Canoe trip 1/2 day
The half-day trips are all upstream of the Ardèche gorges. They may include a passage under the Pont d’Arc. Generally, you’ll paddle your canoe from Vallon Pont d’Arc to Châmes. From age 7 for anyone who can swim
Canoe trip 1 day
One-day trips include the whole of the gorges. Generally, you will canoe from Vallon Pont d’Arc to Saint Martin d’Ardèche. There are also departures further upstream, notably from Sampzon
Organise your canoe trip down the Ardèche gorges
Maëlle, from the Ardèche Gorges Academy, gives you some navigation tips in this video. The aim is to help you prepare for your canoe trip down the Ardèche Gorges. Canoeing the Ardèche Gorges is a fantastic experience, and a real immersion in a protected nature reserve. But this adventure has to be earned! Route, duration, conditions, equipment, equipment hire, difficulties, return… For a serene descent, follow Maëlle’s recommendations. Every time you fall, remember her smile. You’ll then be able to clear all the other obstacles in front of you with ease.
Recommendations for canoeing down the Ardèche gorges
It’s Maëlle again, from the Ardèche Gorges Academy. She gives you a few tips on navigating the Ardèche Gorges by canoe. We love her videos. There are a few basic rules you need to know to pilot your canoe safely down the river. The role of each paddler, how to go straight ahead, how to turn, how to cross a rapid. Don’t worry, falling in the water only happens to other people! Enjoy canoeing down the Ardèche gorges
Canoeing under the Pont d’Arc in the Ardèche gorges
Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, you can canoe all or part of the Ardèche gorges. You’ll come across slides, small rapids and pass under the mythical Pont d’Arc. This arch is the emblem of the Ardèche, close to the original Chauvet cave. You can contemplate the wild beauty of the Ardèche Gorges Nature Reserve and its unique landscapes. This canoe trip down the Ardèche gorges is an unforgettable recreational activity
An unforgettable canoeing experience in the Ardèche gorges
Dive into the heart of adventure and enjoy an unforgettable experience as you canoe down the Ardèche gorges. Get ready for a thrilling adventure along the water, discovering magnificent landscapes and unrivalled thrills.
Departing from Vallon-Pont-d’Arc, get into your canoe and glide along the calm waters of the Ardèche river. As you glide along, the spectacular cliffs of the Ardèche gorges rise up before you, offering a breathtaking spectacle and a spellbinding atmosphere.
Wield your paddle with agility as you navigate the meandering river, passing under the majestic Pont d’Arc and letting yourself be carried along by the current. The turquoise waters and impressive rock faces create a stunningly beautiful natural backdrop, immersing you in the unspoilt wilderness of the Gorges de l’Ardèche nature reserve.
Let yourself be lulled by the murmur of the water and the song of the birds, while marvelling at the diversity of the landscapes that pass before your eyes. From sandy beaches to sheer cliffs, lush forests to mysterious caves, every moment of your canoe trip is an adventure in itself.
Canoe hire for the Ardèche Gorges
There are many canoe hire companies. Our favourite is Aquabateaux, the smallest, friendliest and most welcoming canoe hire company with whom we canoe down the Ardèche gorges
Frequently asked questions about canoeing down the Ardèche gorges
- Physical ability and experience. Canoeing down the Ardèche does not necessarily require any previous experience of canoeing or rafting. It is important to be in good physical condition and to have some experience of these activities to get the most out of the experience.
- Equipment: It is essential to wear a lifejacket (provided by the service providers). Closed shoes are recommended to protect feet from rocks and underwater obstacles.
- Weather conditions and river flow: Conditions on the river can vary depending on the season, weather and river flow. It is important to find out about current conditions and to follow the service providers’ recommendations on safety conditions.
- Self-sufficiency: Provide plenty of food and drink.
For obvious safety reasons, it is essential to be able to swim. What’s more, most service providers require a minimum age to take part in the descent of the Ardèche. This is generally around 7 years old for children accompanied by adults.
Yes, there are several courses for descending the Ardèche, suited to different levels of experience and preferences of participants. The most popular routes generally include:
- Full course from Vallon-Pont-d’Arc to Saint-Martin-d’Ardèche. This complete route covers around 32 kilometres. It takes a full day to complete. It offers a complete experience of the spectacular scenery of the Ardèche gorges, including the crossing under the Pont d’Arc arch.
- Vallon-Pont-d’Arc to Châmes route . This route covers around 8 kilometres and is usually completed in half a day. The descent is quicker and less demanding. Ideal for those looking for a shorter experience or for families with young children.
- From Châmes to Saint-Martin-d’Ardèche. This shorter route covers around 24 kilometres and takes just under a day. It also offers superb views of the Ardèche gorges. It’s a good option for those with less time on their hands.
These routes offer a variety of landscapes and challenges. They can be adapted to suit participants’ preferences and needs. It is important to choose the route that best suits your level of canoeing and kayaking.
Our favourite canoe hire company for canoeing down the Ardèche gorges is Aquabateaux. In our opinion, they’re the friendliest and most welcoming. Aquabateaux is our service provider for canoeing down the Ardèche gorges.
If your aim is to get rid of it, the chances of success are fairly high. But if that’s what you want, go to the SPA instead.
Let’s be serious. The gorges de l’Ardèche are located in the heart of the Gorges de l’Ardèche nature reserve. This means that pets have no place there, as they are a real nuisance to the local wildlife. Never take a pet inside a nature reserve