Canoeing down the Ardèche River
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2 days with bivouac
Canoeing in the Ardèche for 2 days: bivouac or comfort, the choice is yours!
LOULOU BATEAUX offers a unique experience: a two-day canoe trip down the Ardèche River.
It’s the perfect adventure for those who truly want to enjoy the river at their own pace. By taking your time, you’ll discover the Ardèche from a different perspective: paddling leisurely, navigating rapids, stopping for swims, sharing a picnic by the water, and admiring the monumental cliffs and the famous Pont d’Arc at your own pace.
By choosing a two-day trip, you’ll not only enjoy the pleasure of paddling, but also the magic of an evening in the heart of the Ardèche. Depending on the package, you can:
Experience nature firsthand, with an overnight bivouac in the nature reserve, dinner under the stars, and waking up to sunrise, for total immersion in the spirit of adventure.
Opt for the Comfort package, which includes an overnight stay at our partner campsite in Ruoms, where you’ll find a restaurant, bar, and friendly atmosphere for a more relaxing break after a day of activity.
Whichever option you choose, you’ll enjoy a true escape from everyday life: two intense days of sport, exploration, and unforgettable moments on the water, surrounded by the Ardèche countryside.
Nature vs. Comfort: Which option to choose?
🌿 Nature Package or Comfort Package?
The Nature Package immerses you in the heart of the Ardèche gorges for an authentic adventure, with a night in a fully equipped bivouac under the stars, right in the heart of a nature reserve 🌌. It’s the ideal experience for those who love to disconnect and experience raw thrills.
The Comfort Package, on the other hand, prioritizes a more relaxed and convenient stay 😎: the descent takes place over two days with an overnight stay at Camping Adrénaline in Ruoms, where you can enjoy a real bed, a delicious meal, and a friendly atmosphere 🍽️. Two different ways to experience the magic of the Ardèche, depending on your adventurous spirit!
All the differences:
Two-day descent: Nature or comfort, what's the difference?
| Informations: | NATURE trip | COMFORT trip |
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Route : |
In the Ardèche Gorges Nature Reserve. You will navigate from Vallon Pont d'Arc to Sauze in two days. |
Upstream from the Ardèche Gorges Nature Reserve. You will navigate from Balazuc to Châmes in two days. |
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Possible departures : |
Every day from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm |
Every day at 11:00 AM |
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Return by bus: |
Day 2 between 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM
(possible between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM on busy weekends) |
Day 2, every hour from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM (7:00 PM in high season) |
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Overnight stay: |
NOT INCLUDED (must be booked separately, see dedicated page) 2 options: - GAUD bivouac at 1/3 of the route - GOURNIER bivouac at 1/2 of the route - Count arround 15€ / person |
NOT INCLUDED (must be booked separately, see dedicated page) Must be booked with our partner campsite ADRENALINE in RUOMS on the banks of the Ardèche. - Count arround 15€ / person |
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Services and constraints of overnight stays: |
- Overnight stay in the heart of the nature reserve - Complete autonomy - Toilets and shower (cold) - No trash cans on site - Tent and inflatable mattress available for rent on site (additional charge) - No access to electricity |
- Overnight stay on the banks of the Ardèche River - On-site dining available (evening and/or breakfast, extra charge) - Bar / Gellyball / Ping-pong tables / Escape room on site - Toilets and hot showers - Trash cans on site - Access to the village of Ruoms (restaurants and shops) a 10-minute walk away - Packed lunches available for the second day of your trip. - Overnight stays available in 6-person or 4-person tipi tents. - Electricity available |
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First day of navigation: |
Passage under the Pont d'Arc and the first part of the Ardèche gorges. Numerous beaches all along the way. |
The first part runs alongside impressive cliffs ideal for jumps, then passes along the edge of the woods and includes crossing a canoe slide. Numerous beaches all along the way. |
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Second day of navigation: |
Navigation in the most beautiful part of the nature reserve, passing by the cathedral rock. |
Crossing 5 Canoe Slides and passing under the Pont d'Arc at the end of the course. |
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Additional information: |
Why choose a two-day descent of the Ardèche?
🕰️ Take your time: enjoy the river at your own pace, with plenty of swimming and relaxation breaks.
🌄 Experience a unique evening: sunset, a friendly atmosphere, and a night in the heart of the Ardèche.
🛶 Choose your adventure style: a nature bivouac under the stars or the comfort of a partner campsite.
📸 Multiply your discoveries: admire iconic landscapes and have more opportunities for souvenir photos.
💪 Push your limits: take on the two-day sporting challenge while maintaining a more balanced pace.
🌿 Total disconnection: forget about everyday life and immerse yourself in the Ardèche countryside.
👨👩👧👦 Share more: create unforgettable moments with family and friends.
Our two-day descents
32 km in two days in the Ardèche gorges
NATURE Trip
From 📍 Vallon Pont d’Arc
to 📍 Sauze
32 km with bivouac
A 2-day adventure 🌛
NATURE TRIP
The 2-day, all-inclusive Ardèche River descent with bivouac camping is the ultimate adventure for experiencing the river like an explorer. Between rapids, swimming breaks in the Ardèche Gorges Nature Reserve, and breathtaking scenery, you’ll enjoy a more relaxed pace to savor every moment. As evening falls, the magic of camping awaits: dinner under the stars, a friendly atmosphere, and a night immersed in nature within the heart of the reserve. With approximately 32 km of paddling spread over two days, it’s the perfect option for those who love sports, nature, and total disconnection.
30 km over two days upstream from the gorges
Formule COMFORT Trip
From
BALAZUC
ToCHÂMES
30 km with bivouac
A 2-day adventure 🌛
Comfort Trip
The comfortable 2-day Ardèche River descent 🛶 is perfect for those who want to experience canoeing adventure while enjoying a more relaxing evening. The itinerary? Two days of paddling between rapids, majestic cliffs, and wild beaches, with plenty of time for swimming, picnicking, and admiring the scenery. After the first day, you’ll stop at our partner campsite in Ruoms: a truly relaxing experience with food, a bar, and a friendly atmosphere before hitting the water again the next day. Covering nearly 30 km, it’s the ideal way to combine sport, comfort, and immersion in the heart of the Ardèche countryside.
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).