Decided to go canoeing in Ardèche this summer? Excellent choice. All that's left is to pick your route among the 7 trips we offer from our base in Vallon-Pont-d'Arc. From the 1 h 30 family mini to the full run of the Gorges de l'Ardèche over two days with a bivouac, there's definitely one tailored for you. This guide helps you make the right call based on your level, the time you have and what you want to experience on the river.
The 3 questions to ask before choosing
Before even looking at prices or distances, take five minutes to clarify three points. They are what will narrow your choice to two or three routes and save you from hesitating over the whole list.
How much time do you have?
A half-day (2 to 4 h on the water), a full day (6 to 7 h with a picnic) or two days with a night in the wild? This is the first call to make because it immediately rules out routes that are too long or too short for your schedule.
What's your level (and your group's)?
Beginners, kids, athletes used to paddling? All our routes are open from age 7 with no prior experience, but distances vary and fatigue starts to bite past 20 km. The group moves at the pace of the slowest.
What do you absolutely want to see or experience?
Passing under the Pont d'Arc? The smooth-concrete canoe slides? Sleeping under the stars deep in the canyon? The most thrilling rapids? Every route has its signature. Identifying your "must-have" makes the decision much easier.
Half-day: 6 km or 12 km
The half-day is the relaxed option. Two routes to choose from, both including the passage under the Pont d'Arc, both family-friendly and no experience required. The difference? Time on the water and the presence of the canoe slides.
The Mini Trip 6 km, the essential
1 h 30 on the water, starting at the Vallon launch, arriving at Châmes. It's the star package: just enough to pass under the Pont d'Arc, discover 3 playful rapids (Blachas, Branches, Charlemagne) and stop on a pebble beach. Ideal if you're short on time, with a young family, or for a first time.
See the full Mini Trip 6 km page
The Midi Trip 12 km, the canoe-slides option
3 h on the water, starting from Mazes, arriving at Châmes. The 12 km launches further upstream to include the famous smooth-concrete canoe slides: four slides you ride down with paddles up, one of the most fun moments of the whole day. You then string together 5 rapids, the Pont d'Arc crossing and the same calm arrival as on the 6 km.
It's the right pick if you want more action than just a stroll, without committing to a full day. Very popular with teens and families with older kids (from 8 years old and comfortable in the water).
See the full Midi Trip 12 km page
Full day: 24, 30 or 36 km
The full day is immersion. You spend 6 to 7 hours on the river, you cross all or part of the Réserve Naturelle des Gorges de l'Ardèche, you have lunch on a beach only reachable by water, and you watch the most spectacular landscapes of the canyon unfold.
The Reserve 24 km, the wild day
Starting from Châmes (stop 5, 4 km downstream of our base), arriving at Sauze. 24 km of navigation through the most enclosed part of the Gorges. On the menu: the Cathédrale (rock amphitheatre with 150-metre cliffs), 8 class I to II rapids, empty beaches and zero dwellings the whole way down.
Important detail: the 24 km does not pass under the Pont d'Arc, because it starts after it. If you absolutely want to see the Pont d'Arc, go for the 30 km or the 36 km instead.
See the full The Reserve 24 km page
The Sporty 30 km, the Pont d'Arc and the Reserve
Starting from Vallon, arriving at Sauze. You combine the Pont d'Arc in the first few kilometres, then the full crossing of the Nature Reserve (Cathédrale, Dent Noire, Pastière…). 10 rapids in total and an intense day. It's the most complete route in a single day, but it requires good physical fitness: count 6 to 7 hours of effort.
See the full The Sporty 30 km page
The Full Run 36 km, the maximum day
Starting from Mazes, arriving at Sauze. The longest route you can do in a single day. You start with the 4 canoe slides, continue with the Pont d'Arc, then the entire Reserve all the way to Sauze. 12 rapids, 36 km, 7 to 8 hours of navigation. A real sporting adventure: reserved for strong paddlers who don't want to miss anything.
See the full The Full Run 36 km page
2-day bivouac: 30 or 36 km
The bivouac is the iconic Gorges experience. You spread the trip over two days with an overnight at one of the two authorised sites in the Reserve: Gaud or Gournier. No car, no mobile signal, total silence, starry sky free of light pollution, a barbecue fire in the evening. Nothing like a standard trip.
Nature Bivouac 30 km, the easy rhythm
Starting from Vallon, overnight at Gaud or Gournier, arriving at Sauze the next day. 15 km each day: you have time to swim, explore beaches, take long picnic breaks. Includes the Pont d'Arc on day one.
