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The Full Run of the Gorges de l'Ardèche by canoe, descente en canoë dans les Gorges de l'Ardèche
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36 kmThe Full Run of the Gorges de l'Ardèche by canoe

See it all in one day : from Les Mazes to Sauze, 36 km of canyon with the Pont d'Arc, the canoe slides, the Cathédrale and 12 rapids.

Expert
~7 to 8h
Pont d'Arc
Canoe slides
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The Full Run of the Gorges de l'Ardèche by canoe, end to end

The 36 km Full Run is the most ambitious trip in the Gorges de l'Ardèche in a single day. Setting off from Les Mazes, you cover the entire canyon : canoe slides within the first few kilometres, passage under the Pont d'Arc, entry into the Réserve Naturelle, the Cathédrale, and around ten rapids all the way to Sauze. Seven hours of intense paddling in scenery that changes around every bend : dizzying cliffs, Mediterranean forest, pebble beaches accessible only from the river. Reserved for endurance paddlers and adventurers who do not want to miss anything.

The full Gorges, 36 km in one go

From Les Mazes to Sauze : the entire canyon in a single epic day.

Canoe slides + Pont d'Arc + Cathédrale

All the highlights of Ardèche together, no compromise, it's all there.

12 rapids over 36 km of canyon

The most physical and committed route in our range.

Return shuttle from Sauze

Canoe, life jackets, paddles, watertight barrel and shuttle back to the base.

Step by step

How the trip unfolds

  1. 1

    Base des Mazes

    Welcome and briefing, mandatory departure before 8.30am
  2. 2

    The canoe slides

    Smooth concrete slides, fun break right from the start
  3. 3

    Blachas and Charlemagne Rapids

    Fun rapids before the Pont d'Arc
  4. 4

    The Pont d'Arc

    Passage under the monumental natural arch Bring your camera!
  5. 5

    Châmes — Entrance to the Gorges

    Transition into the Réserve Naturelle
  6. 6

    Dent Noire Rapid

    First committed rapid of the gorges
  7. 7

    La Cathédrale

    Monumental rocky cirque in the heart of the Reserve
  8. 8

    Pastière Rapid

    Last technical rapid before arrival
  9. 9

    Arrival at Sauze

    Disembark and shuttle back to the base
Practical info

Start and finish

Hours
Single departure between 7.30am and 8.30am (mandatory)
Starting base
Viking Bateaux base — Les Mazes
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, no refreshment stops)
  • Hearty picnic + energy bars
  • Hat or cap

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 36 km trip

1 What level of fitness is required for the 36 km Full Run?

Good physical fitness is essential. Allow 7 hours of effective paddling with few long breaks if you want to arrive before sunset. Regular sports practice (running, cycling, swimming) is strongly recommended.

2 Can you do the Full Run with children?

We do not recommend it for children under 12. The duration (7 h+) and the physical commitment are significant. For a family day, the 24 km or the 30 km are more suitable.

3 What is the difference with the 36 km bivouac?

The route is strictly identical. The difference : the bivouac lets you do it over 2 days with a night in the wild at Gaud or Gournier, instead of doing it all in one go.

4 Are the canoe slides included in the 36 km Full Run?

Yes, the four canoe slides are in the first part of the route, between the Les Mazes base and Vallon-Pont-d'Arc. You go through them before the Pont d'Arc.

5 What time do you arrive at Sauze with the Full Run?

Setting off at 8am, arrival at Sauze is usually between 4pm and 6pm depending on your pace. It is essential to leave early to make the most of the day.

Keep reading

Guides and tips for your trip

Guide

Which canoe route to choose in Ardèche?
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