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Two people celebrating with a high five during their canoe adventure on the Ardèche river
Water Activities

Choose Your Canoe Route in the Ardèche Gorges!

From family outings to sporting adventures, find the itinerary that suits you best

8 min read

Ready for an unforgettable adventure on the Ardèche river? Whether you're a family with children or a sports enthusiast looking for thrills, we have the ideal route for you. Discover our different canoe descent options and get ready to experience an exceptional journey through the heart of the Ardèche Gorges!

Mini Descent: A First Adventure

The Mini Descent is the perfect route for a first experience or for families with young children. This 6 km journey will allow you to discover the magnificent landscapes of the Gorges while enjoying a few small rapids and passing under the famous Pont d'Arc. Departures are from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Ideal for:Families with young children (7 years and older)
Duration:About 1h30
Route:Vallon-Pont-d'Arc to Chames (entrance of the nature reserve)
Distance:6 km
Adult and child kayaking together on the Mini Descent route, perfect for families

Medium Descent: A Half-Day of Pleasure

For a longer adventure, opt for the Medium Descent. This intermediate 12-13 km route offers three fun slides to cross small dams, some exciting rapids, and a passage under the Pont d'Arc. Ideal for a half-day escapade. Departures are possible from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Ideal for:Those who want to spend half a day on the water and enjoy the river
Duration:About 2h30
Route:Sampzon to Chames
Distance:12-13 km
Two young kayakers enjoying their time on the Medium Descent route of the Ardèche

Long Descent: Complete Exploration

For total immersion in the nature reserve, the Long Descent is the route you need! Starting from Chames, you'll have the opportunity to explore the most impressive part of the canyon. This quite demanding route requires good physical condition and a full day to complete. Departure before 10:00 AM to fully enjoy the 24 km journey to Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche.

Ideal for:Challenge lovers and long adventure enthusiasts
Duration:A full day
Route:Chames to Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche
Distance:24 km
Adventurers celebrating their successful navigation of the Long Descent route

32 km in 2 Days with Bivouac: Total Immersion

For a truly immersive experience, choose our 32 km route over two days with bivouac. You'll start near Sampzon and navigate through the complete gorges itinerary, including slides, the Pont d'Arc, and the nature reserve. You'll spend the night in a designated bivouac area (wild camping is prohibited) and enjoy the calm and serenity of the gorges before resuming your adventure the next morning to Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche.

Ideal for:Adventurers seeking pure nature
Duration:2 days
Route:Sampzon to Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche
Distance:32 km
Canoers taking a break during their Two-Day Descent adventure on the Ardèche

Route Map

Consult the map below to visualize the different available routes and better plan your canoe adventure in the Ardèche Gorges. You'll be able to locate the starting and ending points, as well as the remarkable sites you'll discover during your descent.

Scenic view of the Ardèche river showing different canoe routes

Tips for a Successful Descent

  • Book in advance, especially during high season (July-August) to guarantee your spot
  • Wear appropriate clothing: swimsuit, t-shirt, hat, sunglasses with cord, and closed shoes that can get wet
  • Bring sunscreen, water, and a picnic in a waterproof container
  • For the bivouac, reserve your official spot in advance as wild camping is prohibited in the reserve
  • Respect the environment by taking all your waste with you
  • Departures for long descents are recommended early in the morning to fully enjoy the day
Family bonding moment during kayaking on the Ardèche river
Young adventurers mastering their kayaking skills on the Ardèche
Celebrating a successful day of canoeing on the Ardèche river
Parent and child sharing a kayaking adventure on the Ardèche
Kids enjoying their kayaking experience on the Ardèche river
Happy canoers celebrating on the banks of the Ardèche river

Conclusion

Each route offers a unique and memorable experience. Book now to secure your spot and prepare for your canoe adventure in the Ardèche Gorges. Whether you're looking for a peaceful first experience or complete immersion in nature, you'll find what you're looking for among our different options. Embark on an unforgettable adventure!

Book Your Adventure

Ready to experience this unforgettable adventure? Contact us to reserve your equipment and get personalized advice for your canoe descent in the Ardèche Gorges.

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