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30 kmThe Sporty trip in the Gorges de l'Ardèche by canoe
The most complete in one day : passage under the Pont d'Arc, full crossing of the Réserve Naturelle and 10 rapids.
Sporty
~5 to 7h
Pont d'Arc
La Cathédrale
The most complete canoe trip of the Gorges in one day
The 30 km canoe trip is the most complete option in a single day in the Gorges de l'Ardèche. Setting off from Vallon-Pont-d'Arc, you pass under the Pont d'Arc within the first few kilometres, then continue with the full crossing of the Réserve Naturelle : 10 rapids, the Cathédrale, wild beaches and 6 hours of paddling in one of Europe's most beautiful canyons. A route for those with good physical fitness who want to see everything without bivouacking.
Pont d'Arc + Gorges in a single day
Pass under the Pont d'Arc within the first few kilometres, then cross the Réserve Naturelle all the way to Sauze.
The Cathédrale and 10 rapids
The most complete day trip, with all the highlights of the Gorges de l'Ardèche.
The most complete day itinerary
30 km of canyon with the best views, beaches and rapids of the Gorges de l'Ardèche.
Return shuttle from Sauze
Canoe, life jackets, paddles, watertight barrel and shuttle back to the base.
Step by step
How the trip unfolds
- 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
Transition into the Réserve Naturelle - 5
Dent Noire Rapid
First committed rapid of the gorges - 6
La Cathédrale
Spectacular rocky cirque, the highlight of the gorges - 7
Pastière Rapid
Last technical rapid before exiting the gorges - 8
Arrival at Sauze
Disembark and shuttle back to the base
Practical info
Start and finish
- Hours
- Departure between 8am and 9am (mandatory)
- Starting base
- Viking Bateaux base — Vallon-Pont-d'Arc
- Finish point
- Sauze landing (Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche)
- Return shuttle
- Return shuttle included
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
- Swimsuit
- Closed water shoes (no flip-flops)
- Waterproof sunscreen
- Water (2 L minimum per person)
- Hearty picnic (long day)
- Hat or cap
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 Is the 30 km feasible without experience?
Yes, if you have good physical fitness and you're comfortable in the water. The safety briefing covers basic techniques. However, 6 h of paddling demands stamina : regular sports practice is recommended.
2 What is the difference between the 30 km and the 36 km?
The 30 km starts from Vallon-Pont-d'Arc, the 36 km starts from Les Mazes (6 km upstream). The 36 km adds the canoe slides and about 1 h of additional paddling. The rest of the route is identical.
3 What time should you arrive for departure?
Arrive at the base between 7.30am and 8am for the briefing. Departure on the water is mandatory before 9am to ensure arrival at Sauze before nightfall.
4 Do you pass under the Pont d'Arc on the 30 km trip?
Yes, the passage under the Pont d'Arc is included within the first few kilometres. That is the advantage of the 30 km over the 24 km, which starts from Châmes and does not pass under the arch.
5 Can you stop on the beaches during the 30 km trip?
Yes, many pebble beaches line the route. Be careful to manage your time as the day is long and arrival at Sauze must be before nightfall.
You might also like
Our other canoe routes
~1h30
Mini Trip 6 km
- 3 rapids
- The Pont d'Arc
~3h
Midi Trip 12 km
- 5 rapids
- The Pont d'Arc
- Canoe slides
~5h
The Reserve 24 km
- 8 rapids
~7h
The Full Run 36 km
- 12 rapids
- The Pont d'Arc
- Canoe slides
2 days
Nature Bivouac 30 km
- 10 rapids
- The Pont d'Arc
2 days
Adventure Bivouac 36 km
- 12 rapids
- The Pont d'Arc
- Canoe slides
Prices
37€
Online price* *Adult age 15+, up to 9 people
Walk-in prices
Adult*Age 15 and up 41€/person
Child*Age 7 to 14 24€/person
Group*10 to 20 people 34€/person
3rd seat*Middle seat, except bivouac 18€/person