Description
The 8 + 24 km descent allows you to complete the entire route along the Ardèche in two days:
On the first day, you will complete the 8-km Mini Descent: 11/12 hours of paddling and a passage beneath Pont d’Arc, the perfect trip for relaxing and taking full advantage of the setting.
On the second day, you will complete the 24 km route through the Ardèche Gorges nature reserve. It takes about 4 to 5 hours of paddling (depending on the water flow) to cover the 24 km route to the Sauze landing stage.
If want to complete the 24 km on the first day and the Mini Descent on the second day, opt for the 24 + 8 km package.
For more information about the organisation of these two days, consult the “Details” tab.
Mini descent - 8 Km
Departure :
The starting point of the Mini descent is at our landing stage on the Gorges road in Vallon-Pont-d'Arc, from 8 am to 4 pm.
When you arrive, our team will provide you with all the equipment you need: watertight containers (26 L or 56 L), life jackets and paddles.
After receiving the instructions for your day, you will be able to embark and enjoy the river.
Descent:
It takes about 1.5 hours to reach the end of the Mini descent. However, no need to hurry: you are free to enjoy your canoe up until 6 pm.
Arrival and return :
The arrival point is in the hamlet of Chames, at stop No. 5, about half an hour of paddling from Pont-d'Arc. A shuttle service ensures your return to the landing stage every hour on the hour from 11 am to 6 pm, except at 1 pm.
A shuttle service will wait for you at the time you chose before setting off and will take you back to the landing stage at Vallon-Pont-d'Arc.
Return times: 11 am – 12 pm – 2 pm – 3 pm – 4 pm – 5 pm – 6 pm
The reserve - 24 km
Departure :
You have the choice between four departure times: 8.30 am - 9 am - 9.30 am - 10 am.
You must be at the landing stage 30 minutes before departure in order to prepare yourself, receive all the necessary information about the trip and how you should organise your day, as well as your equipment: watertight containers (26 L or 56 L), life jackets and paddles.
Once you are equipped and have been informed, a shuttle service will take you to the starting point in Chames, at the entrance to the nature reserve.
Descent :
The Ardèche Gorges are listed as a protected nature reserve. There is no access from the road. Also, there are no places serving food.
You must be sure to prepare enough water and food for the day.
It takes 5 hours of paddling to complete the 24 km route to Sauze. For your comfort, we recommend that you cover as much distance as possible before your lunch break. The Rocher de la Cathedrale is the perfect place for lunch and a swim.
Arrival and return :
Our shuttle service will wait for your at the landing stage in Sauze from 3 pm to take you back to Vallon-Pont-d'Arc. Once you have disembarked, our drivers will invite you to climb into the buses. These will depart once they are full, therefore, we are unable to indicate exactly how long you will have to wait although we do try to ensure that waiting time is kept to a minimum.
>> See practical advice for canoeing.
8 + 24 km |
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| Internet | High season | Low season |
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| 1 to 9 adults |
60 |
67 |
65 |
|---|
| 10 to 19 adults |
55 |
64 |
62 |
|---|
| 20+ adults |
54 |
58 |
58 |
|---|
| Kids (7 to 15 yo) |
43 |
45 |
45 |
|---|
| Kid 7 to 12 yo (On the third seat) |
25 |
30 |
30 |
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High season from 5/07/2025 to 30/08/2025
