32 km
The complete Ardèche
Demanding
Approx 6 to 7h00
For
the challenge
In brief:
Start by crossing the Pont d'Arc bridge.
Then cross over The entire nature reserve
A real sporting challenge
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 32km Descent of the Ardèche - the whole thing in one day. 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 full 32 km descent of the Ardèche is for athletes who want to start directly from Vallon-Pont-d’Arc, pass under the legendary Pont d’Arc and paddle through the heart of the Ardèche Gorges nature reserve to the Sauze landing stage.
It will take you 6½ hours of paddling (excluding meal and swimming breaks) to complete the 32 km of this adventure.
👉 To fully enjoy this exceptional descent, we recommend setting off early ⏰ (first departures at 8 a.m.). This will give you time to admire the magnificent scenery and enjoy moments of relaxation in the water.
This route is also available over two days with a night camping in the heart of the nature reserve.
HERE
🔍 Activity schedule
More details about the descent of the Ardèche 32 km - The entire descent
Departure:
Meeting point for this route:
The 32 km canoe trip down the Ardèche river departs directly from our jetty between 8:00 am and 9:30 am. We strongly recommend that you set off as early as possible so that you can enjoy the river and take a few breaks. This long trip is suitable for adults and sporty types, so families with children should consider the 24 km trip instead.
Upon arrival, we will provide you with information about navigation and the schedule for your day, as well as your equipment: waterproof containers (26L or 56L), life jackets and paddles.
Once you have been briefed and equipped, you can embark and begin your 32 km canoe trip down the Ardèche directly from our jetty.
descent :
Pont d’Arc, rapids, cliffs nearly 300 metres high, breathtaking panoramas and much more! You won’t miss a thing!
It takes 6½ hours of paddling to cover the 32 km from Vallon-Pont-d’Arc to Sauze.
The Ardèche Gorges are classified as a nature reserve. This means that it is a protected and preserved area, so there is no access from the road. Similarly, you will not find any places to eat.
It is therefore essential to bring enough water and food for the day.
The Cathedral Rock is an ideal place to take a break for a snack and enjoy a swim (our team will give you all this information during the briefing).
Arrival and return:
Our shuttles will be waiting for you at the Sauze landing stage from 4pm to 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 your departure, although we will ensure that it is as short as possible.
Would you like to find out more about this 32 km canoe trip on the Ardèche? Please do not hesitate to contact us!
🗺️ 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).
