Canoeing down the Ardèche Gorges
Canoeing down the Gorges de l’Ardèche is one of France’s most emblematic nature experiences. Between majestic cliffs, crystal-clear water and thrilling rapids, this natural canyon offers adventures to suit all profiles: families looking for tranquillity, sports enthusiasts looking for thrills or lovers of wild nature. From Vallon-Pont-d’Arc to Saint-Martin-d’Ardèche, the river reveals its treasures along the way, with the famous Pont d’Arc as a not-to-be-missed highlight. Whether you’ve got half a day or several days to spare, here are seven ways to make the most of this legendary descent, which attracts thousands of paddlers from all over the world every year.
See also the Ardèche guide :
- 14 must-see places to visit in the Ardèche
- Top 10 of the most beautiful villages in the Ardèche to discover
- 11 must-see spots for mountain biking in France
- 20 must-see weekend ideas around Lyon
1. The classic downhill in discovery mode (13 km)
For your first experience of the Ardèche river, this 13-kilometre trip is the ideal choice. This canoeing trip starts in Vallon-Pont-d’Arc and takes you all the way to the village of Châmes. The highlight of the trip? The mythical passage under the Pont d’Arc, a 54-metre-high natural arch rising majestically above the water. You literally sail through a stone gateway sculpted by thousands of years of erosion, a magical moment that many consider to be the most beautiful of the entire descent.
During the five hours of sailing, you will alternate between calm areas ideal for swimming and small rapids that are easy to navigate. The limestone cliffs rise up around you, some over 200 metres high. Take a picnic break on one of the pebble beaches to recharge your batteries while admiring the breathtaking scenery. This route, which is accessible from the age of 7, is perfect for families and beginners wanting to discover the joys of canoeing in the Ardèche without too many physical demands.
The canoe hire companies in Vallon-Pont-d’Arc all offer this route, with a return shuttle included. Allow around 35-40 euros per person for canoe hire, paddles, lifejackets and transport. Don’t forget your sun cream, and bring a waterproof container to protect your personal belongings!
2. Family mini-run (8 km)
With young children or for a gentle introduction, the 8-kilometre course offers a reassuring approach to the descent of the Ardèche Gorges. Also departing from Vallon-Pont-d’Arc, this shorter version concentrates on the essentials: passing under the Pont d’Arc and a few easy rapids such as the famous Charlemagne rapid.
The major advantage of this mini-tour is its short duration, around 2 hours of effective paddling, allowing you to keep the boat between 2 and 4 hours in total. This flexibility gives you plenty of time to stop for longer swims, to build pebble castles with the children or simply to contemplate the beauty of the area. Younger children can sit comfortably in the middle of the canoe between two adults, while taking part in the adventure with their own paddle.
The watersports centres adapt their equipment perfectly to families: wide, stable canoes, raised seats for children and lifejackets of all sizes. This course is a great success with families who want to introduce their children to sailing gently, without tiring them out. After the effort, extend your day by visiting the many picturesque villages that dot the Ardèche gorges.
3. Relaxation and swimming
For those who believe that holidays are all about relaxing and sunbathing, the farniente descent is the perfect formula. The 13-kilometre route is identical to the classic route, but the difference lies in the approach: here, the aim is not to break speed records but to make the most of every moment. You have a whole day to cover the distance, so there’s plenty of time for plenty of breaks.
Imagine paddling quietly for an hour, then beaching your canoe on a sandy beach for a long swim. The translucent emerald-green water of the Ardèche maintains a pleasant temperature in summer (between 20 and 24°C). The beaches along the route offer shady areas under the trees, ideal for setting up your picnic and taking a proper lunch break. Some paddlers even take along a folding parasol and inflatable beach chairs!
This option is particularly popular with groups of friends and couples looking for a full day’s escape without too much physical effort. The leisurely pace allows you to appreciate the local wildlife: grey herons, kingfishers, and sometimes even beavers that have made their home in certain quiet areas. To make the most of this zen-like experience, choose late-morning rather than early-morning departures, and if possible avoid peak-season weekends when crowds can be high.
