ARDECHE CANYON 

Our Family Adventure in the Ardèche Gorges: A 32-Kilometer Canoe Descent

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Join us as we recount our thrilling 32-kilometer canoe descent through the breathtaking Ardèche Gorges, a family adventure that unfolded over two days. We set off from Vallon-Pont-d'Arc around 2 PM, eager to embark on our journey.

As we began paddling down the river, we encountered a bustling crowd. Many afternoon canoeists choose an 8-kilometer stretch, making the initial rapids quite busy. However, once past the iconic Vallon-Pont-d'Arc, the crowds thinned out as most paddlers disembarked. This marked the beginning of our true adventure.

From here to the Gournier bivouac, we found ourselves virtually alone, surrounded by majestic cliffs towering 300 meters high. The scenery was nothing short of spectacular, leaving us in awe at every turn. While some rapids presented challenges and required a bit of effort to paddle through, they were manageable and added to the excitement of our journey.

We arrived at the Gournier bivouac around 7 PM, taking time to haul our canoes ashore and set up camp. The bivouac site was wild and protected, so remember to bring trash bags to preserve its pristine condition. That night, we were treated to the most stunning starry sky I have ever seen.

The next day, we resumed our journey, covering another 15 kilometers. Along the way, we took breaks at superb swimming spots, making the most of the serene environment. Our adventure concluded as we reached Sauze.

I highly recommend this two-day trip for families. The experience is truly delightful, and you might even spot vultures and eagles soaring above. Don’t forget to reserve your bivouac spot in advance online to ensure a smooth and memorable adventure.