Description
Mini Descent of the Ardèche – 8 km
The Mini Descent allows you to discover the Ardèche with the family at your own pace. This fun itinerary starts at our landing stage in Vallon Pont-d’Arc and ends in the hamlet of Châmes, about 30 mins of paddling after the Pont d’Arc arch.
One and a half hours are needed to cover the 8 km of the Mini descent, but there is no need to hurry: you will have plenty of time to enjoy your canoe, swim, picnic on the riverside and admire the Ardèche Gorges.
You can start out at any time of the day (from 8 am to 4 pm) and choose the time you want to come back (to be indicated when you leave).
For more information about the organisation of your day, consult the “Details” tab.
Departure :
To start out on the Mini descent, just go to our landing stage on the Gorges road in Vallon-Pont-d'Arc at any time of the day (8 am to 4 pm).
Our team will provide you with all the equipment you need: watertight containers (26 L or 56 L), life jackets and paddles.
You will have plenty of time to change (showers are toilets available) and prepare your picnic if you are planning to take lunch on the banks of the Ardèche.
A few basic instructions will then be provided to help you handle your canoe, safely negotiate the rapids and enjoy your trip.
Descent :
This 8 km itinerary offers no difficulties. Only the Branches and Charlemagne rapids require some steering. Once you have passed these, you will be able to stop at Pont d'Arc, the perfect site for swimming and relaxing (about one hour of paddling from the landing stage).
It will then take about thirty minutes to paddle to the arrival point of the Mini-Descent.
Arrival and return :
The arrival point is located in the hamlet of Chames, at stop No. 5 (on the left bank).
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 :
To be indicated before departure:
11 am - 12 pm - 2 pm - 3 pm - 4 pm - 5 pm - 6 pm
>> See practical advice for canoeing.
Mini - 8km |
|---|
| Internet | High season | Low season |
|---|
| 1 to 9 adults |
26 |
30 |
28 |
|---|
| 10 to 19 adults |
24 |
28 |
26 |
|---|
| 20+ adults |
22 |
26 |
24 |
|---|
| Kids (7 to 15 yo) |
19 |
22 |
20 |
|---|
| Kid 7 to 12 yo (On the third seat) |
17 |
17 |
17 |
|---|
High season from 5/07/2025 to 30/08/2025
