Everything you need to know before your descent with Viking Bateaux
A canoe is an open boat for 2 people, paddled with a single-blade paddle. A kayak is a closed boat for 1 person, paddled with a double-blade paddle. Both are available at Viking Bateaux, subject to availability.
The two-seater canoe is ideal as a couple or with friends: more stable, more room for a picnic. The solo kayak is more manoeuvrable and more sporty. For families with a child, the canoe is recommended (central 3rd seat available).
Yes. A central 3rd seat is available in canoes for a child under 35 kg. It’s the cheapest place in our prices. The child sits in the middle, between the two paddlers.
It’s possible in the rapids, and it’s all part of the adventure! The life jacket (provided) keeps you at the surface. The water is shallow on most stretches and you’ll easily climb back into the canoe.
Yes. Water levels are sufficient throughout the season (April to September). In summer the flow is lower, but paddling remains perfectly possible. We monitor levels in real time.
No. The season runs from April to September. Outside this period, weather and water levels don’t allow safe and enjoyable paddling.
No. Drone flights are strictly forbidden in the Nature Reserve to protect wildlife (nesting raptors). Offences are fined by the rangers.
No wild camping, no fires, no picking plants, no collecting fossils or minerals, no noise. All waste must be taken away. Dogs allowed on a lead.
In July-August, we recommend booking at least 1 to 2 weeks in advance, especially for weekends and bivouacs. In June and September, a few days are usually enough.
Half-day (6 km): start Vallon-Pont-d'Arc, finish Châmes. 12 km: start Les Mazes, finish Châmes. Day trip (24, 30, 36 km): start Châmes or Vallon, finish Sauze or Saint-Martin. See the map.
Yes, ANCV holiday vouchers are accepted at our base in Vallon-Pont-d'Arc. For online bookings, payment is by bank card only.
Yes. Free parking is available at our base in Vallon-Pont-d'Arc. Your vehicle stays parked throughout your descent. The return shuttle brings you straight back to the base.
Gaud sits in the first third of the route, open weekends in June and every day in July-August. Gournier is halfway down, open April to September. Both offer barbecues and charcoal on site.
No. Wild camping is strictly forbidden in the Nature Reserve. Only the Gaud and Gournier sites are authorised, with booking through the Ardèche Gorges Tourist Office.
No. The bivouac is a separate service, managed by the Ardèche Gorges Tourist Office. You book your pitch separately from your Viking Bateaux descent.
Booking is done through the Ardèche Gorges Tourist Office. It’s mandatory for both sites (Gaud and Gournier). Book early in July-August as places go quickly.
Access to the boats and launching requires walking on pebbles and stepping over the canoe. Please contact us so we can assess feasibility together based on your situation.
We advise against it. Rapids, even mild ones, involve jolts and the risk of capsizing is real. Consult your doctor before making this decision.
Yes. A group rate applies from 10 people on every trip. For works councils, stag and hen parties, holiday camps or associations, contact us for a tailored quote.
Noise is forbidden in the Nature Reserve. Use headphones if you want to listen to music. The river and the birds make a better soundtrack anyway.
No. Collecting minerals, fossils and pebbles is forbidden in the Nature Reserve. Everything found in the gorges must stay there.
Bring a bin bag and carry all your waste back with you. No bins are available along the route (except at the bivouac sites). The river is a protected natural area.
Didn\u2019t find the answer to your question? Check our dedicated pages or contact us directly.
