Ardèche canoe descent
7 trips from the Pont d'Arc to the Gorges, from age 7, over 1 or 2 days
7 descents, from half-day to 2-day bivouac
The Ardèche canoe descent starts from Vallon-Pont-d'Arc, with the iconic passage under The Pont d'Arc, 4 rapids graded I-II and 4 smooth concrete slides. Viking Bateaux offers 7 trips from 6 to 36 km: from the 6 km Mini half-day up to the Full Run 36 km to paddle through all the Gorges in a single day, or the 2-day bivouac deep in the Nature Reserve.
Every Ardèche canoe descent is open from age 7 (must swim 25 m). Preferential online rates up to -20 %, safety briefing before departure and return shuttle included.
Half-day
2 routes · from €25Mini 6 km and Midi Trip 12 km. Ideal with family, first time, relaxed half-day with passage under the Pont d'Arc.
Full day
3 routes · from €3724, 30 or 36 km through the Ardèche Gorges. Cathédrale, rapids, wild beaches: the real adventure in a single day.
2-day bivouac
2 routes · from €5930 km Nature or 36 km Adventure, with a night at Gaud or Gournier. The ultimate experience deep in the Nature Reserve.
All 7 trips at a glance
| Route | Distance | Duration | Level | Highlights | Online price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mini Trip 6 km | 6 km | ~1h30 | Easy | The Pont d'Arc 3 rapids | 25 € | View → |
| Midi Trip 12 km | 12 km | ~3h | Easy | The Pont d'Arc Canoe slides 5 rapids | 34 € | View → |
| The Reserve 24 km | 24 km | ~5h | Moderate | 8 rapids | 37 € | View → |
| The Sporty 30 km | 30 km | ~6h | Sporty | The Pont d'Arc 10 rapids | 37 € | View → |
| The Full Run 36 km | 36 km | ~7h | Expert | The Pont d'Arc Canoe slides 12 rapids | 40 € | View → |
| Nature Bivouac 30 km | 30 km | 2 days | Moderate | The Pont d'Arc 10 rapids | 59 € | View → |
| Adventure Bivouac 36 km | 36 km | 2 days | Sporty | The Pont d'Arc Canoe slides 12 rapids | 63 € | View → |
Adult online rates (up to -20 % vs counter). Kids and group rates available on the rates page.
Half-day descents, with family or first time
A little under 2 or 3 hours on the water, with a few fun rapids. Perfect for a first trip with kids, or to combine with another activity during the day.
Deep in the Ardèche Gorges, the full-day run
5 to 7 hours on the water, through the most spectacular part of the Gorges: Cathédrale, class I-II rapids, pebble beaches reachable only from the river. For paddlers who want to see the essentials.
2-day bivouac, the ultimate river adventure
The bivouac option splits the trip over 2 days with an overnight stay at Gaud or Gournier, deep in the Nature Reserve. The bivouac pass must be booked separately with the Ardèche Gorges Tourist Office. See our full bivouac guide →
3 profiles, 3 descents for you
3 profiles, 3 direct recommendations. To go further, see our interactive map or give us a call.
Family with children
First time, kids aged 7-12, you want to enjoy without pressure. → Mini 6 km or Midi Trip 12 km (with canoe slides). See our family page.
Athletes looking for a challenge
Fit adults or teens, you want to see all of the Gorges. → Full Run 36 km in one day, or 30 km Sporty if you want less time pressure.
Looking for an escape
Couples, groups of friends, you want the full experience with a night under the stars. → Nature Bivouac 30 km or Adventure 36 km depending on your level.
Before booking your descent
1 Do all routes start from Vallon-Pont-d'Arc?
Yes. All our routes start from our base in Vallon-Pont-d'Arc, on the Route des Gorges. Depending on the route, the arrival point is Châmes (6, 12 or 24 km), Sauze (30 km, 30 km bivouac) or Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche (36 km, 36 km bivouac). The return shuttle is included in every rate.
2 Which route is best for a first time?
3 What is the difference between the 30 km and the 36 km Full Run?
The 30 km Sporty does not include the canoe slides (it starts slightly downstream). The Full Run 36 km adds the Pont d'Arc + canoe slides + arrival at Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche to cross the entire Gorges. It is our most complete one-day route.
4 Can I do a route in a single-seater kayak?
Yes, on every route, from age 14 with parental consent. Single-seater kayaks are more demanding technically. Our team will guide you at the briefing based on your level and preferences.
5 From what age can you take part?
Minimum age: 7, it's a local regulation (no exceptions). Your child must be able to swim 25 m and accept being in the water. On the 6 km, most of the paddling can be done by the parents if the child gets tired.
6 Do the online rates apply to every route?
Yes. Booking online through the "Booking" button at the top of the site gives access to a preferential online rate (up to -20 % on some headline routes). See the full details on the rates page.