🛶 Canoe-Kayak Rental in Ardèche

• 🧑‍✈️ Choose your descent
• 🏞️ Rental spots (north to south)
• ⛺ Gorges bivouacs: Gaud & Gournier
• 💶 Prices & what’s included
• 🎒 Packing checklist
• 🎥 Descent video

Want to rent a canoe or kayak in Ardèche?

Welcome to one of Europe's greatest playgrounds: limestone cliffs, clear water, pebble beaches and courses for everyone.

Choose your format – family outing, half-day route (8–15 km), 24 km day (Châmes → Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche) or full 30–32 km (Vallon → Saint-Martin) – and compare the rental points: Vallon-Pont-d'Arc, Salavas/Sampzon, Ruoms, Chauzon, Balazuc, Vogüé, Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche, not forgetting Chassezac, Beaume and Eyrieux.
Online booking 💻, equipment provided 🎒 (life jacket, paddles, waterproof container) and return shuttle 🚌: everything is ready, all you have to do is paddle!

Alquiler de canoas y kayaks en Saint-d'Ardèche

🎯 Choose your descent

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families & beginners – calm water, swim breaks

Distances: 3–8 km • Time: 1h30–3h (not including breaks)

Recommended spots: Vogüé, Balazuc, Chauzon, out-and-back from Saint-Martin (Sauze beach)

We love: easy coves, very gentle riffles, open landscapes

Tip: start early morning for the light and the quiet ☀️

⏱️ Half-day discovery – the “fun” format

Distances: 8–15 km • Time: 2h30–4h

Recommended spots: Salavas/Sampzon, Chauzon, Balazuc

We love: an easy rhythm of paddling / swims / picnic

Tip: plan 1–1.5 L of water per person and a savory snack 💧🥪

🏞️ 24 km day trip – big scenery

Route: Châmes → Saint-Martin-d’Ardèche • Time: 5–6 h paddling

Who it’s for: reasonably fit, keen to paddle longer

We love: iconic sections, wild beaches, classic Gorges vibe

Tip: morning start, sunscreen, and regular breaks 🧴

🌄 Full 30–32 km – the must-do

Route: Vallon-Pont-d’Arc → Saint-Martin-d’Ardèche • Time: 6–7 h

Who it’s for: motivated athletes or seasoned paddlers

We love: the Pont d’Arc, the meanders, the feeling of reaching “the end of the Gorges”

Option: split over 2 days with Gaud bivouac (late start) or Gournier (50/50) ⛺

📷 Nature & photography – wild vibe

Distances: 7–15 km • Time: 2h30–4h

Recommended spots: Chauzon, Chassezac (Les Vans/Casteljau)

We love: sculpted rocks, cliffs, clear water, viewpoints

🍼 With kids – comfort & simplicity

Distances: 3–8 km • Time: 1h30–3h

Recommended spots: Vogüé, Balazuc, out-and-back Saint-Martin

Bring: UV shirt, cap, cool water, waterproof barrel ready for small items 🌊

🏞️ Best rental spots (north to south)

Vallon-Pont-d’Arc — The legendary start beneath the Pont d’Arc
Why we love it: glide under the most famous arch 🌉, string together panoramas, beaches and playful riffles.
Rental & booking: kayak rental Vallon-Pont-d’Arc, morning departures, online booking recommended.

To do:

🔹 Half-day 8–12 km (discovery)
🔹 24 km day trip (start Châmes → finish Saint-Martin)
🔹 Full 30–32 km (Vallon → Saint-Martin)
Practical: nearby parking, gear provided, return shuttle.

Salavas / Sampzon — Gentle warm-up
Vibe: calmer upstream sections 🌿.

Rental: many bases, friendly prices, flexible slots.
To do: 8–10 km half-day routes, swim stops.
For: families, beginners, easy restart.

Ruoms — The convenient hub for everyone
Vibe: lively village, lots of outfitters, simple logistics.
Rental: wide choice (family, groups), frequent departures, well-run shuttles.
To do: 7–15 km accessible routes, variants toward Chauzon or Balazuc.

Chauzon — Peaceful meanders & wild coves
Vibe: a winding river, small secluded beaches 📸.
Rental: reputable Chauzon outfitters, gear included, flexible returns.
To do: 7–15 km routes with swim breaks.
Audience: families, regular paddlers, nature lovers.

Balazuc — Postcard village, family-friendly
Vibe: medieval lanes, rocky promontories, crystal-clear water ✨.
Rental: canoe rental Balazuc is simple and reassuring: clear prices, gear included.
To do: 6–12 km very accessible—perfect for a family Ardèche descent.

Lanas / Vogüé — Picturesque and accessible
Vibe: gorgeous villages, easygoing paddling, riverside terraces.
To do: short trips 3–8 km or half-days.
Audience: families, beginners.

