Canoeing down the Ardèche River
· The routes ·
Canoeing down the Ardèche Gorges - Vallon Pont d'Arc
Loulou Bateaux offers several routes for your canoe trip down the Ardèche:
Whether you are with family, friends or looking for sporting thrills, we are sure to have a package to suit your needs.
From short, fun half-day trips punctuated by swimming and water slides to full-day adventures in the Ardèche gorges, each itinerary offers spectacular scenery, entertaining passages and moments of relaxation as you float along the river.
And for those who want to get away from it all, we also offer two-day trips with camping in the heart of nature, so you can fully enjoy the unique experience offered by the famous gorges, which are classified as a Nature Reserve.
Discover all our routes in detail below and find the one that best suits your pace, your desires and your level.
How to choose the right canoe or kayak trip down the Ardèche River?
Consider your level
Beginners or families with children will prefer the shorter routes (5, 8 or 12 km), which are accessible and enjoyable.
The desired duration
A few hours? A full day? Two days? Select a route that suits your needs.
The type of experience sought
Swimming, relaxing breaks, passing under the Pont d’Arc, a day of sport and nature, or a night camping by the water.
Your physical fitness
Some routes require considerable physical effort, especially the 24 km and 32 km distances, so bear this in mind 🙂
Route map
Description of canoe routes on the Ardèche
Loulou Bateaux offers several routes for your canoe hire in Vallon Pont d’Arc. The aim is to offer a descent of the Ardèche river for all levels and all tastes: from very easy 5 km or 8 km descents to 32 km descents for the more athletic, and even two-day descents with an overnight stay in the Ardèche gorges.
Discover information about our canoeing routes in Ardèche
5 Km · The mini slide descent ·
5 Km - The mini slide descent
From📍Sampzon
To📍Vallon Pont d’Arc
5 km – A fun and accessible descent!
In brief:
· Very easy route with no rapids ·
· 4 canoe slides ·
· Approximately 1.5 hours of paddling time ·
· Take as long as you like ·
· Does not pass under the Pont d’Arc ·
‘Try your hand at canoeing and kayaking in Ardèche with a short, fun and thrilling course featuring four specially designed slides.’
The 5km Ardèche descent is the perfect course for beginners to canoeing and kayaking and for introducing young children (aged 7 and above) to kayaking. This course does not include any rapids and does not require any particular paddling skills.
The four canoe slides on this route make for a fun outing, and the numerous accessible beaches are ideal for swimming and relaxing breaks of all kinds.
You can choose from four departure times:
9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.
And you can take as long as you like to complete your descent.
8 km · Mini descent Pont d'Arc·
8km - The Mini Descent Pont d'Arc
From📍Vallon Pont d’Arc
To 📍Châmes
8 km – The Mini Descent of the Pont d'Arc
In short:
· Easy route with a few rapids ·
· Pass under the Pont d’Arc ·
· Around 1½ hours of paddling ·
· Take as long as you like ·
‘Discover the Pont d’Arc and the Ardèche Gorges on a fun trip, ideal for a half-day of canoeing fun!’
The 8 km descent of the Ardèche is the ideal route for admiring the famous Pont d’Arc while enjoying an easy and fun water trip.
Accessible from the age of 7, this descent presents no particular difficulty and requires no previous canoeing or kayaking experience.
There are numerous beaches along the route, perfect for swimming breaks, picnics or simply enjoying the sun and the exceptional setting of the Ardèche.
You can start the activity whenever you like between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.:
And best of all, there’s no time limit 🕒: enjoy it at your own pace, stopping as often as you like before reaching the landing stage at Châmes.
12 Km · Maxi Mini descent
The MAxi mini descent
12 km of unforgettable fun
12 km – The Maxi-Mini that has it all !
En bref :
· 4 Toboggans à canoë ·
· Passez sous le Pont d’Arc ·
· Environs 3h00 de temps de pagaie ·
· Vous prenez le temps que vous voulez ·
‘Discover the Pont d’Arc and the majestic landscapes of the Ardèche Gorges on a comprehensive tour, ideal for a half-day of adventure and relaxation in a canoe!’
The 12 km ‘maxi mini’ descent of the Ardèche: a route that combines the 5 km and 8 km courses.
Accessible from the age of 7, this course combines fun, nature and magnificent landscapes, including canoe slides, crossing the Pont d’Arc and the Charlemagne rapids.
No experience is necessary: after a full briefing, set off at your own pace for around 3 hours of paddling, punctuated by wild beaches, swimming spots and picnic breaks in the heart of an exceptional natural site.
⏰ Departure times :
9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
🕒 No time limit: make the most of your day before returning to the Châmes landing stage.
24 km · The nature reserve
The nature reserve
24 km into the Ardèche Gorges
24 km – A day-long adventure!
In brief:
· Go trough the nature reserve ·
· More than 10 rapids ·
· Approximately 5½ hours of paddling ·
· The most beautiful route! ·
· Does not pass under the Pont d’Arc ·
‘Discover the Ardèche Gorges Nature Reserve on what is undoubtedly the most beautiful canoeing route in the Ardèche!’
🌞 Explore the entire Ardèche Gorges during an unforgettable day of adventure in a canoe or kayak!
The 24 km descent of the Ardèche is a classic route for total immersion in the heart of the Ardèche countryside.
Throughout the trip, you will paddle between vertiginous cliffs, legendary rapids and wild beaches!