4. The long sporting route (30-32 km)
Sports enthusiasts and thrill-seekers will be delighted with the full 30-32 kilometre run from Vallon-Pont-d’Arc to the landing stage at Sauze. This marathon descent is the Holy Grail for any paddler worthy of the name. After crossing the Pont d’Arc, you enter the wildest, most unspoilt part of the Gorges de l’Ardèche, classified a National Nature Reserve in 1980.
The scenery is breathtaking in its variety: the Cathedral and its vertiginous cliffs over 100 metres high, the Aiguille de Marzal pointing skywards, the spectacular meanders of the Cirque de la Madeleine. The rapids are also one after another, offering their share of thrills: the Charlemagne rapid remains the best-known and most eventful, but you’ll also discover the Branches, Dent Noire and Figueras rapids and many others. Each one has its own character, and some require a real navigation technique to get through the wave in style.
Allow between 6 and 7 hours’ paddling to complete the route, including breaks. You’ll need to be in good physical condition, especially in a headwind or during low-water periods when the river becomes more demanding. Your arms may feel a little tired at the end of the day, but it’s a great feeling to arrive in Sauze after completing this legendary canyon! This route is accessible from the age of 7 for children who are used to water and sport, and is set between two experienced adults. The return shuttle to Vallon-Pont-d’Arc is systematically included in the prices offered by the hire companies, generally around 40-45 euros per person.
5. 2-day bivouac adventure (32 km)
For total immersion in Ardèche nature, there’s nothing like a two-day descent with an overnight bivouac. This option turns a simple downhill run into a real nature expedition. You set off from Vallon-Pont-d’Arc in the early morning with your camping gear, carefully packed in waterproof canisters supplied by the hire company. The first day covers around 16 kilometres to one of the two bivouacs set up in the heart of the Nature Reserve: the Gaud bivouac or the Gournier bivouac.
Download the audio-guided tour to discover the Ardèche on foot and on your own
Let Navaway guide you as you explore the wonders of the Ardèche region. This audio-guided tour allows you to discover the department’s must-see sites on your own, from the Pont d’Arc to the hilltop villages and the spectacular views over the gorges. Each stage is enriched with historical anecdotes and practical recommendations to make the most of your stay. The perfect way to round off your canoeing adventure with an in-depth cultural exploration of this exceptional region!
These bivouacs offer numbered tent pitches (booking required), sanitary facilities, drinking water points and even small grocery shops. The atmosphere is unique: at sunset, around a hundred colourful tents dot the natural terraces overlooking the river. It’s easy for paddlers from all over Europe to chat, sharing stories of the day over a cold meal (fires are banned in the nature reserve). At night, the silence is disturbed only by the murmur of the water and the occasional cry of nocturnal birds of prey.
The next morning, after rising at dawn to take advantage of the fresh air, you embark on the last 16 kilometres to Sauze. This second day, often quieter than the first, allows you to fully appreciate the wild beauty of the nature reserve. Prices for this bivouac package are around 60-70 euros per person, including canoe hire for two days, bivouac equipment, reserved pitch and shuttle service. It’s an unforgettable way to reconnect with nature and share a special moment with your fellow paddlers. Don’t hesitate to come back and explore other facets of the Ardèche by regularly consulting the itinerary on Navaway.
6. The wilderness trail from Châmes to Sauze (24 km)
Want to avoid the crowds at the classic start in Vallon-Pont-d’Arc? Opt for the Châmes to Sauze route, which avoids the most touristy section while retaining the very essence of the descent of the Ardèche Gorges. Embark at the hamlet of Châmes, a few kilometres downstream from the Pont d’Arc, and you’ll plunge straight into the most unspoilt and spectacular part of the canyon.
These 24 kilometres immerse you in the heart of the Gorges de l’Ardèche National Nature Reserve. The cliffs here reach their maximum height, sometimes exceeding 200 metres in height. The Cathedral, an impressive 120-metre-high rock, towers above you in all its majesty. You then paddle past the aiguille de Marzal, a sharp rock formation that seems to defy the laws of balance. One meandering river follows another, creating harmonious curves in the limestone rock.
