24 km
The Ardèche Gorges Nature Reserve
Medium
Approx. 5h30
Perfect among friends
In brief:
Pass through the Nature Reserve
A real day of adventure in the gorges
Adrenaline rush guaranteed with over 10 rapids
Rates
Online booking discounts:
-
1 to 9 Adult(s)
44,00 €40,00 € -
10 to 19 Adults
42,00 €38,00 € -
+20 Adults
40,00 €36,00 € -
Child(ren) (aged 7 to 15)
29,00 €27,00 € -
Child(ren) in third place* 22,00 €
*Reserved for children weighing less than 35kg, middle seat without paddle, requires two other people in the canoe.
More information:
📖 Presentation of the course
The 24km descent of the Ardèche - the Ardèche Gorges Nature Reserve. What is it?
– This descent is self-guided (without an instructor).
– It is accessible to anyone aged 7 and above who can swim.
– This route requires considerable effort, so please ensure that all participants are in good physical condition.
The 24 km descent of the Ardèche Gorges nature reserve is the favourite route for sports enthusiasts who love nature and spectacular landscapes.
This descent is a one-day canoe trip and is very popular because it passes through exceptional sites such as the Cirque de la Madeleine, the Balcon des Templiers and the Rocher de la Cathédrale. By choosing this descent of the Ardèche, you will discover the most beautiful part of the Ardèche Gorges: the part that has been preserved from human impact.
Allow 5 hours of paddling ⏳ (excluding picnics and swimming) for this descent. To fully enjoy this unique natural site, we recommend setting off as early as possible ⏰ (the first departures are at 8.30 am).
Please note that this route does not pass under the arch bridge.
It starts a little further down in the gorges (but trust us, it’s the most beautiful canoe route in the Ardèche!!)
🔍 Activity schedule
More details about the descent of the Ardèche 24km - the nature reserve
Departure:
Meeting point for this route:
Before setting off on the 24 km descent of the Ardèche, it is essential to bring enough water and food for the day. You should also bring long clothing and/or sun cream to protect yourself from the sun, as there is very little shade in the Gorges.
The meeting point is at our jetty. A shuttle bus will then take you to the entrance of the nature reserve, in the hamlet of Châmes, the starting point for the 24 km descent.
We offer 4 departure times: 8.30 am, 9 am, 9.30 am and 10 am.
To take part in this 24 km descent of the Ardèche, you must arrive at the pier 30 minutes before departure to get ready, receive the necessary information for navigation and the smooth running of your day, and collect your equipment: waterproof containers (26L or 56L), life jackets and paddles.
Once you are equipped and informed, the shuttle will take you to the starting point.
descent :
Rapids, cliffs nearly 300 metres high, breathtaking panoramas and much more!
Allow five hours of paddling to cover the 24 kilometres to Sauze.
For your comfort, we recommend covering as much distance as possible in the morning of your 24-kilometre descent of the Ardèche before taking your picnic break.
The Cathedral Rock is an ideal place to take a break and enjoy a swim (our team will give you all the information you need during the briefing).
Arrival and return:
Our shuttles will be waiting for you at the Sauze landing stage between 4pm and 5pm to take you back to Vallon-Pont-d’Arc. Once you have disembarked, our drivers will invite you to board the buses. Departure times depend on how full the buses are, so we are unable to give you an exact waiting time before departure, although we will ensure that it is as short as possible.
🗺️ Route map
⭐ Customer reviews
FAQ
From what age can you go down the Ardèche river by canoe or kayak?
Canoeing and kayaking are permitted on the Ardèche river for children aged 7 and above. Children under this age must be accompanied by a professional instructor (see OUR SUPERVISED DESCENTS OF THE ARDECHE).
Do you need to know how to swim to go canoeing down the Ardèche?
Yes, although life jackets must be worn during the activity, it is essential to be able to swim at least 25 metres and to be able to submerge yourself if necessary.
Can we take a dog on the Ardèche river descents?
Yes, dogs are welcome to share your adventure with Loulou Boats. (Under your responsibility) Just make sure your four-legged friend is comfortable in the water. We also recommend that your dog wear a life jacket (available for an additional €15.00 at the pier).
Does the current water level allow for safe navigation down the Ardèche?
Yes! The Ardèche is a river that always maintains a decent flow, even during periods of drought, thanks to its many natural tributaries and several dams that ensure a steady flow.
In the event of heavy rainfall causing the flow to become too high for navigation, a warning banner is displayed on the pages for the affected routes. (This is extremely rare.)
I am canoeing down the Ardèche river and camping overnight. What should I do with my rubbish?
NATURE OPTION: Whether you are camping at Gaud or Gournier, you will only find compost bins for your organic waste. All other waste must be taken with you when you leave the nature reserve (you will find bins available on arrival).
COMFORT OPTION: Rubbish bins are available at Camping Adrénaline, where you will spend the night, and at the end of the trail.
Can we change the date of the descent if the weather is bad/if it rains?
Yes! If the weather is bad, you can change the date/time of your activity 🙂
Can we pay with ANCV holiday vouchers?
Yes! Simply make your booking as normal and select ‘full payment’, then choose ‘cheque/ANCV’ as your payment method.
Please ignore the message asking you to send payment by post; you will pay directly on site on the day of your stay.
Can we choose whether we want canoes or kayaks?
Yes! All our boats are sit-on-top style. You can choose the configuration of your boats: 1 seat, 2 seats, or even 3 seats (the middle seat is reserved for children under 12 years old).
