The Ardèche descent by canoe
Discover the Ardèche Gorges with Castor-Canoë and start your journey in Vallon-Pont-d'Arc, southern Ardèche !
Canoe hire in Vallon-Pont-d’Arc
Canoe and kayak rental agency in Vallon-Pont-d'Arc, southern Ardèche – Castor Canoë offers an experienced team and a warm welcome!
Pont d'Arc passage
You will be passing under the arch hollowed out by the Ardèche river and will be able to moor on a beach and have a swim while enjoying the sun.
Leave any moment
Between 8 AM and 3 PM you can come whenever you want for this easy short descent… Have a place in the sun!
Return any moment
You can decide yourself when you want to return.
For families
A relaxing canoe trip; ideal if you want to discover the Pont d’Arc heritage site.
Three natural slides
Attractive and amusing aquatic passage starting with a series of canoe slides between Sampzon and Vallon-Pont-d’Arc!
Pont d'Arc passage
After the 3 narrower parts of the descent, you will reach the Pont d’Arc, where you will be able to have a swim and enjoy the sun on the beach.
Four departures per day
At 10 AM (in July/August), 11 AM, 12 PM or 1.30 PM!
Return any moment
You can decide yourself when you want to return.
Splendid landscape
You will pass through one of the most beautiful canyons in France by canoe. You will be humbled by this breathtaking natural scenery offering you an experience to remember.
Possible with families
If you bring your children and wish to visit the Ardèche Gorges by canoe, we advise you to opt for this descent rather than the 30-km (18.64 miles) descent.
Leave in the morning
In order to have enough time to make the most of your boat journey in the nature reserve, you will have to leave between 8 and 9.30 AM.
Transport included
Our shuttle buses will provide transport from the starting point as well as the end point of your canoe descent.
The Pont d’Arc arch
Doing this full challenging canoe journey, you will enter the magnificent Ardèche Gorges heritage site after having passed under the Pont d’Arc.
The nature reserve
The landscape here is astonishing and the cliffs dizzyingly high… From your canoe you will have plenty of time to admire the beauty of the Ardèche Gorges.
Leave in the morning
For this long descent you will have to leave between 8 and 9 AM, which is indispensable if you want to have enough time to take some brakes and have a swim.
Transport included
Several shuttle buses will provide transport towards the starting point and back to our base after you finished the descent.
Pont d'Arc passage
You will be able to drift around and enjoy the view of this magnificent “arch” hollowed out by the Ardèche river!
The nature reserve
Take the time to sit back and observe the flora and fauna of the Ardèche Gorges in all peace. This protected nature reserve offers a magnificent landscape with a rich biodiversity.
Spend the night camping
An adventurous night between the Ardèche Gorges, where you will be able to hear and, if you’re lucky, observe several animals. You will experience togetherness around the large barbecues.
Possible with families
The ideal solution if you want to cross the gorges with your children. Thanks to the camping stop you won’t have to worry about a time-limit.
Ideal for families
For this evening trip, children between 5 and 7 years knowing how to swim will be able to enjoy their first experience on the Ardèche river in safety and security!
Tranquillity in high summer
Take your time and leave at 5.30 PM, allowing you to enjoy tranquillity on the river.
The Pont d'Arc
You will be able to take a break and have an aperitif next to the Pont d’Arc, where you can have a swim and enjoy togetherness.
Return with shuttle bus
We will provide a special shuttle bus, taking you back together with your guide after having finished this late descent.
Combined descents
Make the most of your holiday combining several descents:
- 7 km (4.35 miles) + 24 km (14.91 miles)
- 12 km (7.46 miles) + 24 km (14.91 miles)
- 36 km (22.37 miles) in 2 days or more
- …
Who are we?
A team of joyful “castors” making sure everything meets with your satisfaction!
Giving priority to quality from beginning to end, we do our utmost to make your canoe adventure in southern Ardèche a successful experience.
Our “TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence”, obtained in the last three consecutive years (2015/2016/2017), proves the professional attitude in our canoe hire base.
We are specialised in canoe and kayak descents of 7 to 50 km (4.35 to 31.07 miles) on the Ardèche river; in one day or with a night of camping between the Ardèche gorges!
Castor-canoë is also...
Numerous additional free services:
- A cup of coffee before leaving, rosé or squash upon arrival.
- Neoprene tracksuit, windcheater, and helmet.
- Shower, toilet, potable water.
- Shady car park, closed garage for motorbikes and bicycles.
- Reception and advice in 4 languages. (French, English, German, Dutch)
- And… the friendliest staff ever!!!!
Our philosophy
Togetherness, joy, happiness all day long!
So now it’s up to you to bring your good mood…
You won’t lose it with us!!!
Bivouac info
As for the Ardèche descent in 2 days, you will have to book your camp night (bivouac) beforehand through ticket purchase (in addition). If you opt for this, please contact the Ardèche Gorges management on +33 4 75 88 00 41, ou sur www.gorgesdelardeche.fr !