Descent from Vallon Pont d'Arc to Sauze, two days
"Two day of immersion in the natural world"
Two days to immerse yourself in nature. Take your time, enjoy the rivers and the riversides, take a long pause for your picnics. "To do the Ardeche Canyon in two days" is a exceptional and rare possibility to find youself in a grandious landscape. But be careful and forget nothing! An anventure is waiting for you, don't hesitate.
Practical information
Distance : 30 Km
Time to paddle : about 7h.
Difficulty : 7 rapids classe III et about 25 rapids classe II.
Start : Vallon Pont d'Arc.
Finish: Sauze.
Departure time: if you want to take your time during a descent, start in the morning (between 10 a.m. and 12 a.m.).
Points of interest
Two days are a perfect choice if you want to enjoy the Ardeche Canyon. And you are going to spend a night in a heart of the Natural Reserve "Les Gorges de l'Ardèche".
The regulatory imperatives
Each participant must know how to swim; each participant must wear a lifejackets at all times.
Children ( under 18 y.o.) can not participate alone, they must be accompanied by an responsible adult.
Prohibition of rental with childen under 7 y.o. Interdiction de la location avec des enfants de moins de sept ans.
Alcool is prohibbiten in the Natural Reserve.
You must book your place in the campsite (bivouac) in advance by SGGA (see below).
Warning : Canoe Kayak rent is prohibited if the water level is too high.
In case of prohibition of rent due to a water lever too iportant, you will be (accroding to your choice) either refunded or postponed to a date that suits you.
Don't forget
Take shoes that are good for you feet and protect them, such as sneakers or water shoes (no flip-flops).
Wear an adequate and adapted to the weather clothers: cap, windbreaker, T-short, long shorts that effectiverly protects the thighs from sunburn. Take some warm clothers for the evening in a campsite and don't forget a sleeping bag.
Provide sufficient quantity of drinking water (you can find drinking water in campsite only) and food for two days.
Informations about
bivouacs
You must stay for a night at one of two campsites (bivoaucs): Gaud ou Gournier.
You must to book it in advance. The booking number must be stated in your rental contract before you start a descent.
Information et reservation :
Internet www.gorgesdelardeche.fr
Phone : 04 75 88 00 41
E-mail : reservation@gorgesdelardeche.fr
Price is between 5€ and 12€ if you have your own tent or if you don't need one. If you book a place in a common tent (up to 20 persons), it will costs you between 10€ and 14€. It depends on the age and the dates.
There are showers, trash cans, the common barbeque in each campsite.
There is no shop and you must bring with you some food for two days.
To enjoy your descent
When you see the Cathedral Rock (see the picture), you are in 2h30 of paddling from the finish point.
Start in the morning. We advise to choose the campsite Gaud (the first one). There are less people in this campsite usually. And you have enough of time to continue your way in the second day.