This is the best way to explore and enjoy the Ardèche Gorges Nature Reserve.
The river winds through diverse vegetation, ancient limestone cliffs, and rich wildlife.

🕐 Departures run between 8:00 am and 2:30 pm, but we highly recommend starting early to make the most of your day.

⚠️ Bivouac tickets are mandatory (see link below). Wild camping is strictly forbidden and subject to heavy fines!

Bivouac reservations:

• Gaud bivouac (Saturdays in June, and from July 1 to August 31)

• Gournier bivouac (open from April to September)

📞 Book your bivouac at: +33 (0)4 75 88 00 41

Please book your spots early, as capacity is limited.
Tickets must be obtained before finalizing your booking with us.

🗓️ Step-by-Step – Your 2-Day Adventure

☕ Upon arrival at the Castor Canoë base in Vallon-Pont-d’Arc, start your day with a complimentary coffee.

🧳 Each person receives a 55 L waterproof barrel.
Take the time to organize your belongings properly and label your gear clearly to avoid rummaging for two days (and risking poor closure = water inside!).
Tents and sleeping pads are usually packed in trash bags and tied to the top of the barrels.

📱 You’ll also receive a small waterproof container (your “handbag”) for valuables like phones, keys, and wallet, stored inside the large barrel for double protection.

📋 Once you’re ready, a team member will explain the route using maps and photos, including advice for passing rapids like:

• La Dent Noire

• La Toupine du Gournier

• La Pastière

These rapids will also help you estimate your remaining time to the arrival.
We’ll finish with some basic paddling instructions and key safety rules.

🦺 A buoyancy aid adapted to your weight will be provided.

🏕️ At the Bivouac Camp

Upon arrival at your chosen bivouac site, a park ranger will note your presence.
⚠️ Be sure to pull your canoe well out of the water in case the river rises overnight.
Take your paddles, barrels, and life jackets with you to prevent others from using them.

Now it’s up to you to choose your spot and settle in!

Facilities available at both bivouacs:

• Trash bins with recycling

• Potable water

• Cool showers

• Toilets

• Large shared BBQs with charcoal provided (starting in the evening)

🌱 Please respect this fragile environment:

• Don’t leave waste

• Keep noise levels low

• Avoid picking plants

• 🚫 Alcohol is strictly forbidden in the reserve (since 2012), and subject to confiscation and fines

🐾 Feel free to talk with the nature rangers – they are passionate and happy to share information.

🎒 Optional Activities & Nature Discovery

At Gaud and Gournier bivouacs, free activities are offered in summer (July–August):

• Slide shows, films, and nature presentations (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays)

• A dedicated group area is available for outings led by certified “Gorges Nature Guides”

At Gaud:

• A self-guided nature trail (approx. 45 min)

At Gournier:

• The Dolmen du Chanet trail (family-friendly)

• Or the downstream Gorges trail (sportier)

👉 For private groups, it’s possible to book a 20-person tent (marabout) for the night.

🏁 End of Your Journey

We ask that you arrive between 4:00 and 5:00 pm at the Sauze landing point.
🙏 Please be respectful of this schedule.

At the landing, a Castor Canoë team member will collect your gear and explain the return process.

🚌 Multiple return shuttles are available, but each vehicle departs only once minimum capacity is reached.
We do everything to minimize your wait, but if there’s a delay, we’ll direct you to a shady guinguette (snack bar) nearby where you can relax and grab a drink.

🚐 After about 45 minutes, you’ll return to Castor Canoë in Vallon-Pont-d’Arc, where we’ll welcome you back with a refreshing drink (rosé, syrup, etc.) and share some final thoughts on your two-day journey!

✅ What to Bring

👟 Dry shoes
🧦 Socks
👖 Pants
🧥 Fleece or jumper
👕 T-shirt

🍽️ Meal Ideas

Day 1 lunch: sandwich
Evening BBQ: pre-frozen meat (to stay fresh longer), pre-cooked potatoes wrapped in foil – perfect for the campsite grills
Day 2 breakfast: brioche, milk bread, fruit
Day 2 lunch: rice salad or tabbouleh (avoid tuna and eggs in the heat)