Hey adventurers! This 30 km full descent is made for you!
(Unless the water level is too high after heavy rain!)

🕐 About 1 hour after your departure from Vallon-Pont-d’Arc, you’ll paddle under the iconic Pont d’Arc before entering the protected Nature Reserve for the remaining 24 km.

If you’re lucky, you may spot some of the protected species that live in the Gorges de l’Ardèche, such as the Bonelli’s eagle, Egyptian vulture, Peregrine falcon, or even the European beaver (although it tends to come out at night…).

Expect about 6.5 hours of paddling (not counting breaks) to reach the Sauze landing point in Saint-Martin-d’Ardèche, where we’ll be waiting for you.

On the way, you’ll have time to fully admire the beauty of the gorge and navigate some thrilling rapids like:
Le Charlemagne, La Dent Noire, La Toupine du Gournier, and La Pastière.

🚸 If you’re paddling with children, we highly recommend choosing the 24 km Nature Reserve route instead – it’s much less demanding.

🕗 Departures for the 30 km full descent are between 8:00 and 8:30 am.
Of course, the earlier you leave, the more time you’ll have to swim, rest, and enjoy the scenery!

🗓️ Step-by-Step – Your Day with Castor Canoë

☀️ To start your adventure off right, we’ll welcome you with a morning coffee at the Castor Canoë base in Vallon-Pont-d’Arc.

🥪 Important: Make sure to bring a picnic and plenty of water – there are no shops, bars, or restaurants in the Gorges… Just wild, untouched nature!

📱 For peace of mind, we’ll provide you with a small waterproof container for your phone, keys, and camera, which fits inside a larger 55 L waterproof barrel for double protection.

🗺️ Before heading out, we’ll explain the route using maps and photos.
For example: once you pass the “Cathedral” rock formation, you’ll have about 2 hours of paddling left, including a long straight stretch before the finish.

🚣‍♂️ We’ll also give you tips for handling your canoe or kayak, and go over all the important safety points, including your mandatory buoyancy aid, which we provide and adjust to your size.

⚠️ Reminder: there is no road access inside the Gorges Nature Reserve.
Make sure to pace your effort based on your physical abilities and that of your group.

💧 If needed, you can refill your water bottles at one of the authorized bivouac areas: Gaud or Gournier.

🚩 Arrival & Return

We ask that you arrive at the Sauze landing area between 4:00 and 5:00 pm.
🙏 Please respect this schedule for everyone’s comfort.

At the arrival point, a Castor Canoë team member will collect your vest, paddle, and canoe/kayak, and explain how the return shuttle works.

🚌 Several shuttles are available, but each van leaves once it reaches minimum capacity. We do our best to keep your waiting time short.
If there’s a bit of a wait, we’ll point you to a shady guinguette (snack bar) nearby where you can relax and grab a cool drink — perfect after a day under the sun!

🚐 The ride back to Vallon-Pont-d’Arc takes about 45 minutes, and when you arrive, you’ll be greeted with a refreshing drink (rosé, syrup, etc.) to end the day on a relaxed, friendly note.