Saint-Martin-d’Ardèche — Gateway to the Gorges & Sauze beach
Vibe: finish line for the big descents, sunny terraces, ice cream & swims ☀️.
Rental & booking: canoe rental Saint-Martin-d’Ardèche for 3–15 km out-and-back, 24 km day, or full 30–32 km.
Signature spot: Sauze beach (lifeguarded in season, direct water access).
Practical: parking at beach / village centre / municipal campsite (arrive early in summer), return shuttle depending on package.

🌿 Nearby rivers to explore

Chassezac (Les Vans / Casteljau) — Wild & playful
Vibe: intimate gorges, sculpted rocks, clear water 🌊.
Rental: straightforward kayak rental in Les Vans, online booking.
To do: family route 6–8 km or spicier sections depending on conditions.

Beaume (Labeaume) — Charming outing
Vibe: a village clinging to the cliff, bohemian feel 🎨.
When the flow allows: discovery paddle on the Beaume River, waterproof barrel provided.

Eyrieux — Verdant valley, family spirit
Vibe: shaded valleys, calm stretches 🍃.
Perfect for: renting a canoe with kids; flexible half-day time slots.

⛺ Bivouacs in the Gorges: Gaud & Gournier
Want to stretch the descent over two days? There are only two official bivouac areas: Gaud (about one-third of the way, handy if you start in the afternoon) and Gournier (midway for a 50/50 split).
Booking required, limited spots. On site: water points, toilets (often dry), sometimes cool showers, tables. Fires prohibited; stoves subject to seasonal rules.
👉 Remember to coordinate rental, shuttle time, and bivouac reservation.

💶 Prices & gear: what’s usually included
Prices are indicative. There are dozens of descent options for all ages (from 7 years old on the Ardèche) and all fitness levels. A few examples:

2–3 hours: Balazuc – Pradons (we tested it)
• €50 for a canoe for two (life jacket, paddle, barrel, little string so your glasses don’t fall in the water—nice touch lol)
• Very easy, not too busy on this section (22 August) — top! (Free parking if you book with Fazao Balazuc)

Half-day (8–15 km)
• €20–30 / person (depending on season & spot)
• Included: life jacket, paddles, waterproof barrel, briefing, route map
• Option: child seat, extra dry bag, family pack

24 km day (Châmes → Saint-Martin-d’Ardèche)
• €30–40 / person
• Included: life jacket, paddles, waterproof barrel, return shuttle, safety briefing
• Recommended: early start, picnic, 1–1.5 L water / person

Full 30–32 km (Vallon → Saint-Martin-d’Ardèche)

• €35–45 / person (varies by outfitter & period)
• Included: life jacket, paddles, waterproof barrel, return shuttle, map & briefing
• For motivated paddlers (6–7 h on the water with breaks)

Payment methods & conditions
• Card / cash (check on site) — but from experience, bring cash
• Deposit sometimes required
• Must be able to swim 25 m & submerge
• Children generally from 7 years old
• Dogs: check with the outfitter and choose calm routes

Good to know
• Book online in July–August

🎒 Express checklist

🧢 Cap • 🧴 Sunscreen • 👟 Closed shoes • 💧 1–1.5 L of water / person • 🥪 Picnic • 📱 Protected phone • 🧻 Zip bags • 🧺 Towel / change of clothes (to be left in the car) • 🎒 Waterproof container (usually provided).

🚗 Access & useful parking

Vallon / Salavas: parking near the bases (Pont d'Arc sector).
Ruoms / Chauzon: easy parking for walks & half-days.
Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche: beach parking (Sauze beach), village center, municipal campsite — come early in summer

🧰 How it works (6 steps)

For those who have never rented a canoe

1) Choose your spot & distance
Vallon/Salavas for the Pont d'Arc arch, Ruoms/Chauzon for peaceful meanders, Balazuc/Vogüé with the family, Saint-Martin for round-trip walks and day/full-day arrivals.
2) Reserve your slot
In summer, book online (morning or early afternoon). Indicate the number of boats (two-seater/single-seater) and options (child seat, waterproof bags).

3) Check-in & equipment
Welcome at the rental base, delivery of the life jacket, paddles, waterproof container, course map and safety briefing.
4) Boarding
Departure from the chosen spot (or quick transfer). Adjust your life jacket, store your belongings in the container, and try out a few paddle strokes.

5) Enjoy & respect
Swimming on the beaches, picnic breaks, respecting the Reserve (zero trace, no fire, glass not recommended). Hydrate regularly.
6) Arrival & shuttle
Meet at the arrival point; the return shuttle will take you back to the base. Return your equipment, shower/water point depending on the spots.