Canoeing down the Ardèche River
• Full day
Ready for a great adventure?
LOULOU BATEAUX invites you on a full-day canoe adventure through the Ardèche Gorges!
In the morning, we’ll embark on a lively descent: paddling along the river, navigating rapids, admiring spectacular cliffs, and enjoying refreshing swims in secluded spots.
We’ll also have time for a picnic on a beach and pass under the famous Pont d’Arc. Be warned, this trip requires a certain level of fitness: you need to enjoy being active and have a reasonable amount of stamina to complete the entire day.
If you’re athletic and ready for the challenge, you’ll experience a unique adventure combining thrills, incredible scenery, and unforgettable moments in the heart of the Ardèche countryside.
Why choose a full-day descent of the Ardèche?
🏞 Experience the full gorge adventure: enjoy a comprehensive route to discover all the natural wonders of the Ardèche.
🏖 Take your time to explore: enjoy plenty of breaks for swimming, picnics, and relaxation on the unspoiled beaches.
🚣 Thrills and sport await: a day of paddling that combines physical exertion with the pleasure of gliding along the water.
🌉 Pass under the Pont d’Arc and much more: admire the iconic natural arch and continue downstream to the cliffs and rapids.
🤝 A friendly adventure: ideal for sharing an unforgettable moment with friends, family, or a group.
OUR great descents:
24km
The nature reserve
24 Km
LA réserve naturelle
The 24km descent of the Ardèche River is a classic way to discover the entire gorge in a single day 🌞. Between rapids, spectacular cliffs, and wild beaches, this route offers approximately 5 to 6 hours of paddling in the heart of an exceptional natural setting. Accessible to athletes and adventure enthusiasts, it’s the ideal way to fully enjoy the beauty and thrills of the Ardèche by canoe or kayak.
32km
The full descent
32 Km
L'intégrale en 1 jour
The 32km Descent – The Complete Gorges 🚣♀️ This is the ultimate sporting challenge in the Ardèche! In a single day, travel from Vallon Pont d’Arc to Sauze to discover the Pont d’Arc and explore the entire nature reserve. Expect 6 to 7 hours of paddling (without breaks) along the river, navigating thrilling rapids 💦, vertiginous cliffs 🏞, and pristine beaches 🏖. This descent is for athletes and adventurers seeking a true outdoor challenge, with total immersion in the most spectacular landscapes of the Ardèche.
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).