🛶 Canoe-Kayak rental in Ardeche: all the spots and best descents.
- Sep 5
- 9 min read
Updated: Sep 19
Want to rent a canoe or kayak in Ardèche ?
Between limestone cliffs, clear water and pebble beaches, the river offers descents for everyone: family outings , half-day trips , sporty days or full days up to 30–32 km . Compare rental points in Vallon-Pont-d'Arc , Ruoms , Chauzon , Balazuc , Vogüé , Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche , and also set off to discover Chassezac , Beaume or Eyrieux .
Reservation 💻, equipment provided 🎒 (life jacket, paddle, waterproof container) and return shuttle 🚌: everything is ready, all you have to do is paddle!
🛶 Canoe and kayak rental in Ardèche: all the spots, routes and best descents.
🧭 Choose your descent (simple & effective)
👨👩👧👦 Beginners / families (3–8 km) : calm water, perfect for a first rental with children.
⏱️ Half day (8–15 km) : the right balance between sailing, swimming and picnic breaks.
💪 Day (24 km Châmes → Saint-Martin) : great landscapes, fun little rapids.
🌄 Complete (30–32 km Vallon → Saint-Martin) : a must for athletes.
💡 Practical tip: in summer, book your canoes/kayaks online to secure your departure slot.
Why we love it: passing under the most famous natural arch in France 🌉, linking beaches and magnificent panoramas.
Rental & booking: kayak rental in Vallon-Pont-d'Arc is the most popular → early morning departures , day or full packages, online booking strongly recommended.
To do:
🔹 Half day 8–12 km for a first experience.
🔹 24 km day (departure from Châmes) with picnic on pebbles.
🔹 Full 30–32 km to Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche. Practical: equipment provided (life jacket, paddles, waterproof container), return shuttle included depending on the package.
Atmosphere: quieter upstream sections, very natural landscapes 🌿.
Rental: numerous rental bases , low prices , flexible slots.
To do: half-day route 8–10 km with swimming.
Who it's for: Families, beginners, those who want to rent a canoe without pressure.
Atmosphere: lively village, lots of rental companies, simple logistics.
Rental: wide choice of packages (family, groups), frequent departures , well-established shuttles .
To do:
🔹 7–15 km accessible.
🔹 Variants towards Chauzon or Balazuc .
Bonus: perfect if you are looking for kayaking in southern Ardèche with availability.
Atmosphere: meandering river, small, discreet beaches, superb views 📸.
Rental: Chauzon rental companies renowned for their hospitality, equipment included , flexible returns.
To do: 7–15 km route with swimming breaks.
For whom: families, regular enthusiasts, nature lovers.
Atmosphere: medieval alleys, blond cliffs, clear water ✨.
Rental: Balazuc canoe rental ideal for children, clear prices , equipment provided .
Things to do: 6–12 km walks , very accessible, beaches great for picnics.
Target: Those who want a stress-free family trip .
Atmosphere: charming villages, peaceful sailing, photo spots 🏘️.
Rental: several rental points for short walks and half-days .
Things to do: gentle routes 3–8 km, easy swimming.
Audience: families, beginners, gentle start.
🛶 Canoe and kayak rental in Ardèche: all the spots, routes and best descents!
Atmosphere: arrival of the big descents, sunny terrace, ice creams & swimming ☀️.
Rental & reservation: canoe rental Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche for 3–15 km round trips or arrival of 24 km / 30–32 km routes.
To do:
🔹 Family walk 3–6 km along the water.
🔹 Half day 8 km (2h30–3h) with swimming breaks.
🔹 Arrival of the day 24 km or of the integral .
Signature spot: Sauze beach (lifeguards in season, direct access to the water). Convenient: beach parking / village center / municipal campsite (come early in summer), return shuttle depending on the package, online booking recommended.
Atmosphere: intimate gorges, sculpted rocks, clear water 🌊.
Rental: local rental companies with varied niches , easy online booking .
To do:
🔹 Family trail 6–8 km accessible.
🔹 More tonic sections depending on conditions.
Audience: families in the morning, sports enthusiasts in the afternoon.
🪨 Labeaume (La Beaume) — Charming walk
Atmosphere: village clinging to the cliff, bridges, pebbles, bohemian atmosphere 🎨.
Rental: possible depending on the flow rate ; waterproof container provided , supervised departures.
Things to do: mini discovery trail & swimming breaks in the shade.