See the Nature Bivouac 30 km page
Adventure Bivouac 36 km, the full deal in 2 days
Starting from Mazes, overnight at the bivouac, arriving at Sauze. All the highlights of the Gorges: the canoe slides, the Pont d'Arc, the Cathédrale, the 12 rapids, but spread over two days with the bivouac in the middle. The best compromise if you want the full run without the rush.
See the Adventure Bivouac 36 km page
The guide by profile
Here are the recommendations we give most often when welcoming customers at the base. Find yourself in one of these profiles:
Family with young kids (7-10 years)
Our pick: the Mini Trip 6 km. Easy pace, 1 h 30 on the water, the Pont d'Arc as a bonus. Perfect for a successful first experience without wearing the little ones out. See also our dedicated family canoeing page.
Family with teens or group of friends
Our pick: the Midi Trip 12 km. The smooth-concrete canoe slides never fail to impress, the 5 rapids add fun, and 3 hours on the water is enough to let off steam without saturating.
Athletes or experienced paddlers
Our pick: The Full Run 36 km in one day. The whole canyon, every rapid, every iconic stretch. Leave at 9 am, arrive at 5 pm, 7 h of non-stop paddling. The real adventure day.
Nature lovers, couples, first bivouac
Our pick: the Nature Bivouac 30 km. Slow rhythm, overnight at Gaud or Gournier, 15 km each day. The canyon atmosphere at sunset is worth the trip on its own.
Adventurers who want to see it all
Our pick: the Adventure Bivouac 36 km. The full Gorges in two days with a bivouac. You get everything: the canoe slides, the Pont d'Arc, the Cathédrale, the rapids, a wild night. The complete package.
Groups (stag, off-site, 10+ people)
Our pick: the 6 km or 12 km, depending on the average level. Half-day routes suit large groups best: everyone finishes together, the less fit don't fall behind. Contact us for a group quote (volume pricing from 10 people).
The criteria that really matter
If you want a sharper decision matrix, here are the 5 criteria we systematically apply when advising on the phone.
- The youngest person in the group. Every route is open from age 7 (must swim 25 m), but in practice, past 3 h on the water, 7-8-year-olds get tired. Under 10, stick with the 6 km or 12 km. Above that, everything is on the table.
- The group's fitness. Paddling isn't exhausting (the river does a big share of the work), but 7 hours on a hard seat is felt. If the group includes people who don't exercise, stay on half-day or bivouac (the bivouac splits the effort).
- The wish to see the Pont d'Arc. 6 of the 7 routes go under it. Only the 24 km (The Reserve) doesn't include it, because it starts further downstream. If the Pont d'Arc is a non-negotiable, eliminate the 24 km.
- The wish for a bivouac. Sleeping deep in the canyon is a real experience that radically changes the trip. If the idea appeals to you, go straight to one of the two bivouac routes. Otherwise, the full day (30 or 36 km) is the closest sporty express equivalent.
- The budget. Our online rates start at €25 for the 6 km and go up to €63 for the Adventure Bivouac 36 km. See the full price list. Heads up: the bivouac pass (around €8 per person) is added on top of the 2-day routes and is paid separately to the Ardèche Gorges Tourist Office.
Frequently asked questions
1 Can I change route on the day?
Yes, if availability and weather allow. Contact us at the base as soon as you arrive, we do our best to adapt. But to be safe, book the route that suits you directly.
2 What's the difference between canoe and kayak?
A canoe is open, seats 2 people, with a single-blade paddle. A kayak is closed, seats 1, with a double-blade paddle. Both are available depending on stock — ask when booking.
3 Which route if you're afraid of water?
The 6 km is the most reassuring: calm water on most of it, 3 small easy rapids, short duration. You know you can stop on a beach if needed. If you are a non-swimmer, the trip is not recommended (safety requirement: must swim 25 m).
4 Should I book in advance?
Yes, especially in July-August and for the bivouac routes. Online, you get a discount of up to -20%, and you secure your slot. Book online here.
5 Which route for a kids' birthday or a school group?
The 6 km is the best fit for kids' groups (everyone stays together, the duration is controlled, parents can come along). Contact us to get a quote tailored to groups of 10+ people.
Ready to pick your route ?
Book online to get -20 % off the walk-in price, or get in touch if you're still torn between two options. We're happy to help over the phone to fine-tune the choice for your group.