Nature Bivouac canoeing in the Ardèche Gorges, canoe trip in the Ardèche Gorges

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30 kmNature Bivouac canoeing in the Ardèche Gorges

The legendary trip : 2 days canoeing with a night at the Gaud or Gournier bivouac, in the heart of the Nature Reserve.

Moderate

Bivouac

2 days

Pont d'Arc

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Two days canoeing with a bivouac in the Ardèche Gorges

The canoe bivouac in the Ardèche Gorges is a unique experience. Over 2 days and 30 km, you live the trip differently : the pace slows down, you take time to explore every beach, swim in the turquoise waters, and as the sun sets, you set up camp at one of the two authorised bivouacs : Gaud or Gournier. Night under the stars in a canyon 150 metres high, total silence, starry sky free from light pollution. The next day, you take to the river rested for the second part of the gorges all the way to Sauze. An adventure you will not forget.

Night at the bivouac under the stars

Gaud or Gournier : the only two authorised sites in the Nature Reserve. A unique setting.

Pont d'Arc + Gorges over 2 days

30 km spread over 2 days : the perfect pace to see everything without rushing.

Wild beaches, no cars

Coves accessible only from the river, absolute calm as night falls.

Return shuttle included (day 2)

Canoe, life jackets, paddles, watertight barrel and shuttle back from Sauze on the 2nd day.

Step by step

How the trip unfolds

1

Day 1: Vallon-Pont-d'Arc base
Welcome, safety briefing and launch
2

Blachas and Charlemagne Rapids
First fun rapids to warm up
3

The Pont d'Arc
Passage under the monumental natural arch Bring your camera!
4

Châmes, entrance to the Gorges
Start of the wild section
5

Gaud or Gournier bivouac
Setting up camp, evening by the water (separate booking required)
6

Day 2: resuming the trip
Early start in the morning mist of the gorges
7

The Cathédrale
Monumental rocky cirque, the spectacle of day 2
8

Pastière Rapid
Last technical rapid before exiting the gorges
9

Arrival at Sauze
Disembark and shuttle back to the base

Practical info

Start and finish

Hours: Day 1: departure between 9am and 10am
Starting base: Viking Bateaux base, Vallon-Pont-d'Arc
Finish point: Day 2: Sauze landing (Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche)
Return shuttle: Return shuttle included on day 2

Before you set off

What's included

Included in the price

Two-seater canoe (or single-seater on request)
Life jackets
Paddles
Watertight 30 L barrel
Full safety briefing
Return shuttle by minibus

What to bring

Tent or bivouac tarp
Sleeping bag
Sleeping mat / insulator
Food for 2 days + stove (no ground fires)
Water (3 L minimum, no refreshment stops)
Headlamp
Bin bags (carry everything back)
Swimsuit and closed water shoes
Waterproof sunscreen, hat

Your itinerary

Your route on the map

Launch points
Landmarks
Bivouacs
Rapids
Villages
River
Active route

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to see the map

River Your route Launch points Monuments Bivouacs Rapids

Your questions

FAQ about the 30 km trip

1 Do you need to book a place at the bivouac?

Yes, booking is mandatory with the Ardèche Gorges Tourist Office. Gaud and Gournier are the only two authorised sites in the Nature Reserve. The bivouac is not included in the trip price, it is a separate service.

2 Can you make a fire at the bivouac?

Ground fires are strictly forbidden in the Nature Reserve. Barbecues are available at the bivouac sites with charcoal provided. You can also use a gas stove. Carry back all your waste.

3 What can you find at the bivouac?

The bivouacs have basic toilets, water access and barbecues with charcoal available on site. No shops or electricity. Gaud is known for its friendly atmosphere and capacity. Gournier, halfway through the route, is more intimate and suited to paddlers splitting their itinerary into 2 stages.

4 Is the bivouac suitable for families?

Yes, it is a wonderful family adventure with children from age 8-10 used to camping. The pace over 2 days is more relaxed than a full day, and children love the bivouac by the river.

5 How many kilometres do you cover each day on the Nature Bivouac?

The first day covers about 15 km to the Gaud or Gournier bivouac. The second day, you paddle the remaining 15 km to Sauze through the wildest part of the gorges.

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