The circuits - canoe kayak in Ardeche : Base Nautique du Pont d'Arc

Descents – canoeing in the Ardèche
Pont d’Arc Watersports Centre

Mini descent: 8 km

If you’re a beginner, you only have half a day and you’re looking for a fun activity, we recommend the mini-descent.

The 8 km descent between VALLON PONT D’ARC and CHAMES, gives you a chance to learn the first steps of canoeing, explore the river and try out the sport before descending the Ardèche Gorge over 1 or 2 days.

You should allow for 1 ½ to 2 hours of paddling if you do this descent without stopping. We leave the equipment with you for half a day, which is roughly 3 hours, and this allows you to explore the gorge at your own pace, have a picnic and a swim

The “Charlemagne” rapids and passing under the majestic natural arch of the Pont d’Arc will undoubtedly be the highlights of your route.

Gorge descent over 1, 2 or 3 days and more: 24, 28, 32, 45 km and more

To complete the descent in a day, we advise you to leave as early as possible to get the most out of your day (especially in July and August, when the centre is open from 7am). .

To get a large amount of the descent under your belt before there are too many people - the river becomes crowded with the water levels low at this time of year and the heat intense - it is better to set off either from the Pont d’Arc (28km) at the foot of the arch or from Châmes (24km) at the entrance to the Ardèche Gorge Nature Reserve.

You should allow 5 to 8 hours to complete the 24, 28 or 32km Gorge descents, depending on the water level.

The 2-day descent (32km) including a nature bivouac in the Gorge is obviously the best choice for a real adventure.

Guideweb Ardeche @Atek