Gorges Nature Reserve Canoe Trip (24 km): Wild River Immersion

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

Embark on a timeless day out in the heart of a Natura 2000 protected area. This 24 km route is a true wilderness immersion where the road ends—between limestone cliffs and oak forests, discover the Ardèche River in its purest and most spectacular form.

Why Choose the Nature Reserve Canyon Trip?

  • An Inaccessible Sanctuary: Step into a protected wilderness accessible only by river. No roads, no villages—just the sound of rushing water and the silence of the canyon.

  • Stone Giants: Paddle past iconic landmarks like the majestic Cirque de la Madeleine or the Cathedral Needle (Aiguille de la Cathédrale), a monumental rock formation towering over the river.

  • Exceptional Wildlife: Keep your eyes on the skies! You might catch a glimpse of the rare Bonelli's Eagle or other protected birds of prey nesting in the cliffside caves.

  • Sport &Thrills: With around 5 hours of paddling time, this trip offers a rewarding physical challenge. Famous rapids like Dent Noire and Trois Eaux spice up your descent with excitement and splashes.

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 40€ 42€
Child with normal seat*
from 7 to 12 years old
30€ 30€
Child passenger**
from 7 to 12 ans
25€ 25€
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)
  • An 8:30 AM start is essential to enjoy the morning light and leave plenty of time for swimming stops along the way.

Return to Sampzon After Your Trip

Disembarkation at Sauze, in Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche. Our team will meet you, load your gear, and guide you to the return shuttle.

Return Times

  • 4:30 PM: Our shuttle picks you up at Sauze. Just set down your paddles—we take care of loading the boats! Please allow 1 hour for the bus ride back to Sampzon.
💡 CAP 07 Tip: For this full-day paddle, don't forget to pack a picnic lunch and plenty of water. Nature reigns supreme inside the reserve—there are no shops or food stands along the river! High-back comfort canoes are included in the price so you can enjoy every minute of your 5 hours of paddling.

Need More Information?

Find all the details on our Practical Info page:

  • Equipment provided

  • Practical tips

  • Safety rules
How to prepare for your trip
Gorge Nature reserve - 24km
À partir de 40€
Difficulty :
Departure :
Return :
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Group rates are available when booking online (more than 20 adults, please contact us).
+(33)6 23 72 22 67 Book