranged with you so you can enjoy the beaches, jumps, swimming and picnics throughout your trip.
Full-day options
The Sporting Adventure
This one-day descent of the Ardèche covers a distance of 24 km and starts from Châmes at the entrance to the Gorges, a few kilometres past the Pont d’Arc. It is recommended for the fittest participants as this is set to be an intense day…
Meet at our base at 8.30 am to head to the entrance of the Ardèche Gorges Nature Reserve. The average duration of this trip is around 5 hours of paddling, excluding breaks.
Coffee is provided in the morning, you will receive a pre-trip briefing, and the return to La Petite Mer is scheduled for around 6 pm. After this wonderful experience, the return by coach (arranged by us in the morning) to our base, where we will share a refreshing drink.
Even more intense
This will be an intense day, as you’ll be covering 32 km in 7 hours! This adventure is mainly aimed at fit and active people.
The start of this 32 km descent is at 8 am from our base. After we’ve offered you coffee, kitted you out and explained the basics of navigation, you’ll set off for around 7 hours of paddling, excluding breaks.
Your return is scheduled for 6 pm at our base in Vallon Pont d’Arc. This route is recommended for people in good physical condition.
Two-day and longer options
Book your overnight stay at one of the campsites (Gaud or Gournier) here, with an all-inclusive canoe hire package. There are several options available: one-day, two-day or three-day trips.
Getaway Camp
The best way to enjoy the stunning Ardèche Gorges. A two-day trip to explore the Ardèche Gorges from the water and experience a campsite in the heart of the nature reserve.
We offer a 32 km trip over two days (camping at an extra cost). Allow around 2½ to 3 hours of paddling on the first day, depending on your choice of campsite, and 2½ to 3 hours on the second day. You’ll spend the night at one of the campsites – the first at La Gaud or the second at La Gournier – where you’ll find toilets, showers and barbecues. Immerse yourself in an unspoilt atmosphere in the heart of the Ardèche Gorges canyon.
You will be welcomed by the rangers of the Gorges de l’Ardèche Nature Reserve, who will be happy to share with you some of the secrets of this magnificent Ardèche canyon. Bookings for the campsite must be made through the booking centre to help manage and preserve this unique site. A new regulation has come into force prohibiting the consumption of alcohol within the reserve.
Contact us to organise your campsite; we’ll be happy to share our experience and help you create unique memories.
Immersive camp
The perfect trip for immersing yourself in the Gorges de l’Ardèche nature reserve, featuring a three-day descent. On the first day, you’ll stop at the Gaud campsite after a 2½-hour paddle. This will give you time the following day to take a leisurely paddle to the Gournier campsite, which is an hour’s paddle away.
You’ll then have the choice of exploring the Gaud botanical trail and going for a swim, enjoying the beaches, observing the flora and fauna, discovering a cave or a natural grotto for a timeless break… You’ll have the day to reach the Gournier campsite (6 km) and relax, before finishing your descent the following day.
You’ll have just a few hours’ paddling left to reach Sauze and take the bus back to the La Petite Mer base (return journey organised in advance with us).
Great memories guaranteed! Feel free to contact us to organise your campsite; we’ll be happy to share our experience.
