Where to Go Canoeing in Ardèche (And Where to Rent a Canoe)

Famous for its gorges and rapids, Ardèche is the ultimate region for canoeing. But how can you decide between the dozens of canoeing establishments scattered throughout the region?

To guide you in your choice, here is a list of the best places to rent canoes and go canoeing in Ardèche.

 

 

Canoeing on the Ardèche River

Vallon-Pont-d’Arc and Salavas area

Vallon-Pont-d’Arc and Salavas are two villages that face each other from opposite banks of the Ardèche River.

This is the most popular area to rent canoes because it is located at the entrance to the Ardèche Gorges Nature Reserve.

This is where you will find the largest number of canoe and kayak rental companies.

 

Alpha Bateaux

Distance: 6 to 60 km

Duration: ½ day to 3 days, depending on the route

Level: Easy to sporty (open to anyone who is at least 7 years old)

Located in Vallon-Pont-d’Arc, Alpha Bateaux offers long canoeing trips that last at least half a day and can last as long as several days.

In the middle of the most popular area for canoeing in Ardèche, come discover the Escapade (36 km), the Sportive (30 km), or the Mini-Descente (6 km).

You can admire the magnificent landscapes in the Ardèche Gorges Nature Reserve to the rhythm of your paddle strokes on courses that are accessible to all levels.

👍 We like: the large selection of long itineraries (30, 36, and 60 km).

👉 Rent with: Alpha Bateaux (booking information)

• Address: 421 Rte des Gorges, 07150 Vallon-Pont-d’Arc
• Price: from €24 to €114, depending on the itinerary

 

Aventure Canoës

Distance: 8 to 32 km

Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 days

Level: Easy, medium, or sporty

For its longer itineraries, Aventure Canoës offers trips from Sampzon to Sauze.

But don’t worry if you are a beginner – the instructions are clear and precise and there are shorter itineraries available as well. You will be able to enjoy your adventure in the river’s rapids in complete safety.

For an exceptional weekend getaway, we suggest doing the 32 km itinerary over 2 days. It includes stopping for a bivouac in the heart of the Ardèche wilderness.

Please note that this route can also be done in a single day by the more athletic.

👍 We like: the free shuttles that take you to the starting point of your route.

👉 Rent with: Aventure Canoës (booking information, site in French)

• Address: La Bouchette, 07150 Salavas
• Price: from €21 (1 hour and 30 minutes) to €52 (2-day bivouac)

 

Other establishments with similar offers and itineraries in the area:

• Aigue Vive (booking information)

1. 1. Address: Rte des Gorges, 07150 Vallon-Pont-d’Arc
   2. Price: starting at €24 for ½ day or €58 for 2 days

• L’Arche de Noé (booking information, site in French)

1. 1. Address: Rte des Gorges, 07150 Vallon-Pont-d’Arc
   2. Price: starting at €24 for 6 km or €62 for 2 days

• Alain Bateaux (booking information, site in French)

1. 1. Address: 70 Bd Peschaire Alizon, 07150 Vallon-Pont-d’Arc
   2. Price: starting at €22 for 1 hour and 30 minutes or €56 for 2 days

 

Sampzon area

Cap 07 Location Canoë – Kayak

Distance: 5 to 54 km

Duration: ½ day to 3 days, depending on the itinerary

Level: Family, all levels

On a Cap 07 excursion, you can discover the Ardèche in a new light. You will encounter slides, rapids, the Pont d’Arc, the perched village of Balazuc, and even get to take a swimming break on the beach of the Cirque du Gens.

If you are looking for tranquility and nature, you can also spend three days in the middle of the Gorges Nature Reserve to enjoy total isolation and breathtaking scenery.

👍 We like: itineraries that are off the beaten track and in less frequented places.

👉 Rent with: Cap 07 Location Canoë – Kayak (booking information, site in French)

• Address: Base de Sampzon, 1 Chemin de la digue, 07120 Sampzon
• Price: from €25 to €73
• A few itineraries: 8 km / 13 km

 

Ruom area

Argonautes Evasion Canoë

Distance: 6 to 62 km

Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes to 3 days, depending on the itinerary

Level: All levels

Upstream on the Ardèche is the village of Ruoms. This section of the river is ideal for avoiding the crowds at the Pont d’Arc.

Argonautes Evasion offers itineraries from Vogüé (upstream of Ruoms) to Sauze (at the southeastern end of the Ardèche Gorges Nature Reserve).

You can stop to bivouac in designated areas or picnic while you enjoy the incredible views of the canyon.

👍 We like: the large selection of routes of various distances (6, 14, 19, and 60 km).

👉 Rent with: Argonautes Evasion Canoë (booking information, site in French)

• Address: 7 All. du Stade 5 et, 07120 Ruoms
• Price: starting at €24 per person for 1 hour and 30 minutes or €34 for 19 km

 

Vogüé area

Easy River

Distance: 6 to 18 km

Duration: ½ day or full day

Level: Family, easy, sometimes sporty

In Vogüé, you can enjoy a lesser known section of the Ardèche and discover exceptional nature without being disturbed by the crowds.

Easy River offers several itineraries of up to 18 kilometers that can be done over a day. They also have very attractive rates.

Along the way, you will find beautiful shady spots to leave your canoes while you swim, and you can even take breaks in the villages on the banks.

👍 We like: most itineraries are certified to be 100% family friendly, so everyone can enjoy them.

👉 Rent with: Easy River Canoe Kayak (booking information, site in French)

• Address: 20 Chemin de l’Estrade, 07200 Saint-Maurice-d’Ardèche
• Price: from €16 to €31, depending on the itinerary

 

 

Canoeing on the Chassezac River

Canoë Les Vans

Distance: 10 km

Duration: 3 hours

Level: Easy

The Ardèche is not the only river in the region worth a visit. The Chassezac also has its share of canoe rental companies and beautiful scenery.

For an experience off the beaten track, Canoë Les Vans offers a 10 km descent on the Chassezac from Chambonas to Casteljau.

The itinerary does include some rapids. You will also travel along the Païolive Wood and the cliffs of the Casteljau Peninsula.

Of course, you will also have opportunities to picnic and swim.

👍 We like: the tranquility of the river, far from the rush of the Ardèche.

👉 Rent with: Canoë Les Vans (booking information, site in French)

• Address: Vompdes, 07140 Les Vans
• Price: starting at €25 per person