Accessible from the age of 7 (depending on physical condition), this descent offers 5 to 6 hours of navigation punctuated by swimming spots, picnic breaks and breathtaking panoramas.
It’s the perfect option for sporty families, adventurous couples or groups of friends who want to make the most of a day on the water under the Ardèche sun ☀️.
⏰ Departure times:
between 8.30am and 10am
Pick-up at the end of the trip:
between 4pm and 5pm
32 km · The entire descent in one day
La descente intégrale
32 km de chalenge et d'émerveillement
From 📍Vallon Pont d’Arc
to📍Sauze
32 km – The great sporting challenge!
In brief:
· Pass under the Pont d’Arc ·
· Go through the nature reserve ·
· Lots of rapids ·
· Around 7 hours of paddling ·
· A challenge for sports enthusiasts! ·
Experience the entire 32 km descent of the Ardèche Gorges, an exceptional route that combines sport, unspoilt nature and spectacular scenery.
💪 Experience the ultimate adventure on the Ardèche with a full 32 km descent in one day!
The 32 km descent of the Ardèche is the most comprehensive and challenging route.
It is designed for those who want to take on a real challenge while discovering the entire Ardèche Gorges, an exceptional natural site classified as a Nature Reserve.
As you travel down the river, you will alternate between dynamic rapids, calm passages, canoe slides and beaches that are ideal for relaxing or picnicking.
You will, of course, pass under the Pont d’Arc, the region’s emblem, before continuing your adventure in the heart of the wild gorges, between impressive cliffs and spectacular meanders 🌿.
This descent requires good physical condition and takes around 6 to 7 hours of navigation.
It is the ideal option for sports enthusiasts, adventurers and nature lovers looking for an intense and spectacular day on the water.
⏰ Departure times:
between 8:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.
Pick-up at the end of the route:
between 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
32 km in two days · Descent with bivouac 🌙 - NATURE TRIP
The 2-day descent with bivouac
32 km with a night in the heart of nature
Nature trip
From 📍Vallon Pont d’Arc
To📍Sauze en deux jours
2-day ‘Nature’ descent – Adventure camping in the nature reserve
In brief:
· Pass under the Pont d’Arc ·
· Cross the nature reserve ·
· Lots of rapids ·
· 3 to 4 hours of paddling per day ·
· One night in the nature reserve ·
‘Enjoy the most authentic Ardèche experience: two days of sailing through the Gorges and a night camping under the stars, in the heart of the Nature Reserve.’
🌙 Experience a life-size adventure with the 32 km descent of the Ardèche over 2 days and a night camping in the heart of the gorges!
The 32 km descent of the Ardèche – Nature package is a real canoe expedition to discover the Ardèche Gorges in all their splendour.
It is the ideal package for lovers of nature, freedom and authenticity who want to enjoy a unique experience: spending a night in the Ardèche Gorges Nature Reserve.
On the programme:
👉 Day 1 – Pass under the Pont d’Arc and enjoy a peaceful trip through the first rapids, impressive cliffs and wild spots perfect for swimming and picnics.
At the end of the day, pitch your tent at one of the two equipped campsites (Gaud or Gournier): shower, toilets, communal barbecue and campfire under the stars 🌠.
👉 Day 2 – Head for the second part of the gorges, which is more enclosed and spectacular: rapids and spectacular landscapes before arriving in Sauze.
Suitable for children aged 7 and above, this 2-day descent allows you to take your time, recharge your batteries in the heart of nature and experience the Ardèche in a different way, far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
⏰ Departure times:
Between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
🕒 Return the next day: in Sauze, our shuttles will take you back to Vallon-Pont-d’Arc 🚌 between 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. (Return possible between 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. on Sundays during high season)
30 km in two days · Descent with bivouac 🌙 - COMFORT TRIP
The 2-day descent with bivouac
30 km with one night camping
Compfort trip
From 📍Balazuc
to📍Châmes
in two days
2-day ‘Comfort’ descent – The adventure of camping without the constraints!
Combine adventure and comfort with a 30 km descent of the Ardèche over two days, including a comfortable overnight stay in the heart of the Gorges!
The 30 km descent of the Ardèche – Comfort package is the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation 🛶.
You will enjoy a complete two-day experience, without compromising on comfort, with the option of accommodation*, meals* and packed lunches* prepared for you so that you can fully savour the beauty of the Ardèche.
* At an additional cost
👉 Day 1 – Balazuc → Partner campsite
Meet at Loulou bateaux, Vallon-Pont-d’Arc at 11:00 am 🕚.
After about 40 minutes by bus 🚍 to Balazuc, it’s time for the first day of canoeing!
A nice warm-up with a few small rapids, 1 canoe slide, and above all, numerous beaches perfect for swimming, picnicking and relaxing in the sun ☀️.
At the end of the day, we arrive at our partner campsite, ‘Adrénaline’, where you can pitch your tents or rent bivouac accommodation, enjoy a convivial meal, hot showers 🚿 and a peaceful evening under the stars ✨.
Please note that some services are subject to an additional charge. More info
👉 Day 2 – Continuation of the descent → Châmes
After a hearty breakfast, return to the river for a more lively and spectacular day:
4 canoe slides, fun rapids, and of course the passage under the majestic Pont d’Arc.
🚌 Return from Châmes:
Every hour, for a flexible and comfortable return to Vallon-Pont-d’Arc.
Accessible from 7 years old (depending on physical condition), this package is perfect for those who want to experience the Ardèche in two days with a touch of adventure and all the necessary comforts 🌞.
FAQ
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).