Canoeing in the Ardèche: all the information you need to get started
Everyone says it, the Ardèche is a canoeing paradise!
You too would like to try this adventure, but you don’t know exactly what to expect or how to organise it. Here’s all the information you need to get started canoeing the Ardèche!
✅ Where can you go canoeing on the Ardèche ?
✅ How long does it take to canoe down the Ardèche?
✅ Knowing the number of visitors
Where can you go canoeing on the Ardèche?
From Vogüé to Saint-Just-d’Ardèche, there are many canoeing routes on the Ardèche river.
🌿 In the Ardèche Gorges
This is the wildest canoe descent on the Ardèche, and the only one in the heart of the Protected Natural Reserve of the Gorges de l’Ardèche, in one of the most beautiful canyons in Europe. You can choose between 2 routes:
✅ 32 km: start just before the Pont d’Arc in Vallon-Pont-d’Arc,
✅ 24 km: starts just after the Pont d’Arc, in the hamlet of Châmes.
In all cases, the finish is at Sauze beach in Saint-Martin-d’Ardèche.
🪨 Under the Pont d’Arc
Probably the best-known canoe descent on the Ardèche, with the famous passage under the mineral arch of the Pont d’Arc. But also the busiest in the very high season.
✅ Between 6 and 8 km (depending on landing stage) from Vallon-Pont-d’Arc
✅ Between 12 and 14 km (depending on landing stage) from Sampzon.
In all cases, you arrive in the hamlet of Châmes, just after the Pont d’Arc.
🛶Between Vogüé and Vallon-Pont-d’Arc
Routes between 4 and 20 km upstream of the Gorges de l’Ardèche, starting from the villages of Vogüé, Balazuc, Pradons and Ruoms, and finishing before the Gorges de l’Ardèche. Perfect for the whole family!
💦 Between Saint-Martin-d’Ardèche and Saint Just-d’Ardèche
A 6km route just outside the Gorges de l’Ardèche, ideal for beginners.
How long does it take to canoe down the Ardèche?
As you can see, the length of your canoeing adventure will depend on the route you choose.
⛺The 24 or 32 km descent of the Ardèche Gorges can be done in a day. But expect a fairly strenuous day (around 5 to 7 hours’ paddling). We’d advise you to do the canoe trip over 2 days, with a night’s bivouac in the heart of the Nature Reserve. You’ll have much more time to enjoy the scenery and swim, and you’ll be able to savour the pleasures of a night out in the great outdoors..
🛶 For the other runs, allow 2 hours for 6/8 km, half a day for 12/14 km, and a full day for more than 14 km.
Public and difficulty?
Canoeing on the Ardèche is open to all, as long as you are 7 years old and can swim. This rule is non-negotiable, and governed by a prefectoral decree 😉 The canoe hire company will provide you with all the equipment you need, and then you’ll be on your own as you canoe down the river.
However, you should bear in mind that this is a sporting activity, and it’s important not to overestimate your strength 🙂 The canoe doesn’t move on its own, and your arms will be hard at work. So bear in mind the distance and your level of experience, and avoid embarking on a course that’s too long, as that will spoil the fun.
The routes between Vogüé and Vallon-Pont-d’Arc are particularly suitable for families. The distances are varied, there are few sporting rapids (a rapid is a section of river where the water speeds up and becomes rougher), and there are plenty of opportunities for swimming breaks. An ideal canoeing trip for first-time canoeists.
Although not really very difficult, the river Ardèche can be vigorous in places, and it’s not impossible for you to fall overboard in a rapid. If you do, don’t panic! Let your equipment go. You’ll find a quieter spot after the rapid to retrieve it. Put yourself in a safe position: on your back, feet first and let yourself go downstream, always in the direction of the current.
What equipment?
Canoe hire companies will provide you with all the equipment you need for the trip: canoes, paddles, lifejackets and waterproof containers to carry your gear. If you’re going for a half-day or a full day, remember to take..:
👙 your swimming costume
👟 a pair of sports shoes that can get wet
💦 a beach towel
😎 sunglasses (held by a cord if you go in the water)
👕 sun cream, or even better, anti-uv clothing
🧢 a hat
🚰 water: 2 litres per person
🥪 enough food
⛺ If you go for the 2 days in the Gorges de l’Ardèche, with a night in a bivouac, the list is a little longer. You’ll need to bring your camping gear, toiletries, meals and a change of clothes.
How do I get organised?
You’ll find plenty of canoe hire in Vallon-Pont-d’Arc, Saint-Martin-d’Ardèche and the villages around the Gorges de l’Ardèche.
In high season, it is advisable to book your canoe trip a few days in advance. You can contact the canoe hire company of your choice directly by phone or e-mail, or drop in and see them for yourself.
What does a canoe hire company offer?
🛶 Canoe hire companies provide you with the equipment you need for your trip.
🧘♀️ They will also give you instructions on how to steer your boat, landmarks along the way, and tips on how to manage your time and get the most out of the river without any stress.
🚌 Finally, they provide bus transport to and from your parking spot.
If you choose the 2-day option in the Gorges de l’Ardèche, be sure to book your night’s bivouac in advance. We tell you all about it here.
Can I be accompanied?
If you’re a little worried about embarking on this adventure alone, OR if you have children under the age of 7 who can swim, qualified guides can accompany you. They’ll look after you and tell you all about the Gorges de l’Ardèche 🫶
Price of a canoe trip
To give you an idea of the price of hiring a canoe on the Ardèche, here are the approximative prices:
✅ The Ardèche Gorges in 1 day: from €35 per adult
✅ The Ardèche Gorges in 2 days: from €60 per adult
✅ Under the Pont d’Arc: from €25 per adult
✅ Between Vogüé and Vallon-Pont-d’Arc: between €25 and €40 per adult
✅ Between Saint-Martin-d’Ardèche and Saint-Just-d’Ardèche: from €25 per adult
A few more tips for your canoe trip
🌄 Favour early morning runs to avoid the heat and enjoy the calm on the water
🌿 Respect the environment and leave no trace of your passage
🤫 Be discreet, and keep noise to a minimum, out of respect for nature’s inhabitants, and other river users
🥪 For your meals, avoid disposable plastic packaging as much as possible. Instead, make a rice or pasta salad, and choose fruit for dessert rather than pot yoghurt. Remember to keep your food in a cool bag.
Take all your rubbish home
👕 Prefer anti-uv clothing to sun cream, as fish don’t digest it well 😉
To find out how often your canoe is used, and choose your route accordingly, consult Canoë Malin!
“Canoë malin” is an assistant to help you make the most of your trip down the Gorges de l’Ardèche. Thanks to our webcam and the forecast conditions, you can choose the best route and the best time to navigate the Ardèche according to your wishes.
Consult Canoë Malin (in french)