Canoeing in Ardèche: complete guide to the Gorges descent 2026

Some activities you do once and talk about for a lifetime. Descending the Ardèche Gorges by canoe is one of them. Thirty kilometres of limestone cliffs plunging into turquoise water, the natural arch of the Pont d’Arc as a gateway, secret beaches at the foot of the rock faces, and the rare sensation of being at the heart of a National Nature Reserve protecting one of Europe’s most beautiful canyons. From Mas Saint Antoine in Bourg-Saint-Andéol, Vallon-Pont-d’Arc is just 20 minutes by car — the descent is literally at your doorstep.

This guide answers all the practical questions: which route to choose by age and level, what it costs, how to book, and what to bring.

The routes: which one to choose?

The mini-descent (7-12 km) — Half day, beginners and families

The perfect format for a first experience or families with young children. Set off from Vallon-Pont-d’Arc or Sampzon, pass under the Pont d’Arc, and arrive at Salavas or Chames after 1.5 to 3 hours on the water.
Who for: families with children from age 7, complete beginners.
2026 prices: around €19-32 per adult, €19-20 per child passenger (ages 7-12, seated in the centre), all inclusive.

The full descent (24 km) — Full day, the classic

THE iconic descent. Depart from Vallon-Pont-d’Arc, arrive at Sauze after 6-8 hours on the water. You cross the entire National Nature Reserve, pass every viewpoint, moderate rapids, gorges and gravel beaches.
Who for: families with children aged 10-12+, groups of friends, reasonably fit adults.
2026 prices: around €35-50 per adult, all inclusive.

2-day bivouac — The full adventure

Day 1: around 20 km to the Gaud or Gournier bivouac sites, deep in the gorges. Night under the Ardèche stars. Day 2: the remaining 10-12 km to Saint-Martin-d’Ardèche.
Note: bivouac places are very limited and sell out quickly in July-August — book the bivouac ticket well in advance through your canoe operator.
2026 prices: around €50-70 per person, all inclusive.

2026 prices at a glance

Booking online typically saves 10-20% versus walk-up rates. ANCV holiday vouchers accepted by most operators.

Age requirements and conditions

• Minimum age: 7 years old (child must be able to swim)
• Swimming requirement: 25 metres minimum, and ability to submerge head
• Under-18s: must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
• Abandoning mid-route: €15 per boat charged — only the Reserve manager can retrieve boats to the road

Nature Reserve rules

• ✅ Life jacket mandatory throughout navigation
• ✅ Closed-toe shoes mandatory
• ✅ Swimming freely allowed everywhere in the river
• ❌ Bivouac only at official Gaud and Gournier sites (advance booking required)
• ❌ No fires anywhere in the reserve
• ❌ All waste must be carried to collection points — zero tolerance
• ❌ No collecting rocks, fossils or plants
• ❌ No cave access from the water (protected bat colonies)

What to bring

• Closed-toe shoes that can get wet (old trainers work perfectly)
• Swimwear and light shorts
• Biodegradable sunscreen — you’ll be exposed on the water all day
• Food and water in the waterproof container provided
• Sunglasses and hat, secured
• Phone in a waterproof bag (or leave it in the container)

When to go?

September (recommended): water still warm (18-20°C), far fewer crowds, spectacular autumn light on the cliffs. Our top pick for guests staying at the Mas in the off-season.

July-August: warmest water (22-24°C), full summer atmosphere — but book at least a week ahead and depart early to beat the crowds.

May-June: lush green gorges, cool water, very few people.

From Mas Saint Antoine: the perfect canoe day

A suggested itinerary for guests at the Mas: 7:30 am breakfast, 8:15 am depart for Vallon-Pont-d’Arc (20 min), 9 am on the water, 5 pm shuttle back, 6 pm return to the Mas for a swim in the saltwater pool and an aperitif on the terrace overlooking the Drôme hills. Bernard’s tip: mid-week departures are noticeably quieter than weekends on the river.

Your base for the Ardèche canoe descent

20 minutes from Vallon-Pont-d’Arc, Mas Saint Antoine: 6 air-conditioned gîtes, 13×6 m saltwater pool — the most well-earned end-of-canoe swim in Ardèche.

Check availability

Any questions? Call Hélène on +33 6 29 11 41 88

Article written by Bernard Favre, owner of Mas Saint Antoine.