Canoeing down the Ardèche

The Ardèche Gorges: Exceptional Nature in a Preserved Setting

Over time, the Ardèche River has carved out the magnificent canyon known as the Ardèche Gorges. It is within these sumptuous landscapes that you can canoe or kayak for an unforgettable excursion with family or friends.

Canoeing and Kayaking

This river is ideal for canoeing and kayaking, for both beginners and experienced paddlers. You will navigate within the Nature Reserve (a listed site) for an excursion that combines both the athletic side and the discovery of this extremely rich and varied natural heritage.
Your trip down the river will alternate between calm, flat sections and small rapids. These small rapids are the ideal place to learn canoeing and kayaking techniques while enjoying a superb setting.

Along the river, you'll pass under the natural arch of Pont d'Arc, an arch over 50 meters high carved into the rock by river erosion. You'll continue through deep gorges and their majestic limestone ramparts. Sandy beaches and rocky outcrops offer opportunities for swimming or picnicking in a breathtaking setting.

You'll also discover the rich biodiversity of this unspoiled environment: kingfishers, beavers, multicolored dragonflies, griffon vultures, and many others are very common.

Different Adventures

Your descent can lasta day or even two days if you choose an overnight bivouac option. You can then camp in one of the two areas developed and managed by the Nature Reserve: the Gaud bivouac or the Gournier bivouac, located in the heart of the Gorges.

Bivouac reservations can be made directly with the Pont d'Arc Tourist Office. A package that includes equipment rental and a night in a bivouac is even available for your convenience.
If you'd like to learn more about how to book your canoe trip with bivouac, click here!

Canoeing down the Ardèche with bivouac

Other practical information concerning your trip down the Ardèche River in a canoe:

• In summer the water is warm in the Gorges of the Ardèche River, reaching up to 25°C! Before and after summer, we supply you with neoprene wetsuits. We only organise trips down the Ardèche River from 1 April to 30 september.
• You should wear sports clothing adapted to the season, trainers or water shoes with good adherence, a swimsuit and towel. If you wear glasses you should fit them with a neck cord. In the summer bring protective sun cream and a hat.
• You must arrive thirty minutes before your Departure time, to give you adequate time to get ready.
• It is also a good idea to have some cereal bars and water with you.
• To take a trip down the Ardèche River in a canoe you need to be able to swim for 25 metres, be older than 7, or be accompanied by an Instructor who has a French State Instructor Diploma.