Weekend relaxing canoe-kayak descent of the Ardèche
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 7 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions7.16 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Embark on this legendary descent of the Ardèche River from Vallon Pont d'Arc to Saint Martin d'Ardèche ! This trip to the heart of one of Europe's most beautiful canyons allows you to navigate serenely through the most stunning and wildest section of the Ardèche. It's a 30km descent over two days , with an overnight bivouac in the heart of the Ardèche Gorges Nature Reserve . You'll also have the opportunity to alternate paddling time with rest stops to recharge in the river or simply enjoy this immersive experience in nature.
The highlights
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A self-guided getaway in the heart of nature
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A stress-free and liberating descent
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An activity accessible to a wide audience
Photos
quentin - verified review - june 2025
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
- Activity Canoeing / Kayaking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The meeting is scheduled at our partner's base between 9am and 2pm (no fixed time).
At reception, the person in charge of your file will describe in detail the route you will take (paddling time, landmarks, safety instructions to follow...) then will come the preparation phase, each participant will receive a 55-liter container to store their equipment (the descent is done independently, it is important not to forget anything).
When everyone is ready, distribution of the mandatory life jacket (or helmet, an optional safety item) then transfer to the boarding point by minibus (personal vehicles remain parked in our private parking lot), to our pier.
At the embarkation point, final advice before departure and distribution of canoes and paddles.
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 to continue your descent to St Martin d'Ardèche.
We will meet you upon arrival between 4pm and 5pm.
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
The night will be spent at one of the two bivouacs in the heart of the Ardèche Gorges nature reserve ( Gaud bivouac or Gournier bivouac ).
- Sanitary facilities
- Showers
- Drinking water point
- Barbecues and charcoal
They have no restaurants, no shops (for supplies), and no electricity.
"Comfort" options, possibility to reserve:
- Tent for 3/6 or even 15 people
- Individual self-inflating mattress
Booking by yourselves, contact us for more information.
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- All equipment rental (1 x 55L container per person, paddles, life jackets, boats, helmet)
- All transfers (base-departure, arrival-base)
- All the tips and information you need to know before your descent, and a small map of your descent.
- All ancillary services (parking for vehicles during the descent, restrooms, etc.)
The price does not include
- Overnight camping in the heart of the nature reserve (reservations are made directly with the nature reserve office, please contact us )
- Camping essentials
- Food and drink
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
For your business, our partner provides :
- One 55-litre 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
On the premises, you will have a shop area where it is possible to buy:
- Neoprene slippers
- Eyeglass cords
- UV-protective t-shirts / eco-friendly sunscreen
- Waterproof pouches for your phone
Equipment to bring
- Closed shoes (neoprene booties, lightweight sports shoes with non-slip soles) are mandatory
- A neoprene wetsuit if the water is cold (possibility of renting one at the base)
- Glasses cord
- Camping equipment (sleeping bag, tent, mattress...)
- Trash bags
- Small plastic bags (like freezer bags) to protect your hydrophobic equipment
- Waterproof pouches for your phone if you want to capture your descent
Clothing to bring
- Warm, dry spare clothes
- Appropriate clothing for water activities (shorts and T-shirt)
- Windbreaker
- Avoid clothing that exposes your skin too much to the sun; opt for UV-protective clothing.
- A hat
They traveled with us
Martin
- 32 ans
100% Verified Reviews: Only travelers who have booked with us can leave a review. All reviews are subject to human moderation. Reviews that do not comply with the moderation rules are rejected.
september 2026
Among friends
francois
- 50 ans
100% Verified Reviews: Only travelers who have booked with us can leave a review. All reviews are subject to human moderation. Reviews that do not comply with the moderation rules are rejected.
may 2026
In family
Good morning,
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We are sorry to hear that the organization of your stay did not meet your expectations and that you had to change your accommodation plans.
After checking your file and in accordance with the Tourism Code (in particular article L211-11 on pre-contractual information), we confirm that the description of this canoe trip specifies that reservations for overnight stays in bivouacs as well as the management of camping equipment, drinks and food remain the sole responsibility of the participants and must be booked separately.
Our expert team on site also sent you booking instructions via message as soon as your file was validated. Since you did not have a valid bivouac reservation upon arrival, the staff on site had to direct you to other options for your safety and comfort, as the nature reserve strictly regulates access.
We regret this misunderstanding regarding the details of the stay and remain at your disposal for any future sporting adventure!
quentin
- 33 ans
100% Verified Reviews: Only travelers who have booked with us can leave a review. All reviews are subject to human moderation. Reviews that do not comply with the moderation rules are rejected.
june 2025
In a couple
