Kayaking the Ardèche River in France

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The Lowdown
Situated between Lyon and Nîmes in southern France, the winding gorges of the Ardèche are at once spectacular and accessible for adventure junkies of all ages and abilities. A two-day kayaking trip makes a cheap, fun-packed mini-break suitable for the whole family and starts from less than 40 Euros including canoe hire, transportation to and from the start and finish, and a night's open-air camping. The season starts in spring, but by far the best time of year for this experience is during the hot, sunny, summer months, when a wetsuit is certainly not needed! For the most popular descent, head to the small town of Vallon Pont d'Arc either by private car or bus via Montelimar where there is a decent sized railway station.

Off and Away
In Vallon you rent your kayaks (single and two-man available), stuff all your personal belongings in a plastic barrel which gets strapped to the boat, and head off in a minibus to the start point. Once you've pulled your boat into the water, there's no turning back.

The Descent
After passing below the 'Pont d'Arc' (supposedly Europe's largest natural limestone bridge), the shallow river meanders its way through magnificent rocky cliffs and gorges of outstanding natural beauty and sometimes vertiginous proportions. You're definitely going to want your camera to hand here!

With the occasional set of mild rapids where the water just about breaks a foam, there is nothing to bother the less adventurous members of the family who can easily get out and drag their boats around rocky passes. They can then content themselves with a lazy passage downstream punctuated by dips in the clear river waters and naps on the pebble shores.


For kids and adrenaline enthusiasts there are plenty of opportunities to be had to get more involved with the white water, but nothing demanding enough to worry parents.

The journey is best enjoyed at a laid-back pace (required in summer, when the river traffic makes progress leisurely to say the least), taking time for rock-diving, swimming, picnicking and sleepy sunbathing. About 3-4 hours paddling gets you to the campsite at the halfway point.

A Night Under the Stars
A highlight of the trip is the chance to spend a balmy night in the forest. Either pack a tent, take advantage of the communal bivouacs, or go natural and sleep on the grass. If you go for the latter option, watch for wild boar who might disturb your beauty sleep! Buy plenty of food at the supermarkets in Vallon before setting off and use the camp's barbecues (charcoal provided free) for cooking.
The Home Straight
In the morning, it's another couple of hours easy paddle to the pickup point where a minibus will ferry you and your vessel back to Vallon.
Resources to Help You Plan Your Trip

Aventure Canoës (French)
Experience Ardeche

Written by: Jon
www.agovitatravel.com