Mini Pont d'Arc Canoe Trip (5 km) — Ideal for Families

Safety First: Suitable for Children Aged 7 and Up Who Can Swim

Embark as a family on a 5 km mini-descent starting from Vallon-Pont-d'Arc. Perfect for beginners, this route offers calm stretches of water, exciting rapids—including the famous Charlemagne Rapid—and an unforgettable passage under the Pont d'Arc. Take a swimming break on the natural beach and enjoy the unspoiled nature. Ideal for a stress-free introduction to canoeing, this trip lets you enjoy a fun half-day on the water in an exceptional natural setting.

Did you know? For this route, we provide shuttle transfer from our base in Sampzon to the launch point in Vallon-Pont-d'Arc. Enjoy our free private parking while we take care of the transport!

For an even more magical experience, choose the first departure in the morning.

Key Highlights of Your Mini Canoe Descent

  • Passing under the Pont d'Arc: The absolute highlight of the trip! This is the shortest route to admire the iconic natural arch directly from the river.

  • The Charlemagne Rapid: A splash of adrenaline suitable for everyone. It’s the most famous rapid on the Ardèche River—thrills and splashes guaranteed!

  • Beach &Swimming: No time limits. Enjoy the large beach right by the Pont d'Arc for a swim or a picnic with your feet in the water.

Carte descente de l'ardeche canoe kayak
Carte descente de l'ardeche canoe kayak
Carte descente de l'ardeche canoe kayak - responsive
Carte descente de l'ardeche canoe kayak - responsive
1 : Balazuc
2 : Ruoms
3 : Sampzon
4 : Salavas
5 : Vallon Pont d'Arc
6 : Châmes
7 : St Martin d'Ardèche
R1 : Charlemagne
R2 : La dent noire
R3 : La toupine de gournier
R4 : La pastière
B1 : Bivouac Gaud
B2 : Bivouac Gournier

Ardèche Gorges National Nature Reserve

Rates Online On site
Adult
from 1 to 9 persons
28€ 30€
Adult
from10 to 19 persons 
25€ 28€
Child normal seat*
from 7 to 12 ans
21€ 21€
Child passenger**
from 7 to 12 ans
20€ 20€

Rental prices are per person and include equipment rental as well as shuttle transport.
* Child seated in the 2nd position of a canoe with an adult
** Child seated in the 3rd (middle) position of a canoe, without a paddle

Departure point for your canoe trip

Meeting Point
CAP 07 Water Sports Center, 1 chemin de la digue, Sampzon (Ardèche).
Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled departure and feel free to use our free private parking.

Shuttle Departures (Transfer Included)
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Your adventure starts at our base in Sampzon. We take you by shuttle to the launch point in Vallon.
Note: Please arrive 20 minutes before your shuttle departure for equipping and the safety briefing.

Return to Sampzon After Your Trip

Châmes landing point, just past the Pont d’Arc.
Our team will meet you, load your equipment, and guide you to your return shuttle.

Return Times

  • First return shuttle at 12:30 PM (upon request).
  • Then return shuttles from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, running every 40 to 60 minutes.

Need More Information?

Find all the details on our Practical Info page:

  • Equipment provided

  • Practical tips

  • Safety rules
How to prepare for your trip
Mini Pont D'Arc - 5km
À partir de 20€
1h paddling
Difficulty :
Departure : 10h - 11h - 13h30 - 15h
Return : at 12:30 PM, then every 40 minutes from 2 PM to 5 PM
For families
Passage of the Pont d'Arc
Réserver
Réserver Groupe
Group rates are available when booking online (more than 20 adults, please contact us).
+(33)6 23 72 22 67 Book