Canoeing and kayaking on the Ardèche river, passing through 4 dams.
In summary
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Sports
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Duration2 days
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LevelBeginner
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DestinationArdèche / Vallon-Pont-d'Arc
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions7.51 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Two days of multifaceted kayaking ! You'll start 6km upstream from the classic route, allowing you to enjoy four dams with four natural slides before joining the 30km stretch on the Ardèche River. Enjoy a peaceful paddle to begin, passing under the natural arch of the Pont d'Arc, before entering the Ardèche Gorges Nature Reserve for an overnight stay. Along the route, numerous beaches provide ideal spots to relax and fully appreciate the natural wonders of the Gorges. You'll spend the night camping in the heart of the canyon .
The highlights
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Free descent
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A getaway in the heart of nature, with breathtaking landscapes.
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6km of fun upstream with 4 dams and 4 slides
Photos
Sport
Level
Kayaking and Canoeing
In figures
Canoeing / Kayaking
- Average duration/day: 2h
Management
Program
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Welcome / preparation and off we go on the adventure
- Transportation Minibus - 00h10 - 7km
- Activity Canoeing / Kayaking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
For this descent, several departure times are available: 9:30, 10:30, and 11:30. Please arrive at the base one hour before departure. At reception, the person handling your booking will describe the route in detail (paddling time, landmarks, safety instructions, etc.). Next comes the preparation phase: each participant will receive a 55-liter container to store their equipment (as the descent is self-supported, it's important not to forget anything).
Before departure, mandatory life jackets will be distributed (helmets are optional), followed by a transfer by minibus to our launch point (personal vehicles must remain parked in our private lot). At the launch point, final instructions will be given before departure, and canoes and paddles will be provided.
Start of your self-guided adventure on the Ardèche.
Day 1 -
Second and final part of the hike / return transfer
- Transportation Minibus - 00h50 - 38km
- Activity Canoeing / Kayaking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After a night camping in the heart of the Ardèche Gorges Nature Reserve, it's time to get back on your boat and continue your journey downriver to St Martin d'Ardèche. No stress, we'll meet you at the finish line between 4 and 5 pm.
A shuttle will take you back to our base in Vallon Pont d'Arc.
Day 2
Note
The activity is feasible every day subject to favorable weather conditions (absence of a specific alert bulletin issued by the competent authorities prefecture / meteorological services) and available places on one of the two bivouacs.
Accommodation
Regarding the bivouac, reservations are made directly with the nature reserve office (contact us for details). The night will be spent at one of two bivouac sites in the heart of the Ardèche Gorges Nature Reserve (Gaud bivouac or Gournier bivouac).
The bivouac areas remain relatively spartan camping areas ; they have: toilets, showers, drinking water points, barbecues (charcoal is provided by the nature reserve),
You can book directly with the reserve:
- Tent for 3, 6 or even 15 people
- Individual self-inflating mattress
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- All equipment rental (waterproof containers for storing personal belongings (1 x 55L container per person, paddles, life jackets, boats, helmet)
- Transfers (base camp to departure point, arrival point to base camp)
- Tips and information to know before the descent, and a small map of your descent.
- Additional services (parking for vehicles during the descent, restrooms, etc.)
The price does not include
- Overnight camping in the heart of the nature reserve.
- Camping essentials
- Meals and drinks
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- One 55L waterproof container per participant
- A buoyancy aid vest that meets European standards
- A helmet (optional)
- A paddle
- A double-hulled sit-on-top style canoe/kayak
Equipment to bring
- Glasses cord
- Neoprene wetsuit (optional)
- Camping equipment (sleeping bag, tent, mattress...)
- Food / drink
- Trash bags
- Small plastic bags (like freezer bags) to protect your hydrophobic equipment
Clothing to bring
- Warm and dry change of clothes
- UV-protective clothing
- Hat/cap
- Shorts
- T-shirt