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.  Then we 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!) and hopefully catch a sight of the wild boar as they do their 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 guided trips in traditional open canoes but some 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 GUIDED river trips 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