The Ardèche Gorges by canoe
Over 30 km of wild canyon to discover from Vallon-Pont-d'Arc
A canyon of over 30 km classified as a Nature Reserve
The Ardèche Gorges form one of the most beautiful canyons in Europe. Between Vallon-Pont-d'Arc and Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche, the river has carved a spectacular corridor through Urgonian limestone over more than 30 kilometres. Classified as a National Nature Reserve since 1980, this protected area of 1,950 hectares 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 protected site. From our base in Vallon-Pont-d'Arc, you reach pebble beaches, caves and viewpoints unreachable by road. A true experience blending raw nature and sporting adventure.
The Pont d'Arc
54 m highIconic 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.
The Cathédrale
150 m cliffsA 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.
12 rapids
Class I to IIAmong 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.
Which descent to choose in the Gorges?
| 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 → |
Family with children
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 Gorges in one day
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.
2-day bivouac in the Gorges
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.
When to paddle the Gorges?
April to June
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.
July and August
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.
September
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.
What you will see from your canoe
Cliff-nesting birds of prey
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.
Wildlife at water level
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.
Mediterranean vegetation
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.
Nearby: the Grotte Chauvet 2
15 minutes from our base, the Grotte Chauvet 2 presents the spectacular replica of the original cave, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It displays the oldest known cave paintings, dating back 36,000 years. An ideal cultural complement to your day on the river.
The rules to know in the Gorges
The Ardèche Gorges are a National Nature Reserve. Strict rules protect this exceptional site. Here is what you need to know before your descent.
Bivouac
Only two areas are authorised: Gaud (weekends in June, every day in July and August) and Gournier (April to September). Booking with the Ardèche Gorges Tourist Office is mandatory. Barbecues and charcoal are available on site.
What is forbidden
The following are forbidden across the territory: wild camping, fires, drones (to protect bird life), motor vehicles, collecting fossils or minerals, noise disturbance and leaving litter. Dogs are allowed on a lead, including in the canoes.
Access conditions
Canoeing is accessible from age 7, accompanied by an adult. You 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.
Frequently asked questions about the Ardèche Gorges by canoe
1 Can we paddle the Gorges without experience?
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.
2 How long does the Gorges descent take?
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.
3 When is the best time of year to paddle the Gorges?
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.
4 Can we swim during the descent?
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.
5 Can we bring our dog in the Gorges?
Yes, dogs are allowed in the Nature Reserve 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).
6 How do we book a bivouac in the Gorges?
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">Ardèche Gorges 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.
7 Is the return shuttle included?
Yes. All our prices include the shuttle back from the arrival point (Châmes, Sauze or Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche depending on the route) to our base in Vallon-Pont-d'Arc.