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.

Day 1

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 then make our way along the river towards the Pont d’Arc, playing on a few fun rapids as we go. Generally we 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 as much as possible. As a result this enables you to experience having the Gorge all 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!) and hopefully catch sight of the wild boar as they do their rounds.

Day 2

On the second day, after breakfast, we continue our journey through the Gorge. We will navigate the remaining rapids, 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. 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.

With unguided river trips, you go directly to the reception of the canoe hire company where your booking information will be ready and waiting for you. The canoe company will give you your equipment, provide a short briefing and then send you on your way. You will be responsible for your own safety during the descent. It is also your responsibility to ensure that you arrive at the correct bivouac site (if you are camping overnight) and reach the end of the river by the required time in order to catch the return coach.

We do not recommend this option for people with limited river experience or with children, especially during off-peak season when the water levels are higher. Remember, the Ardeche is a Grade 2 river consisting of 30 rapids so there are some inherent dangers/risks associated with it.

Bivouac included: (16km+16km)

You can start your trip whenever you like, from 8:30am onwards. After passing the Pont d’Arc (a great place to stop for some lunch), you will head into the Gorge. You should aim to arrive at the bivouac site by around 6pm. You should aim to arrive at the bivouac site by around 6pm.  After pulling the boats onto the beach, walk through to the main camping area and settle in for the evening. The bivouac site has a barbecue area where you can prepare your food. There are also basic shower and toilet facilities.

The second day will take about the same amount of time as the first. You should aim to leave the bivouac site by around 10-10:30am. We recommend that you reach the nudist beach (Plage des Templiers/ Cathedral Rock) by lunchtime to avoid having to rush the last section of the river. You must arrive at the finish point between 4pm and 5pm. There will be a bus waiting for you to take you back to Vallon. The transfer takes around one hour.

Bivouac NOT included: (8km+24km)

With this option, the river trip will need to be broken down into an 8km day and a 24km day. The 8km trip is really a half-day activity and includes three rapids and the Pont d’Arc. It takes around two hours to paddle 8km. However, you will have up to four hours to spend on the river, so we recommend you make the most of this time – perhaps have a picnic by the Pont d’Arc, or just relax and enjoy the scenery.

You can start the 8km trip anytime before 3pm. When you arrive at the canoe hire company they will tell you what time you need to reach the finish point. This is where the coach/minibus will be waiting to take you back to Vallon.

The 24km day is very different and includes around 23 rapids and requires approximately six hours of paddling time to complete. You will need to start this day by 9am so as to give yourself time to enjoy the river, have lunch and go for a couple of swims. You will need to reach the end of the river by 4-5pm, where you will be collected and taken back to Vallon. The transfer time is approximately one hour.

Please note the 24km trip may be a bit too demanding for some during the summer months (July/August) when water level is low and the temperature is high.