This fully immersive experience is the perfect introduction to white water, allowing you to enjoy all the river has to offer at a relaxed and leisurely pace.

We meet at 10.30am in Vallon Pont d’Arc on day one of the river trip. After a brief introduction, you’re straight into your boat and onto the river. We begin by spending some time on the flat water practicing paddling techniques and generally familiarising ourselves with the boat.  We’ll then make our way along the river towards the Pont d’Arc, playing on a few fun rapids as we go. We generally stop for lunch at around 1pm on a small beach near the Pont d’Arc – it’s the perfect spot to relax, take in the scenery and watch fellow paddlers negotiate the rapids (it’s better than television, we promise you!).

In the afternoon we continue our journey into the Gorge. In the summer months, your guide will get the timings just right so that you’re away from the crowds, allowing you to experience having the Gorge to yourself – it’s quite an amazing feeling. We typically arrive at the bivouac site – in the heart of the nature reserve – by around 6pm. After putting up tents we will gather at the BBQ to wind down, cook some food and enjoy the spectacular night sky (seriously, the sky is BIG in the Ardèche!). Maybe we will even catch sight of the wild boar as they do their evening rounds.

On day two, after breakfast, we continue our journey through the Gorge, navigating the remaining rapids and stopping for some rock jumps or cave explorations whenever you feel the urge! After the river trip, we will be taken by bus back to the starting point, arriving in Vallon by around 6.30pm.

Your guide will be with you for the entire trip and is there to help you whatever your level or previous experience. Whether it’s your first time in a kayak or whether you’re a seasoned paddler, your safety and enjoyment is our primary concern and we’ll do everything we can to ensure your experience of the Ardeche is one that you’ll remember with a smile for years to come.

The boats we use are sit-on-top kayaks and are available in singles or doubles. They are well designed to help protect you on the rapids and greatly reduce the chance of entrapment. Their specific design allows the waterproof barrel to be securely attached and the boats are self-emptying should you capsize. Buoyancy aids, helmets (if requested), paddles, 55l barrels (1 per person) and boats are all included in the price.

We can also provide trips in traditional open canoes but prior canoeing experience is required. Please contact us to check availability as we have a limited number of boats.

To really enhance your river trip experience, nothing beats sleeping under the stars surrounded by the sights and sounds of the Gorge. Don’t worry though, although quite basic, the bivouac site does have facilities such as toilets, showers, a BBQ site (with charcoal provided) and access to drinking water.

Camping equipment is included with your GUIDED river trip and will be given to you on arrival for the river trip. All camping equipment will need to go in the waterproof barrels provided along with anything else you wish to take with you (spare clothes, food etc.).

*Please note that alcohol is not allowed at the bivouac site.*

*Wild camping is strictly prohibited and enforced with heavy fines.*

*Please note that alcohol is not allowed at the bivouac site.*

*Wild camping is strictly prohibited and enforced with heavy fines.*

This option includes your pitch only at a 4-star campsite which is right next to the river and only a 10 min walk into town. You are expected to provide your own tents/caravan/camper etc.

All pitches are shaded and separated by hedges. They also have access to water points and electricity (extension cord may be necessary). The campsite has a restaurant/bar; heated swimming pool; small shop and a large games area. Whilst it’s not possible to have BBQs on the campsite pitches, there is a large BBQ area available for guests, together with tables and seating.

This is a relaxed, family friendly, locally owned and independently run campsite, providing excellent facilities and the perfect riverside location. You won’t want to leave!

Arrive on any day of the week preferred.

see here for Full Campsite Details

The hotel we use is situated next to the river just 6km along the Gorge Road from Vallon Pont d’Arc. Located only 300m from the Pont d’Arc, but away from the hustle and bustle of the busy tourist areas, ‘le Belvedere’ is nestled on the edge of the Nature Reserve, offering you the perfect retreat after a busy day exploring or paddling.

There is a large open terrace where you can have food and drink throughout the day and a recently refurbished swimming pool should you fancy a dip.

All rooms are en-suite with telephone, TV, air conditioning and free wi-fi which is available throughout the hotel.

You can include breakfast or book your room only with the hotel option.
Double, twin and group/family rooms are available.

see here for Full Hotel Details

The yurt site is situated half-way down the river and on the edge of the Ardeche gorge. A great ‘back to nature’ experience which has a private track that leads you directly down to the waters edge.

This is a relaxed, family friendly, locally owned and independently run campsite, providing unusual accommodation in a great location. We recommend you have transport with this option.

There are a couple of romantic 2 person yurts, a few family yurts (2-4 people), a couple of tents on stilts (2-4 people), and some safari lodges (2-6 people).

Option to include breakfast
Restricted to Friday, Saturday or Sunday arrival days only during July and August.

see here for Full Yurt Site Details

The gites were formerly an eighteenth century silk-worm farm that has been modernised in 2012 into 3 great gites which share an internal courtyard with a small heated swimming pool.

Each gite has 100m² of living space and includes an open-plan, fully equipped kitchen; a lounge area; three beautifully furnished bedrooms (accessible by a spiral staircase); two showers, and a separate toilet.

They are situated in a small, peaceful hamlet on the outskirts of Vallon-Pont-d’Arc which is only a 15 min stroll away. In Vallon you will find an array of restaurants, shops and cafes at your disposal.

Each gite has 3 bedrooms, sleeping up to 6 people comfortably.

(Saturday – Saturday bookings only).

see here for Full Gite Details