36 km of wild canyon to discover from Vallon-Pont-d'Arc
The Gorges de l'Ardèche form one of the most beautiful canyons in Europe. Over 36 kilometres between Vallon-Pont-d'Arc and Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche, the river has carved a spectacular corridor through Urgonian limestone. Classified as a National Nature Reserve since 1980, this protected area of 1,950 hectares (extended in 2018) is home to remarkable biodiversity: Bonelli's eagles, Egyptian vultures, beavers, junipers and evergreen oaks clinging to the cliffs.
Paddling the Gorges by canoe or kayak is the most immersive way to discover this natural site. From our base in Vallon-Pont-d'Arc, you reach pebble beaches, caves and viewpoints unreachable by road. A unique experience blending raw nature and sporting adventure.
Iconic natural arch marking the entrance to the Gorges, the Pont d'Arc is the most photographed moment of any canoe descent. You pass beneath it on the 6, 12, 30 and 36 km routes.
A vast rock amphitheatre at the heart of the Nature Reserve, its walls rise 150 metres above the river. The highlight of the 24 km The Reserve descent and of every full-day route.
Among the most famous: Charlemagne, Dent Noire and la Pastière. All class I to II, accessible without experience, they bring moments of adrenaline between the calmer stretches of the descent.
| Route | Distance | Duration | Level | Online price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Reserve | 24 km | ~5h | Moderate | 37 € | View → |
| The Sporty | 30 km | ~6h | Sporty | 37 € | View → |
| The Full Run | 36 km | ~7h | Expert | 40 € | View → |
| Nature Bivouac | 30 km | 2 days | Moderate | 59 € | View → |
| Adventure Bivouac | 36 km | 2 days | Sporty | 63 € | View → |
The Mini Trip 6 km passes under the Pont d'Arc without entering the deep gorges. Ideal from age 7 for a first half-day taste of the river.
The 24 km The Reserve takes you to the heart of the canyon: Cathédrale, rapids, wild beaches. To see it all, the 36 km Full Run adds the canoe slides and the Pont d'Arc.
Our 2-day bivouacs are the best way to experience the Gorges: paddling by day, a night under the stars at the Gaud or Gournier bivouac areas in the heart of the Reserve.
Water levels are higher, the rapids are more lively. Vegetation is in full bloom, the gorges are lush green. Few people mid-week: you will have the beaches to yourselves. Water temperature around 16-20 °C.
Peak season: warm water (22-26 °C), ideal swimming conditions. The gorges are very busy, especially at weekends. Our tip: take the first departure (9am-10am) to enjoy the early-morning calm.
The locals' favourite time of year. The water is still warm, the low-angle light works wonders on the cliffs, and crowds thin out sharply. Bivouacs stay open until the end of September at Gournier. The best balance of comfort and quiet.
The Gorges are home to several pairs of Bonelli's eagles, a rare species in France. You may also spot Egyptian vultures, peregrine falcons and eagle owls nesting in the limestone cliffs. Look up in the most enclosed stretches.
Grey herons, kingfishers and wagtails accompany you throughout the descent. With a bit of luck and quiet, you may catch sight of a European beaver at dawn or dusk. Otters, more elusive, are also present in the Reserve.
Evergreen oaks, Phoenician junipers, century-old box trees and wild orchids blanket the slopes. Fragrant garrigue gives way to dense forests in the side valleys. In May and June, the gorges are in bloom: the most underrated sight of the descent.
15 minutes from our base, the replica of the Grotte Chauvet (UNESCO World Heritage) displays the oldest known cave paintings, dating back 36,000 years. An ideal cultural complement to your day on the river.
The Gorges de l'Ardèche are a National Nature Reserve. Strict rules protect this exceptional site. Here is what you need to know before your descent.
Only two areas are authorised: Gaud (weekends in June, every day in July and August) and Gournier (April to September). Booking with the Gorges de l'Ardèche Tourist Office is mandatory. Barbecues and charcoal are available on site.
Wild camping, fires anywhere in the territory, drones (protection of bird life), motor vehicles, collecting fossils or minerals, noise disturbance and leaving litter. Dogs are allowed on a lead, including in the canoes.
Minimum age 7 in a canoe (accompanied by an adult). Must be able to swim 25 metres and accept immersion. In the event of flooding or a storm, navigation may be prohibited by prefectural order: your descent is then rescheduled or refunded.
Yes. Our routes are accessible to beginners from age 7. You receive a full briefing before departure. The rapids are class I to II, fun and safe with a life jacket.
From 4h30 (24 km) to 7-8h (36 km) for the full-day routes. The 2-day bivouacs spread the distance over two half-days, at a more relaxed pace.
September is ideal (warm water, few people). June is perfect for water levels. July and August offer the best swimming conditions but the highest visitor numbers.
Absolutely. Many pebble beaches line the route. In summer, swim breaks are an integral part of the experience. The water reaches 22-26 °C in July and August.
Yes, dogs are allowed in the Réserve Naturelle and in the canoes as long as they are kept on a lead. Bring fresh water and avoid areas of stagnant water (risk of cyanobacteria).
Bookings are made through the <a href="https://www.gorges-ardeche-pontdarc.fr/reserver-votre-bivouac-dans-les-gorges-de-lardeche/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Gorges de l'Ardèche Tourist Office</a>. Places are limited, especially in July and August. The bivouac is not included in the descent price, it is a separate service.
Yes. All our prices include the shuttle back from the arrival point (Châmes, Sauze or Saint-Martin depending on the route) to our base in Vallon-Pont-d'Arc.
