Book your Ardèche bivouac – A night in the heart of the Gorges

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

To fully experience the unique charm of a bivouac in the Ardèche, booking your overnight stay is essential. The Gaud and Gournier bivouac areas are the only two designated spots for overnight stays within the Ardèche Gorges Nature Reserve. These well-equipped campsites allow you to extend your canoe trip over two days, enjoying a magical night under the stars ✨ in the heart of a protected natural site.

✅ What your Ardèche bivouac booking includes

🎫 Official access to a bivouac area: Gaud or Gournier (mandatory)
🛖 Equipped communal area (toilets, drinking water points, shared barbecues)
⛺ Tent pitch (bring your own equipment or rent on site, subject to availability)
🔥 A friendly and unique atmosphere in the heart of the Ardèche Gorges
🌌 A total immersion in the Ardèche countryside

📌 Practical information for your night in the bivouac

Reservations required: space is limited to a few hundred people per night.
Bring your own food and water for two days (food may be available on-site in limited quantities).
Sleeping equipment and tents can be rented (on request, limited stock).
Secure and supervised areas, accessible only to canoeists.
Suitable for families with children aged 7/8 and up, depending on their physical condition.

ℹ️ Important to know before booking

Camping in the Ardèche Gorges, at Gaud or Gournier, is not included in the two-day COMFORT package; it is a mandatory addition to the two-day NATURE Descent package.
This is a self-guided experience: participants must bring their own equipment, food, and sleeping gear. (Tents and inflatable mattresses are available on-site, subject to availability, at the time of booking below.)
The campsites are designed to respect the environment and ensure a complete immersion in nature.

Book your nature bivouac:

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).

📖 conclusion

Booking your Ardèche bivouac guarantees an extraordinary experience in the heart of the Gorges. More than just a night at a campsite, it’s an authentic adventure in a protected natural site. Don’t wait any longer to secure your spot and enjoy an unforgettable night surrounded by nature, between cliffs, rivers, and starry skies.