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Outdoors

Ardeche Gorge Canoe

You paddle the length of the Gorges de l'Ardèche National Nature Reserve, from under the Pont d'Arc rock arch past the Cathédrale rock and the Cirque de la Madeleine, with rapids such as Charlemagne between calm stretches and beaches you can only reach by river.

For The Reps · Updated

canoe trip scenery for Ardeche Gorge near Ardeche
Photo: Entering the Ardeche gorge - panoramio by Honza and Ivana Ebr, CC BY 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0). Via Wikimedia Commons.
Where
Ardeche, France
Distance
32 km one way (24 km from Châmes)
Time
6-7 hours of paddling for 32 km; 4.5-5 hours for 24 km

The route

Gorges de l'Ardèche descent, Vallon-Pont-d'Arc to Sauze (32 km), or Châmes to Sauze (24 km).

Hire companies in Vallon-Pont-d'Arc launch the full descent just above the Pont d'Arc; the 24 km version starts at Châmes, below the arch. Both finish at Sauze, near Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche, where an operator bus takes you back (about 50 minutes).

When to go

Hire companies run the descent from spring to early autumn; one operator lists departures from April to September. In high season, book a few days ahead.

Permits and fees

Everyone must be at least 7 and able to swim, under a prefectoral decree; operators ask for 25 m. Camping in the reserve is only allowed at the Gaud and Gournier bivouacs, which must be booked through the Gorges de l'Ardèche Pont d'Arc tourist office. Dogs are not allowed in canoes and fires are banned.

Before you go

  • Set off early to avoid the heat and enjoy calmer water, as the tourist office advises.
  • Take 2 litres of water each, sun protection, a hat and shoes you can get wet.
  • The tourist office suggests splitting the trip over two days with a night at one of the bivouacs.
  • Use the tourist office's Canoë Malin tool to check webcams and river conditions before you choose a route.

What to bring

  • A buoyancy aid, worn rather than stowed
  • A dry bag for your phone and keys
  • Water and snacks
  • Sun cream, a hat and sunglasses
  • A warm layer, even on a hot day

Getting ready for it

Plan for a long day: 6-7 hours of paddling for 32 km; 4.5-5 hours for 24 km.

Paddling works your back, shoulders and core more than your arms.

A few weeks of rows, pull-ups or pulldowns and some rotational core work will make a full day far more comfortable.

Staying safe

  • The river can be lively in the rapids and capsizes happen; if you fall in, float on your back with your feet pointing downstream until you reach calmer water.
  • Check the wind and water forecast before launching.
  • Tell someone your route and when you expect to be back.

Route details checked September 30, 2026 against en.gorges-ardeche-pontdarc.fr, en.gorges-ardeche-pontdarc.fr, gorgesdelardeche.fr, gorgesdelardeche.fr, canoe-ardeche.com and descente-canoe-ardeche.com. Rules and closures change, so check before you go.