The advantage of this alternative departure point lies in the peace and quiet it offers. The beaches are less crowded, offering you almost private swimming spots. The fauna is more abundant: colourful European bee-eaters, discreet otters (if you’re lucky), reintroduced griffon vultures soaring majestically in the updrafts. The few rapids on the route (Dent Noire, Figueras, Gournier) add spice without representing any major difficulty. Count on 5 to 6 hours of descent for this nature trail, which will delight lovers of wide open spaces. To organise your entire stay in the Ardèche and discover the surrounding area, take a look at the Navaway tour, which lists all the region’s must-sees.
7. Pont d’Arc to Sauze (36 km)
For the ultra-motivated and the purists, the 36-kilometre integral represents the ultimate challenge. This route adds a further 6 kilometres upstream of the Pont d’Arc, offering the most complete descent of the Ardèche Gorges possible. You embark directly at Vallon-Pont-d’Arc and paddle through a warm-up section before tackling the real thing.
This option is generally available over two days, with a compulsory bivouac, as completing 36 kilometres in one day is a sporting feat (some do it, but only for highly trained paddlers). What’s in it for you? You get to experience the full power of the canyon. The river begins wide and peaceful, the cliffs gradually gain in height, and the vegetation becomes increasingly Mediterranean as you progress. You are literally witnessing the metamorphosis of the landscape.
The first day takes you to the Gaud or Gournier bivouac after 18-20 kilometres of sustained effort. The second day completes the route with the final 16-18 kilometres to Sauze. This long version requires good physical condition and a minimum of canoeing experience. The shoulders and forearms are put under constant strain, especially if the wind picks up (as it frequently does in the summer afternoons). But what a source of pride it is to have completed this complete trip! You can justifiably consider yourself a true descender of the Ardèche Gorges. Prices for this two-day package are around 75-85 euros per person, all inclusive. A sporting and natural adventure that will leave a lasting impression on your memory.
In conclusion, canoeing down the Gorges de l’Ardèche is a trip for everyone, whatever your level. Whether you opt for a family trip lasting a few hours or a two-day adventure, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable experience in the heart of one of Europe’s most beautiful canyons. The Pont d’Arc, the breathtaking cliffs, the thrilling rapids and the unspoilt nature of the nature reserve will leave you with unforgettable memories. Don’t forget to respect this exceptional site by taking back all your rubbish and preserving the tranquillity of the local wildlife. To help you prepare for your trip and discover all the wonders the Ardèche has to offer, take a look at the Ardèche itinerary on Navaway, your ideal companion for a complete and rewarding exploration of this exceptional region. Have a good paddle!
FAQ: your questions about descending the Gorges de l’Ardèche
When is the best time to canoe down the Ardèche Gorges?
The ideal season is from April to October, with a preference for May-June and September. These months offer excellent water levels, pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds than July and August. In high summer, early morning or late afternoon departures are best to avoid the crowds and the heat.
Do you need to know how to swim to descend the Gorges de l’Ardèche?
Yes, it is compulsory to know how to swim (25 metres minimum) to take part in a canoeing trip down the Gorges de l’Ardèche. You must wear a lifejacket throughout the trip, but you must be able to swim if you capsize.
Is it possible to turn around on the way down?
No, you can’t turn back once you’ve begun the descent because of the current and the configuration of the gorges. So choose a route suited to your level and physical condition before you set off. Canoe hire companies can advise you on the most suitable route.
How much does it cost to hire a canoe to descend the Ardèche Gorges?
Prices vary according to the length of the trip: €25-35 for an 8km mini-route, €35-45 for a 13-32km one-day trip, and €60-85 for a two-day package with bivouac. These prices generally include the canoe, paddles, lifejackets, waterproof bottles and return shuttle.
Where can you park your car on the way down?
Canoe hire companies offer free or paid parking (€5-10 a day) near their base in Vallon-Pont-d’Arc. Your vehicle remains parked for the duration of the descent, and a shuttle bus will take you back to your departure point at the end of the trip.
What should you take with you on a trip down the Gorges de l’Ardèche?
Make sure you bring: swimwear and a change of clothes, waterproof sun cream, a cap or hat, plenty of water (at least 2 litres per person), a picnic, a waterproof camera or a waterproof camera bag, and closed shoes (hiking sandals) that can go in the water. Hire companies provide waterproof containers to protect your belongings.
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