Canoeing and breakfast at Pont d'Arc

Description

Admittedly, to experience this micro-adventure, you'll have to forget about sleeping in. But I promise you, breakfast alone in the world, overlooking the Pont d'Arc, will make you forget all about that prickly wake-up call...

At 7am, with the sun barely rising, we set off by canoe to Vallon Pont d'Arc. We were immediately struck by the serenity of the place. Not a sign of human presence. Nothing to disturb the tranquillity of the moment.

All around us, nature is awakening, and it's quite a sight: the frogs seem to respond to each other from one end of the bank to the other. The grey heron settles down nearby to quench its thirst. Bonelli's eagle soars overhead. The light is just beginning to skim the rock and colour it in soft orange tones.

We make slow, silent progress. Only the sound of our paddles gently gliding over the water betrays our presence. We're enjoying this interlude, far from the hustle and bustle of hot, busy days.

1 hour of paddling later, after crossing the famous Charlemagne rapid, we arrive at the highlight of the show: the majestic Pont d'Arc. This 54m-high natural mineral arch, emblematic of the Ardèche and usually so popular with holidaymakers, is revealed before our eyes in the calm of the early morning.

We landed on the beach, and were delighted to discover the breakfast basket that Faustine from Cap 07 had given us before we set off: a good loaf of bread, picodon d'Ardèche (the best goat's cheese in the world :-)), country terrine, chestnut cream, cookies and fruit juice. A real Ardèche feast! We settle down on the beach and savour the beauty of this place, preserved for a few more moments.

Good to know Distance: approximately 6 km Duration: 1 hour paddle, 3 hours of adventure