Conditions

To go canoeing down the river Ardèche, it is compulsory:

To be older than 7 years;

To be able to swim at least 25 meters and to swim underwater;

To be in good physical health (with no medical contraindications);

To keep always the lifejacket closed on you while you’re on the canoe and to wear closed shoes (water shoes / running shoes);

Please respect the nature, do not leave your garbage on the beaches and in the bivouac areas.

The course of the activity

You will reach our agency "RIVIERE ET NATURE" in Vallon Pont d'Arc, here you will find a private parking area, restrooms, drinkable water and a boutique area (drinks, snacks, sea shoes, towels, waterproof bags, hats, caps, sun cream protecion, etc.).

You will be received by our staff and will get the information about your descent and the small equipment (barrel, lifejacket, helmet). Then, our driver will pick you up at the start point on the river and will give you your boat, your paddle and the last advices about paddling. You will do your canoe trip and at the end of your descent a shuttle bus will transfer you back to our agency in Vallon Pont d'Arc.

For the trips of 8 and 12km, please reach our agency 30 minutes before the departure of your shuttle bus.

For the descents of 36 and 60km, please reach us at least 1 hour before the departure of the shuttle bus.

What equipment should I bring?

- Sportive clothes (swimsuit, short, t-shirt, closed sport shoes or water shoes);

- For half day and 1 day trips: pic-nic, drinks and bath towel;

- For 2 or 3 day trips: tent, sleeping bags, flashlight, extra warm clothes, food and beverage (drinkable water available in the bivouac areas), camping gaz, dishes and cutlery, plastic bags for your garbage;

- Beware of the sun, bring your sun protection (sun cream 30SPF or 50SPF, sunglasses, cap, hat…);

If the weather seems bad, don't forget waterproof and windproof clothes, extra dry clothes, bath towels;

- String for the glasses.

Where I could store my personal belongings during the trip?

We will provide you a container (different sizes available) to store your personal belongings, and it will be attached on your boat.

For all 2/3/4 day trips, you will have a barrel of 55 litres per person. Bring some extra strings to attach your tent on the boat in order to gain more space in your barrel.

We cannot guarantee the perfect waterproofing of the containers that’s why it’s better not to take with you hi-tech material. For more safety take with you water protections like plastic bags, waterproof bags, etc.

Opening hours and how to reach us

In April, May, June and September, we are open 7 days a week from 8:30am to 6:30pm.

In July and August, we are open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

From Lyon: A7 exit Montélimar sud, N7 to Pierrelatte, D13 to Bourg-Saint-Andéol, then D4 to Vallon Pont d'Arc.

From Marseille: A7 exit Bollène, D994 to Pont-Saint-Esprit, N86 towards Vallon Pont d'Arc and take the road D290 to the Gorges de l'Ardèche.

From Montpellier: A9 exit Nîmes Ouest, N106 towards Alès, D16 then D979 towards Barjac, D579 to Vallon Pont d'Arc.

The bivouac areas

The bivouac areas are large natural spaces in the heart of the Ardèche Gorges Nature Reserve on the banks of the river.
In this natural space, you will find toilets, showers, barbecues with charcoal wood, picnic tables, garbage cans, guards for urgent problems.
Some useful information before your departure:
Alcohol prohibited in the bivouac areas.
Navigation prohibited after 8 p.m.
Reservation of the bivouac by your care.

BOOK YOUR BIVOUAC TICKET HERE

RESERVE YOUR CANOE HERE

BIVOUAC AND CANOE PACKAGE HERE

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The equipment

To realize your descent in the best conditions, RIVIERE et NATURE provides you with a large choice of boats: single Kayak / 2 / 3 places (with child in the middle) sit-on-top, unsinkable, self bailing (Tarka, Balawika, Optimo, Taiki, Treck); 2 or 3 seat canoe (Canadia, Old Town’s).

We also provide you with a lifejacket (certification CE), single or double paddle, waterproof container (several sizes), helmet (not mandatory).

Our transport vehicles: minibus, GT bus, 4X4.

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Our little extras

For more comfort, we propose you to rent a neoprene suit, k-way rainproof and windproof, a comfort backrest (for Optimo double) and a bivouac pack including tent, camping gaz, kitchen set and a small sleeping pad.

In case of bad weather

The VIGICRUES system keeps you informed about the water level of the Ardèche in real time. If the weather is confirmed to be bad and the river is not navigable, you could postpone the reservation, or cancel it and receive a full refund.

Can I bring my dog with me?

The Gorges de l'Ardèche Nature Reserve is prohibited for dogs in canoes. The 24, 30, 36 and 60km courses cannot be done with your dog.

For thedescents of 6, 8, 12 and 14km, dogs are allowed, only if able to swim and free on the boat. Your dog is under your full responsibility.