12 km
Maxi mini descent: Slides and Pont d'Arc
Easy
Approx. 3 hours
Perfect for families
In brief:
Pass 4 Canoe slides
Pass under the arch bridge
Take As long as you want
Rates
Online booking discounts:
-
1 to 9 Adult(s)
40,00 €37,00 € -
10 to 19 Adults
38,00 €35,00 € -
+20 Adults
36,00 €33,00 € -
Child(ren) (aged 7 to 15)
28,00 €25,00 € -
Child(ren) in third place* 21,00 €
*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 Ardèche Descent 12km - Maxi mini descent, slides and Pont d'Arc, what is it?
This descent is self-guided: there are no instructors present.
It is open to anyone aged 7 and above who can swim.
The 12 km Ardèche descent is ideal for those who want a slightly longer route than the 8 km mini descent, without embarking on one of the longer itineraries.
The calm flow of the first 4 kilometres will allow you to gently learn how to navigate and steer your canoe, or simply admire the scenery. After passing through the 4 slides specially designed for canoes and kayaks to pass through the dykes on this section, you will reach the second part, with a slightly stronger current.
This second section will give you the opportunity to navigate a few rapids and pass under the Pont d’Arc 🙂
There are beaches accessible along the entire route where you can take a break, go for a swim and enjoy the Ardèche sunshine.
🔍 Activity schedule
Détails sur la descente de l'Ardèche 12km Maxi Mini - Toboggans et Pont d'Arc
Departure :
Meeting point for this route:
Parking is free and shaded.
Four departure times are available:
9:00 – 10:30 – 12:00 – 13:30
(Please arrive 20 minutes before your chosen departure time.)
EQUIPMENT
All the necessary equipment for canoeing is provided by our team (55L waterproof containers, life jackets and paddles).
Before you start your 12 km Ardèche descent, we will also give you practical instructions on how to handle your canoe, use the slides, and navigate the rapids.
Please remember to bring:
- 💧 Water (1.5 L per person)
- 🌞 Sun protection
- 👟 Water shoes or old sneakers
- 🥪 Picnic
- 👓 Straps for glasses
- 🧢 Cap or hat
Once you are briefed and equipped, a shuttle will take you to the starting point in Sampzon, where your adventure begins!
descent :
On the first part of the descent – 12 km (between Sampzon and Vallon-Pont-d’Arc) – the flow is slow and the route presents no particular difficulties. You will encounter four weirs, which you can easily negotiate using the canoe slides.
From Vallon-Pont-d’Arc (about 1½ hours’ paddling from the start in Sampzon), the river’s flow increases slightly and there are a few small rapids to negotiate. Allow another hour’s paddling to reach the natural arch of Pont-d’Arc.
Finally, you will have about 30 minutes of paddling left to reach the end of the Ardèche descent – 12 km.
Arrival and return:
The arrival point is in the hamlet of Chames, at stop no. 5.
A shuttle bus will be waiting for you at the arrival point at the time you chose before boarding and will take you back to the Vallon-Pont-d’Arc pier.
Possible return times:
To be specified before departure.
11 a.m. – 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. – 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.*
*During high season
🗺️ 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).
