6 kmMini Trip canoeing under the Pont d'Arc in Ardèche
1 h 30 of family-friendly paddling under Europe's most famous natural arch.
A half-day canoeing in Ardèche, ideal for families
The 6 km mini trip is the most popular canoe and kayak route from Vallon-Pont-d'Arc. Suitable from age 7 in a canoe or kayak, with no experience required, this half-day on the Ardèche offers the highlight of any trip : passing under the Pont d'Arc, a 54 metre-high natural arch. You'll paddle calm waters punctuated by 3 fun rapids, between limestone cliffs and pebble beaches. An ideal route for families, beginners or anyone wanting a first taste of the Gorges de l'Ardèche by canoe or kayak.
Passage under the Pont d'Arc
Glide by canoe under Europe's most famous natural arch, 54 metres high. The unforgettable moment of your trip.
Suitable from age 7 with the family
Calm and supervised route, perfect for a first canoeing outing with the children. No experience required.
3 fun, risk-free rapids
The Blachas, Branches and Charlemagne rapids add just the right amount of thrills to spice up the ride.
All inclusive, return shuttle included
Canoe, life jackets, paddles, watertight barrel and return shuttle : everything is taken care of. All you have to do is enjoy.
How the trip unfolds
- 1
Base de Vallon-Pont-d'Arc
Welcome, safety briefing and launch Free parking at the base. - 2
Blachas and Branches Rapids
The first two fun rapids to ease into the trip - 3
Charlemagne Rapid
The most famous rapid, a small thrill before the Pont d'Arc - 4
The Pont d'Arc
Passage under the 54 m natural arch, the highlight of the trip Bring your camera! - 5
Plage du Pont d'Arc
Optional swimming break on the beach below the arch Free stop, make the most of it. - 6
Arrival at Châmes
Disembark and shuttle back to the base
Start and finish
- Hours
- Departures between 10am and 5pm, continuously
- Starting base
- Vallon-Pont-d'Arc launch point
- Finish point
- Châmes landing (stop n°5)
- Return shuttle
- Return shuttle included
What's included
Included in the price
- Canoe (2 seats) or kayak (1 seat)
- Life jackets
- Paddles
- Watertight 30 L barrel
- Full safety briefing
- Return shuttle by minibus
What to bring
- Swimsuit
- Closed water shoes
- Waterproof sunscreen
- Water (1 L minimum per person)
- Hat or cap
- Picnic if departing in the morning
Your itinerary
Your route on the map
- Launch points
- Landmarks
- Bivouacs
- Rapids
- Villages
- River
- Active route
FAQ about the 6 km trip
1 What is the minimum age for the 6 km mini trip?
The mini trip is suitable from age 7, accompanied by an adult in the same canoe. Children must be able to swim. It is the most suitable route for a first family outing.
2 Do you need to be able to swim to canoe in Ardèche?
Yes, swimming ability is mandatory for all participants. An immersion test is carried out before departure : each participant must briefly submerge in the water. The life jacket is provided and worn throughout the trip.
3 How long does the 6 km trip really take?
Allow about 1 h 30 of actual paddling. With swimming breaks, the passage under the Pont d'Arc and a picnic, plan a full half-day (3 to 4 hours in total).
4 Do you really pass under the Pont d'Arc on this route?
Yes, passing under the Pont d'Arc is the highlight of this trip. The 54 m-high natural arch is on your route : you go right beneath it in your canoe. An unforgettable moment.
5 Can you fall in the water during the trip?
It can happen, especially in the rapids, and it is part of the adventure! The life jacket keeps you afloat. The water is shallow in most spots and you'll easily climb back into the canoe.
6 Can you take your phone on the trip?
Yes, a watertight 30 L barrel is provided with each boat to protect your belongings. For photos, we recommend a waterproof phone pouch (on sale at the base) so you can capture the passage under the Pont d'Arc.
7 What happens in case of rain or bad weather?
The trip goes ahead in the rain, you're already in your swimsuit! Only a flood of the river can lead to cancellation for safety reasons. In that case, contact us to reschedule your booking.
Guides and tips for your trip
Our other canoe routes
Midi Trip 12 km
- 5 rapids
- The Pont d'Arc
- Canoe slides
The Reserve 24 km
- 8 rapids
The Sporty 30 km
- 10 rapids
- The Pont d'Arc
The Full Run 36 km
- 12 rapids
- The Pont d'Arc
- Canoe slides
Nature Bivouac 30 km
- 10 rapids
- The Pont d'Arc
Adventure Bivouac 36 km
- 12 rapids
- The Pont d'Arc
- Canoe slides