Additional activities available - eg canyoning Visit the Caverne du Pont d'Arc

Select your 'River Package'

7 nights accommodation + 2 day guided river trip

Includes the two-day guided river trip with overnight camp

In Brief...

The ‘River Package’ includes 7 nights accommodation as well as the two-day GUIDED river trip with bivouac camp. It is our best value package and is perfect for those wanting a little bit more free time to explore and discover what this amazing region has to offer.

If you would like a more active-filled holiday then the River Package also enables you to include additional activities with your booking to create a personalised multi-activity holiday (caving, canyoning, via-ferrata and climbing options available). You can also go horse riding, hire bikes, play crazy golf and visit the local high ropes centre (although we are unable to pre-book these). There are plenty of places to walk and you could even go for a hike to one of the spectacular viewpoints.

For a less active holiday, why not wander around one of the many village markets, do some wine-tasting at a local vineyard or visit the Grotte Chauvet 2 (which hosts a replica of the 36,000 yr old cave paintings ). On your free days you could also go for a drive along the gorge road with its amazing viewpoints, visit the lavender museum, explore some of the beautiful mediaeval towns nearby or even just to sit by the river, the pool or in a local cafe! The possibilities are endless!

If you would like to stay longer than 8 days, please contact us with your bespoke requirements.

8 DAY / 7 NIGHTS
APRIL – SEPTEMBER
SUITABLE FOR:
suitable for single travellers
Single
suitable for couples
Couples
suitable for families (7yrs+)
Family
suitable for groups
Groups
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS:
camping
Camping
hotel
Hotel
self-catered gite
Gite
yurt
Yurt

More Information...

select a tab for more details
What’s included
Seven nights accommodation at one of our carefully selected locations (see tab for details)
Two-day GUIDED river trip with overnight camp (see tab for details)
National park fees (bivouac tickets)
Camping equipment for the overnight camp (as part of the river trip)
Photos from your river trip (included FREE of charge)
Return transfer back to Vallon Pont d’Arc at the end of the river trip
Small group sizes (max 10 per river trip)
What’s NOT included
Travel to/ from the Ardeche
Transport to activity start locations
Food and drink (except option selected with accommodation)
Optional
You also have the option to include additional ACTIVITIES if required
Options include: Caving, Climbing, Via-Ferrata and Canyoning
What’s NOT included
Travel to/ from the Ardeche
Transport to activity start locations
Food and drink (except option selected with accommodation)

The two-day river trip* covers 32km from Vallon-Pont-d’Arc to St. Martin and is divided over two equal days of 16km each. It includes paddling through the world famous Pont d’Arc (the largest natural arch in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the Gorges de l’Ardeche nature reserve with spectacular 1000ft cliffs towering above you on either side. As a result, it is the perfect balance of fun rapids (30 in total – grade 2) and peaceful flat sections.

Our guided river trips enable you to relax, have fun and enjoy the spectacular environment without worrying about equipment, timings or tricky looking rapids! Above all, our highly qualified guides are there to ensure your safety as well as your enjoyment.

Select an option below for more details

The 2 day GUIDED river trip - min age 10yrs

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

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.

The overnight bivouac camp

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.*

Ardeche river map

Ardeche river map

*Please note that alcohol is not allowed at the bivouac site.*
*Wild camping is strictly prohibited and enforced with heavy fines.*
*Our guided river trip runs on Monday/Tuesday and Thursday/Friday each week. When you place your booking you will be asked your preference for the river trip (Mon/Tues or Thurs/Fri) and we will fulfil that request wherever possible.

The River Package includes the two-day guided river trip with overnight bivouac as standard but with this option you can also include additional activities with your programme to create a bespoke, multi-activity holiday. Just select your chosen activities when placing a booking.

You have the option to pre-book the following activities:

select an option for more details

Via-Ferrata - (min age 10 or 1.4m)

This aided climbing system with fixed wire cables, ladders and bridges enable you to reach places otherwise inaccessible for even the most advanced climbers.

You need a head for heights with this one!

Approx 1h 10 mins away

Climbing - (min age 7)

This taster session is great for beginners with adult climbing and family climbing options available.

For seasoned climbers we can arrange a private guide to take you to one of the many local crags and push your limits. Contact us if you would like this option.

Approx 5-10 mins away

Caving - (min age 7)

Feel like the people who discovered the Chauvet Cave and explore this subterranean world.

There are a few caves available around the Ardeche gorge and we will book you on one appropriate for your groups ages.

Approx 20-30 mins away

Canyoning - (min age 7)

Follow the course of a river down slides and jumps.

