The Canyon from Vallon Pont d'Arc to Sauze
"Legendary descent across all the Ardeche canyon"
It's a sportive day, a day of canoe-kayak aventure, unforgettable day. You should leave early (from 8 a.m. until 9H30 a.m.) in order to have enough of time to pass thought The Pont d'Arc and to cross all the Ardeche Canyon. This is a descent to do with your friends, collegues. But this is a good choice for a romantic trip too. it seems to be not so good for the children as they should stay sitting in the kayak for a long time.
Practical information
Distance : 30 Km
Time to paddle : about 7h.
Recommended time : 7h30 - 8h00.
Difficulty : 7 rapids classe III et about 25 rapids classe II.
Start: Vallon Pont d'Arc.
Finish: Sauze.
Departure time: This is a
long and sportive descent, you should start early, about 9 am.
Points of interest
This legendary descent celebrated Ardeche. When we are talking about "descent of Ardeche", traditionelly we are talking about this one.
You pass through Pont d'Arc and than you cross all the Canyon.
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.
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. In the spring and in the autumn take some warm clothers.
Provide sufficient quantity of drinking water and food (there is no shop in the canyon).
To enjoy your descent
Keep a regular speed. Try to be in the middle of your way (near the campsite Gournier) about noon in order to have enough of time to finish the descent in the afternoon without running.
When you see the Cathedral Rock (see the picture), you are in 2h30 of paddling from the finish point.
Each boat should be autonome and to have enough of water and food. It happens very often that the group is separated during the descend. If it happens, you are going to meet your friends again in Sauze only.
This is a quite sportive descent and we don't advise it to young children. They may find it "too long".