Sleeping in the heart of the Nature Reserve: 2 sites, 2 trips, complete guide
A canoe bivouac in the Gorges de l'Ardèche is the ultimate experience. 30 or 36 kilometres spread over 2 days, a night under the stars at the foot of 150-metre cliffs, and wild beaches reachable only from the river. You leave the rapids in the afternoon, you pitch camp at Gaud or Gournier, and the silence of the canyon takes over. No cars, no signal, no crowds: the river, the barbecue fire, the stars.
The next morning you\u2019re back on the water in the morning mist for the wildest part of the Gorges, down to Sauze. Two full days, one memorable night. This is the adventure Viking Bateaux has been organising since 1998.
You sleep at the bottom of a 150-metre canyon, far from roads and villages. The starry sky over the Gorges is among the best preserved in France. Total silence at sunrise.
The only two bivouacs authorised in the Nature Reserve. Barbecues and charcoal available, basic facilities, drinking water. Wild camping is not allowed anywhere else on the route.
Your bivouac pitch is booked separately through the Ardèche Gorges Tourist Office. Limited places, especially in July-August. Book your bivouac before your Viking descent.
| Trip | Distance | Level | Rapids | Online price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nature Bivouac | 30 km · 2 days | Moderate | 10 rapids | 59 € | View → |
| Adventure Bivouac | 36 km · 2 days | Sporty | 12 rapids | 63 € | View → |
The most balanced choice: The Pont d'Arc on day 1, night at Gaud or Gournier, Cathédrale and exit at Sauze on day 2. Moderate level, 15 km per day. Perfect for a first bivouac experience. See the trip →
The full works: 36 km over 2 days with The Pont d'Arc, canoe slides, the 12 rapids and a night at the bivouac. More sporty, for experienced paddlers or motivated groups. See the trip →
The Gorges have exactly two authorised bivouac sites, managed by the Syndicat des Gorges de l'Ardèche. Each has its own character. Here\u2019s what sets them apart to help you choose.
Opening: weekends in June, every day in July-August.
Capacity: large site, friendly atmosphere, busier in summer.
Facilities: toilets, drinking water, barbecues + charcoal provided.
Ideal for: groups, families, first bivouac.
Opening: April to September (longer than Gaud).
Capacity: more intimate, less busy in low season.
Facilities: toilets, drinking water, barbecues + charcoal provided.
Ideal for: couples, hikers, second bivouac experience.
Our tip: in July-August, Gaud is lively and festive. Off-season, Gournier gives you the gorges almost to yourself.
The bivouac is booked in 3 distinct steps. The bivouac pitch and the canoe descent are 2 separate services: remember to book both.
With the Ardèche Gorges Tourist Office. Limited places, do this first, especially for July-August.
Book on the Tourist Office website ↗Once your bivouac pitch is confirmed, book your Viking descent for the matching dates. Choose between Nature Bivouac 30 km and Adventure Bivouac 36 km.
Book my descent →Tent, sleeping bag, food for 2 days, stove, water: the checklist is further down. Viking provides the canoe, life jackets, paddles and a 30 L waterproof barrel.
See the checklist ↓Ground fires strictly forbidden, barbecues only at the sites. Wild camping forbidden: bivouac only at Gaud or Gournier.
Drones forbidden (protection of birdlife). All waste must be taken away (no bins on site). Collecting fossils or plants forbidden.
Dogs allowed on a lead, including in the canoe. Bring fresh water and avoid stagnant water in summer.
Viking tip: wrap everything in dry bags before sliding it into the 30 L barrel. Double protection in case of capsize. To learn more, check our full preparation guide.
The best time to have the Gorges almost to yourself. The water is fresh (16-20 °C) but nature is in full bloom and the rapids are more challenging. Gaud is only open at weekends in June; Gournier is already open.
Peak season: warm water (22-26 °C), perfect swimming, festive atmosphere on site. In return, places go quickly: book 2-3 months ahead, especially for Gaud at weekends.
Our favourite period. The water is still warm, the light is golden on the cliffs, the crowds have gone. You bivouac in near-total silence. Gournier open until the end of September.
The bivouac is a service separate from the descent, paid to the Ardèche Gorges Tourist Office. Expect around 10-15 € per person per night depending on the season. Booking is done directly online on their site.
No. The descent price (59 € for the 30 km Nature, 63 € for the 36 km Adventure) covers the canoe, life jackets, paddles, waterproof barrel and return shuttle. The bivouac pitch is paid separately to the Ardèche Gorges Tourist Office.
Yes on the 30 km Nature Bivouac — moderate level, suitable from age 8-10 for children used to camping. The 36 km Adventure Bivouac asks for a bit more stamina and better canoe handling.
In the event of flooding or a storm, paddling may be banned by prefectural order. Your descent is then postponed or refunded. If the weather turns during your bivouac, the Gaud and Gournier sites have sheltered areas and the Viking team remains reachable to assist.
About 15 km on day one as far as the bivouac (Gaud at km 9 or Gournier at km 21), then 15 to 21 km on day two to Sauze. The pace is far more relaxed than a full-day descent.
Yes. Dogs are allowed on a lead in the Nature Reserve and in the canoes. Bring plenty of fresh water and avoid stagnant water (risk of cyanobacteria in summer).
No. No electricity on site. Bring a charged power bank, and in any case your phone should stay in a waterproof pouch for emergencies only. Mobile signal is very limited in the Gorges.
Yes, it’s actually a wonderful family adventure. We recommend the Nature Bivouac 30 km for children aged 8-10 and up who are used to camping. Your child must be able to swim 25 m and accept immersion. Expect them to bring home the memory of a lifetime.