There are a few canyons available suitable for different ages. We will book you on a trip suitable for your group.

Approx 1h 10 mins away

Each activity is a half-day session and will last approx. 3 hours. These activities are booked through a local provider who provides all the equipment and the guides. These are the best guides in the region and they all speak good English.

Other activities in the area include horse riding, bike hire, crazy golf and high ropes course (unfortunately we are unable to pre-book these). For further details of all options available, please see here.

If you select to include additional activities with your booking then we will contact you to discuss your final itinerary so that it works best for you.
Please note: You will be required to get yourselves to the activity meeting locations but directions will be provided.

We have carefully selected 4 different accommodation options to choose from with our ‘River Package’ to enable you to get the best from your holiday at great value.

select an option below for more details

Camping (pitch only)

The Campsite - River PackageThis 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

Hotel

The Hotel -River PackageThe 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

Yurt (New)

Yurt Accommodation - River Package ArdecheThe 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

Gite (self-catered) - UNAVAILABLE

The Gites - River Package ArdecheThe 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

The start and end points for the river trip and the accommodation options available are shown on the map below. You can zoom in and select the appropriate option for you and then click the icon in the tab that will appear from the left. This will take you directly to google maps where you can enter your location and get a detailed directions for your journey along with travel times.

This option varies in price depending on the accommodation selected.

Prices shown are per person and include your accommodation for 7 NIGHTS and the two-day GUIDED river trip with overnight bivouac camp.

To view applicable prices, please select the option required below.

River Package: CAMPING

No. of people per pitch April May June September July August
1 £445 pp £535 pp
2 £310 pp £370 pp
3-4 £280 pp £340 pp
5-6 £250 pp £310 pp

River Package: HOTEL

Prices shown based on rooms filled to capacity. Single occupied rooms will be charged a supplement depending on room type selected.

Room type April May June September July August
Doubles    
Standard double £685 pp £840 pp
Superior double/twin £720 pp £910 pp
Double spa (no view)
£755 pp £1015 pp
Double spa (view)
£825 pp £1085 pp
Prestige spa
£930 pp £1155 pp
Triple
Triple room
£615 pp £770 pp
Family (max 4)
Family room (no spa) £580 pp £735 pp
Family room (with spa) £615 pp £805 pp
Prices include the tax de sejour
Breakfast (optional) £120 per person (x6 @ £20 pp)

River Package: YURT (New)

There are 4 accommodation options at the yurt site.

Low season prices (April, May, June & September)

 

Number of people Romantic Yurt
15 sqm
Family Yurt
18 sqm
Tent on Stilts
32 sqm
Safari lodge
50-60 sqm
2 £410 pp £470 pp £505 pp £550 pp
3 £400 pp £410 pp £440 pp
4 £345 pp £375 pp £405 pp
5 or 6 £380 pp

Breakfast is optional and charged at £10 per person per day

High season prices (July & August)

 

Number of people Romantic Yurt
15 sqm
Family Yurt
18 sqm
Tent on Stilts
32 sqm
Safari lodge
50-60 sqm
2 £520 pp £590 pp £620 pp £690 pp
3 £455 pp £490 pp £520 pp
4 £390 pp £425 pp £460 pp
5 or 6 £430 pp

Breakfast is optional and charged at £10 per person per day

River Package: GITE

Each gite has 3 bedrooms and can sleep 6 people comfortably. There are 3 gites available.

UPDATE: Unfortunately due to a change of ownership, the gites are no longer available from 2022 onwards. We are looking for a suitable alternative and hope to add this to our website soon.

All prices include tax de sejour

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

With the River Package you also have the option to include additional activities to create a bespoke multi-activity holiday.

Additional activities cost £50 per person per activity (approx. 3h).
Options include: Caving, Via-Ferrata, Canyoning, Climbing

ITINERARY - River Package

Day 1

arrival

choice of accommodation

Day 2 – 7

your river trip will be on either Mon & Tues or Thurs & Fri and any additional activities selected will be on your other free days

choice of accommodation

Day 8

departure

For groups of 8+, or if you want to create a bespoke booking, please get in touch with your requirements

Select Your River Package...

Complete the form with your required details and we will get back to you as soon as possible to confirm availability and provide you with a final quote for your Ardeche holiday

For groups of 8+, or if you want to create a bespoke booking, please get in touch with your requirements

don't just visit...Experience!

The River Package includes the 2 day GUIDED river trip but also gives you plenty of free time to fill as you please. You can include additional activities, visit local attractions or spend time exploring nearby villages and towns.
Select an option to discover more…

Other holiday options