Canoeing down the Ardèche river presents few challenges and is suitable for beginners – participants should be aged 7 years + and be able to swim. Our team will take you through the basic techniques and the necessary safety rules at a short briefing prior to setting off on your adventure.
We provide waterproof containers to store your valuables during the descent and life jackets.
An 8km descent from our base in Vallon Pont d’Arc to Chames. Departure times are flexible to suit your needs.
Taking you through the Pont d’Arc, the famous natural arch, this descent is the best way to explore the Ardèche river. The descent itself takes approximately 1.5 hours, but you are welcome to take your time and enjoy picnics, swimming, jumping from rocks or even take a short siesta! We will arrange pick-up times with you before you set off so that you are able to make the most of your trip.
A fun Ardèche river descent which includes 5 water slides before joining the ‘mini’ route. The route includes several rapids and paddling through the majestic Pont d’Arc.
Descents depart at 10 am or 1 pm and we will arrange pick-up times with you so that you can make the most of your adventure and have enough time to take advantage of the beaches, jumping rocks and swimming.
Leaving the canoe centre at 8.30 am, this descent starts in Chames, a small hamlet situated just a few kilometres past the famous Pont d’Arc in the Gorges de l’Ardèche nature reserve.
On arrival, enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee before being issued with your equipment and attending a short session with a member of our team to run through basic kayaking techniques and a safety briefing.
At the end of this scenic trip, a shuttle bus will take you back you to the canoe centre where a complimentary cold drink will await!
This 7 hour trip leaves our base in Vallon Pont d’Arc at 8 am. On arrival, enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee before being issued with your equipment and attending a short session with a member of our team to run through basic kayaking techniques and a safety briefing.
Our shuttle bus will be waiting for you at the end of the trip in Sauze (situated at the end of the Gorges) ready to take you back to the canoe centre.
Please note that this descent will give you plenty of time to explore the Gorges but the increased distance makes it just that little bit more challenging!
An amazing way to explore this beautiful river!
This two day descent will give you plenty of time to explore and take in the beauty of the Gorges and to experience a night bivouacking* in the heart of the Gorges de l’Ardèche nature reserve.
*extra charge for bivouacking.
There is an option to complete the long descents over 2 days. In this case, you will spend the night at one of two official bivouac areas within the nature reserve – either at Gaud or at Gournier. You will be greeted by the reserve rangers who will be happy share a few of the Gorges’ secrets with you! Facilities at both sites include showers, toilets and barbecues.
Please note that there is no shop or bar – you will need to provide your own food, drinks, tent and sleeping bags.
Bivouac reservations should be made directly through the reserve booking centre – telephone number 00 33 4 75 88 00 41 or through their website www.gorgesdelardeche.fr
Time to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the Gorges de l’Ardèche.
Day 1: paddling to Gaud – the first bivouac site with one night under the stars!
Day 2: paddling 6 km to the second overnight bivouac site at Gournier. Before setting off, you may wish to take the opportunity to go walking along the botanical trails in Gaud and along the river paths – not forgetting to swim in the river and bask in the sun!
Day 3: paddle to the finishing point.
Again, please note that there is no shop or bar at either of the bivouac sites. You will need to provide your own food, drinks, tent and sleeping bags.