5 km
Mini slides descent
very
Easy
Approx. 1h30
great for
beginners
In brief:
Pass 4 Canoe slides
Take As long as you want
Easy navigation without rapids
Rates
Online booking discounts:
-
1 to 9 adults
30,00 €25,00 € -
10 to 19 Adults
28,00 €23,00 € -
+20 Adults
26,00 €21,00 € -
Child(ren) (aged 7 to 15)
21,00 €19,00 € -
Child(ren) in third place* 15,00 €
*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 5km - Mini slide descent, what is it?
This descent is self-guided: no instructor supervision is provided.
It is open to anyone aged 7 and above who can swim.
Canoeing, natural slides and swimming breaks from Sampzon to Vallon Pont d’Arc
There are four departure times available for this route:
9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.
The short 5 km descent of the Ardèche offers a very easy canoeing experience, punctuated by four small canoe slides, all in a magnificent natural setting. You can take as long as you like, which is perfect for enjoying a swim and a stress-free trip 🙂
Discover this exceptional aquatic adventure , perfect for:
👨👩👧👦 families with children (aged 7 and above)
🌞 those looking for an easy route without rapids
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS ROUTE DOES NOT PASS UNDER THE PONT D’ARC!
If you would like to take a short route that passes under the Pont d’Arc, we recommend the 8 km descent.
If you would like to go through the slides AND the Pont d’Arc, choose the 12 km descent.
🔍 Activity schedule
More details about the 5km Ardèche descent - Mini descent Slides
Departure:
Meeting point for this route:
🚗 You will find a free shaded car park where you can leave your vehicle while you enjoy your activity.
After being welcomed and kitted out by our team, you can decide whether you prefer to paddle solo or in pairs (or even in threes, if the middle seat of the canoe is occupied by a child weighing less than 35kg).
There are four departure times available for this route:
9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.
📢 Next… head to the briefing where we will give you our best advice and answer all your questions about your 5 km canoe trip.
🚌 Finally, it’s time for a short 10-minute bus ride to the starting point of your trip.
descent :
Once on the water, you will first navigate a very calm area, ideal for getting used to your canoe and familiarising yourself with navigation, before reaching the first of four slides that you will have the pleasure of discovering on this route.
Allow about 1½ hours to complete this very easy descent, with no rapids and little current. Along the route, you will find beaches and banks where you can stop for a picnic, enjoy a swim or simply soak up the Ardèche sunshine.
There are no time constraints: you can take as long as you like to make the most of your canoeing adventure in the Ardèche.
Please note: this route does not pass under the Pont d’Arc.
If you wish to paddle under the famous arch, opt for the mini descent of the Pont d’Arc – 8 km.
Arrival and return:
✨ This is one of the highlights of this route: there is no return shuttle! You finish your canoe trip directly at our landing stage in Vallon-Pont-d’Arc.
📍 Marked by a sign on your left, all you have to do is return the rented equipment to our team on site, then walk back to your vehicle, parked in our car park about a hundred metres away.
You will have access to showers, toilets and cold drinks.
🗺️ 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).
