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30 kmNature Bivouac canoeing in the Gorges de l'Ardèche
The legendary trip : 2 days canoeing with a night at the Gaud or Gournier bivouac, in the heart of the Réserve Naturelle.
Moderate
Bivouac
2 days
Pont d'Arc
Two days canoeing with a bivouac in the Gorges de l'Ardèche
The canoe bivouac in the Gorges de l'Ardèche 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 Réserve Naturelle. 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 — Base de Vallon-Pont-d'Arc
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
Bivouac de Gaud or Gournier
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
La 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
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 Office de Tourisme des Gorges de l'Ardèche. Gaud and Gournier are the only two authorised sites in the Réserve Naturelle. 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 Réserve Naturelle. 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.
Keep reading
Guides and tips for your trip
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Prices
59€
Online price* *Adult age 15+, up to 9 people
Walk-in prices
Adult*Age 15 and up 65€/person
Child*Age 7 to 14 40€/person
Group*10 to 20 people 57€/person