Canoeing down the Ardèche gorges is a magnificent natural and sporting experience for families and friends.
The Ardèche department is unique: it’s the only one in France with no freeways or railroads. That sets the scene! In fact, the mere mention of its name, which comes from its river, makes you long for nature. The river, in fact, is one of its main attractions, along with its breathtaking gorges and the surrounding mid-range mountains. It’s not for nothing thatthe Ardèche gorges have been dubbed « Europe’s Grand Canyon »… People come from all over the world to discover Vallon Pont D’Arc, observe the gorges from a rocky promontory or paddle them in a canoe.
It’s true that the experience of canoeing down the Ardèche gorges is incredible! Whether you’re moderately brave or a thrill-seeker, there’s something for everyone. A natural arch through a rocky gateway, peaceful beaches, natural slides, rapids… Yes, you can’t help but enjoy the gentle hustle and bustle of canoeing in the Ardèche. That’s why we’ve selected seven canoeing experiences for you to enjoy in the Ardèche!
Classic (but effective!) descent of the Ardèche gorges
Photo credit: CheckYeti
- 🧒Minimum age: 7 years
- 🛶Difficulty: easy
- 📍Location: RDV at Vallon-Pont-d’Arc
On the menu: 13 kilometers of descent via the region’s highlight: the famous Pont d’Arc. This natural arch offers a unique experience from the river. Imagine sailing on calm waters through a stone gate… And all along the way, you can take a dip to cool off in the majestic atmosphere of the gorges.
To suit everyone, the classic mode covers a five-hour course. This includes a pleasant picnic break on the beach. In the end, there are few obstacles to overcome, as the only rapids or small natural slides are easily negotiated. The youngest children (aged 7 to 11) are seated in the middle of the boat between two adults. This doesn’t mean they can’t get in on the rowing action. They too want to prove they’re part of the adventure!
A cool family descent of the gorges
Photo credit: CheckYeti
- 🧒Minimum age: 7 years
- 🛶Difficulty: easy
- 📍Location: RDV at Vallon-Pont-d’Arc
RDV at Vallon-Pont-d’Arc. Even more tranquil than the first experience, this family-friendly descent of the Ardèche Gorge is a great way to take the kids out on the water. If your little ones aren’t too used to this kind of exercise, they can rest in the middle of the boat. All in all, this 8km family run(also available in 6km) allows for an hour and a half’s paddling, but canoes can be kept between two and four hours. This allows you to enjoy a picnic or a swim on the many riverside beaches.
The course includes calm stretches of water and natural slides that present no major difficulties. This is one descent of the Ardèche gorges you can tackle with confidence!
Farniente descent to Vallon-Pont-d’Arc, for sunbathers
Photo credit: CheckYeti
- 🧒Minimum age: 7 years
- 🛶Difficulty: difficult
- 📍Location: RDV at Vallon-Pont-d’Arc
This experience will convince those who don’t like to push themselves too hard. Are you afraid your arms will hurt from rowing so much? Not a chance! Although it takes two and a half hours of paddling, the rest of the day is yours to splash around in. Keep the canoe on the beach and have as much fun as you like in the water.
This 13-kilometer trail starts in Vallon-Pont-d’Arc and takes you past the famous Pont d’Arc. The walk can be done with children (accompanied by adults for under-11s). The aim of this tour is simple: to enjoy the tranquility of the water and the comforting atmosphere of the gorges.
The gorges in family adventure mode
Photo credit: CheckYeti
13 km not enough for you? All right, let’s move on to the next level: how about 30 km? Are you ready? Let’s set off for several hours of canoeing through the Ardèche gorges! On the menu for this adventure tour is the famous Pont d’Arc, but that’s not all! Once you’ve passed this marvellous natural spectacle, you’ll enjoy more peace and quiet as the family tours stop upstream. Enjoy wilder landscapes and less-frequented beaches for picnics and snacks.
Are you still hesitating because the distance seems a little long? Don’t be too frightened by the word « difficult ». Children as young as 7 are welcome, so the circuit is very safe. You’ll just have to make sure you get through the rapids, like the famous Charlemagne. But there’s nothing inaccessible for novice kayakers!
The Ardèche descent for wilderness lovers
Photo credit: CheckYeti
- 🧒Minimum age: 7 years
- 🛶Difficulty: difficult
- 📍Location: RDV at Châmes
From Châmes to Sauze, avoid the most touristy route! For this tour, we meet in the hamlet of Châmes, a few kilometers south of Vallon Pont d’Arc. Arriving further downstream, you’ll enjoy the peace and quiet of the surrounding countryside. In the natural park of the Ardèche gorges, enjoy a relaxing descent. The 24 km run presents no major difficulties, just a few rapids to spice things up.
You’ll be able to take in all the sights. For example, you’ll see the famous Cathédrale, a rock over 100 m high. You’ll also see the Aiguille de Marsanne and its steep rocky slopes. Don’t worry, there’s no vertigo in the canoe: you just enjoy the scenery.
The gorges in adventure mode for sports enthusiasts
Photo credit: CheckYeti
- 🧒Minimum age: 7 years
- 🛶Difficulty: difficult
- 📍Location: RDV at Vallon-Pont-d’Arc
It’s a 30-kilometer ride to the landing stage at Sauze. On this trip, you’ll be able to see some of the world’s most famous sights, as well as enjoying the peaceful natural surroundings. You’ll cross the Pont d’Arc and the Gorges de l’Ardèche nature reserve. You’ll also take on the Charlemagne rapids, known to give budding kayakers a thrill.
This adventure mode doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the coolness of the river. A short swim and another picnic will be most welcome. Whether you’re with family or friends, today’s objective is simple: to get some exercise and have a blast in a breathtaking setting!
A 2-day bivouac descent of the Ardèche gorges
Photo credit: CheckYeti
- 🧒Minimum age: 7 years
- 🛶Difficulty: difficult
- 📍Location: RDV at Saint-Martin d’Ardèche or Vallon Pont d’Arc
Looking for an even more adventurous experience? Then this is the option for you! Opt for a two-day descent of the Ardèche gorges , including an overnight bivouac. Departing from the Vallon landing stage, set off for 30 km through the gorges for a total of 6.5 hours of paddling over two days.
Of course, you’ll pass by the Pont de l’Arc and then enter the nature park. It’s in the heart of this natural atmosphere that you’ll be able to sleep. There are two bivouacs where you can rent tents: the Gaud bivouac and the Gournier bivouac.
The Ardèche and its European « Grand Canyon » await you for a canoe-kayak trip! Don’t delay in planning your trip to this magnificent natural setting. It’s a feast for the eyes and an absolute pleasure to behold.
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Find out all about canoeing in the Ardèche and Vallon-Pont-d’Arc. If you have any further questions, the experts at CheckYeti will be delighted to help you, by e-mail at support@checkyeti.com or by telephone on +33 4 80 82 00 00.