🌲 Eyrieux — Green valley, family spirit
Atmosphere: cool valleys, picnic area, easy living 🍃. Rental: quiet stretches perfect for renting a canoe with children ; very flexible half-day slots .
To do: peaceful navigation + swimming depending on the area.
💶 Prices, equipment & booking (the concrete)
Packages : half-day , full day , sometimes late afternoon 🌇.
Indicative prices for the descent: €20–40/person depending on distance, season and services included.
Included : vest , paddles , waterproof container , safety briefing ✅.
Often included : return shuttle to the rental point 🚌.
Options : child seat, additional waterproof bags, family pack 👨👩👧👦.
Book : In summer, online booking is recommended to guarantee your departure time ⏰.
Deposit & conditions : ID, swimming skills, respect for return times 🔒.
🎒 Express checklist
🧢 Cap • 🧴 Sunscreen • 👟 Closed shoes • 💧 1–1.5 L of water / person • 🥪 Picnic • 📱 Protected phone • 🧻 Small zip bag • 🧺 Towel / change of clothes (to leave in the car) • 🎒 Waterproof container (usually provided).
🚗 Access & parking (useful hubs)
Vallon-Pont-d'Arc : numerous rental companies and parking lots close to the departure points.
Ruoms / Chauzon : easy parking for walks & half-days.
Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche : beach parking , village center , municipal campsite (busy in summer → come early).
✨ Want to paddle?
Whether you dream of a half-day kayak trip with swimming, a family trip on calm water, a 24 km sporty day or the full descent of the Gorges de l'Ardèche 30–32 km , everything is ready: welcoming rental companies , simple booking , equipment included and return shuttle to take you back to the starting point.
Choose your favorite spot (Vallon, Ruoms, Chauzon, Balazuc, Vogüé, Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche, Chassezac, Beaume, Eyrieux), rent your canoe , and let the river do the rest. Enjoy your trip! 🌊🛶☀️
Want to experience the Gorges over two days with a night in the heart of the canyon?
Only two areas are authorized in the Reserve: Gaud and Gournier (reservation required). Gaud is about 1/3 of the way through the route, perfect if you start in the afternoon; Gournier is halfway , ideal for cutting the descent into two balanced days.
What you find there 🛠️
Drinking water points, toilets (often dry) & fresh showers at set times,
Picnic tables and shared grills/barbecues (depending on the period and posted instructions),
Shaded natural spaces to pitch a tent or sleep under the stars.
Essential rules to know ✅
Only Gaud or Gournier for the night (bivouac prohibited elsewhere).
No alcohol on the sites; fires prohibited ; stoves prohibited from July 1 to September 30 (fire risk).
Quiet after 10 p.m. , total respect for the site (you take your waste back down).
Dogs : allowed on leashes on trails/bivouacs, prohibited in canoes ; drones prohibited .
How to book 🎫 Overnight stays must be booked in advance via the official platform (choice of Gaud or Gournier ); places are limited during high season. Also remember to coordinate your shuttles and your canoe/kayak rental with your bivouac schedule.
Our route advice 🧭
Late departure ➜ Gaud for a short first stage and a big day the next day.
Regular rhythm ➜ Gournier for a comfortable 50/50 split.
A night under the stars, the sound of the river, the cliffs in the background... Gaud and Gournier offer a 100% natural break while remaining supervised and respectful of the Reserve.
🧭 Discover our article “Regulations & Safety”
In this dedicated page, we clearly explain to you: where your dog is welcome (on foot, beaches, bivouacs) and where it is not (e.g. on board canoes in the Reserve), when fires and stoves are authorized or prohibited , how to reserve official Gaud & Gournier bivouacs , what you need to know about drones , the green/orange/red navigation codes depending on the water level , and the local rules (Pont d'Arc, Saint-Martin). All with official links and practical safety advice .
📍 Where to rent a canoe near Pont d'Arc in Vallon-Pont-d'Arc?
Around Pont d'Arc (Vallon/Salavas), kayak rentals in Vallon-Pont-d'Arc are in high demand: early morning departures, easy online booking and access to the Pont d'Arc car parks . Ideal for a day trip down the Ardèche or the whole trip .
💶 “Cheap canoe rental in Ardèche”: what are the prices?
Depending on the distance/season, Ardèche kayak rental prices generally range from €20 to €40 per person . Look at half-day packages , family packs and group rates to pay less.
🗓️ Should you book online for canoe rental in Ardèche?
Yes, especially in July and August: booking online secures your slot, the number of boats and the return shuttle . Type “ Ardèche canoe rental reservation” to see availability in real time.
🅿️ Where to park in Vallon-Pont-d'Arc and at the Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche arrival?
In Vallon/Salavas , there are several Pont d'Arc car parks close to the bases. When you arrive in Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche , aim for the Saint-Martin beach car park near Sauze beach , the village centre or the municipal campsite (come early in summer).
👨👩👧👦 Which route should you choose for an easy Ardèche canoe for beginners?
Favor a descent of 3 to 8 km in calm water (Vogüé, Balazuc, Chauzon, departure from Sauze beach on a round trip). Perfect for a family descent in the Ardèche and a first canoe rental in the Ardèche .
⏱️ Half-day or full-day: which routes are recommended?
Half-day kayaking trip in the Ardèche (8–15 km): Salavas, Chauzon, Balazuc. During the day : Chámes → arrival in Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche (24 km) . For the sporty: full descent of the Ardèche Gorges 30 km (Vallon → Saint-Martin) .
🚌 How does the return shuttle work after the rental?
Most bases include a return shuttle from the arrival point (Châmes or Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche ) to the rental base . Times are confirmed when booking online or at the briefing.
🎒 What equipment is provided with canoe/kayak rental in Ardèche?
The equipment provided generally includes a life jacket , paddle , waterproof container for belongings, sometimes a course map . Child seat and additional waterproof bags are optional.
🏊 What are the conditions: knowing how to swim, minimum age, dogs allowed?
For any canoe rental in Ardèche , you must be able to swim (25 m + immersion). The minimum age is often 7 years ( depending on the flow). Some bases accept dogs on calm courses—ask when booking online .
☀️ Best time and departure times?
From May to September . For peace of mind, choose an early departure . June and early September are great (pleasant water, fewer crowds). Remember to book online to guarantee your time.
⛺ Can we camp during the descent?
Yes, but only at official Gorges areas . Perfect if you want to spread the entire 30 km descent of the Ardèche Gorges over two days. Reservations are required and rules must be followed.
🚗 Quick access from Lyon, Marseille or Montpellier: where to launch? From Lyon : Vallon-Pont-d'Arc or Ruoms . From Marseille/Montpellier : Vallon and Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche . These are the convenient hubs for Ardèche canoe rental with parking and return shuttle .
🛶 Canoe or kayak: what to choose in Ardèche?
The canoe (open, often two-seater , single paddle) is spacious and family-friendly. The kayak (seated, double paddle ) is more directional. Both can be rented in Vallon-Pont-d'Arc , Ruoms, Chauzon, Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche .
👥 Groups, stag/hen parties, large families: dedicated offers?
Yes: group rate , family pack , adapted timetables and return shuttle included. For the summer, anticipate an online reservation at “ Ardèche cheap canoe rental ” + name of the spot (Vallon, Ruoms, Saint-Martin).
🛏️ Where to stay for half-days, full-days and full-days?
Around Vallon-Pont-d'Arc , Ruoms , Balazuc , Chauzon and Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche , you will find campsites on the banks of the Ardèche , gîtes and guest houses. Ideal for trying out half-day kayaking trips in the Ardèche , 24 km full day and 30 km full day .
🗺️ Where are the Gaud and Gournier bivouacs on the descent of the Ardèche Gorges?
Gaud is located about a third of the way through the route, ideal if you start in the afternoon. Gournier is halfway , perfect for splitting the entire Ardèche Gorges (30 km) into two balanced days until the finish in Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche .
🎟️ How do I book a night at the bivouac (Gaud or Gournier) for a two-day full descent?
Reservations are required and can be made online (limited places, especially in summer). Choose Gaud or Gournier depending on your schedule, keep proof of reservation , and synchronize your shuttle schedules with your canoe/kayak rental .
🚿 What equipment is available at the Gaud and Gournier bivouacs and what should I bring?
On site: toilets (often dry), water points , sometimes cool showers , tables and shaded areas. Bring a light tent , sleeping bag , headlamp , waste bags ; fires prohibited all year round and stoves prohibited during risky periods (summer).
🐾 Are dogs allowed at the Gaud/Gournier bivouacs during a canoe rental in Ardèche?
Dogs on leashes may be allowed on trails/camps, but rental companies often prohibit them in canoes . Check when booking and respect the peace and quiet of the site (poop bags, no nighttime barking).
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