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🛶 Canoe-kayak rental in Ruoms (Ardèche): routes, options & bookings

  • Sep 13
  • 9 min read

Updated: Sep 19

Between limestone cliffs, clear water and pebble beaches, Ruoms is an ideal starting point for renting a canoe or kayak in southern Ardèche . On the program: half-day (8–15 km) , day 24 km (Châmes → Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche) or full 30–32 km (Vallon → Saint-Martin).

Online booking , equipment provided (life jacket, paddles, waterproof container ) and return shuttle : everything is ready, all you have to do is paddle.

Summary :

• Choose your course (by profile)

• Formats (durations & audiences) • Variants since Ruoms

• How it works (6 steps)

• Prices & included • Checklist • Bivouacs (2 days) • Ruoms village side • 48h ideas

🛶 Canoe and kayak rental in Ruoms (Ardèche)


🧑✈️ Choose your course (by profile)

👨👩👧👦 Family & beginners – calm water, swimming breaks

  • Distances : 3–8 km • Time : 1h30–3h (excluding breaks)

  • Nearby spots : Vogüé, Balazuc, Chauzon ; short round trip possible depending on level

  • We like : easy creeks, very gentle rapids, open landscapes

  • Tip : Leave early in the morning for light and peace ☀️


⏱️ Half-day discovery – the “pleasure” format

  • Distances : 8–15 km • Time : 2h30–4h

  • From Ruoms : alternatives to Chauzon or Balazuc

  • We like : alternating between sailing / swimming / picnicking, relaxed pace

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


🏞️ 24 km day – great landscapes

  • Route : Châmes → Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche • Time : 5–6 hours

  • Audience : good shape, desire to paddle for a long time

  • We like : iconic passages, wild beaches, “Gorges” atmosphere

  • Logistics : return shuttle included depending on the package


🌄 Complete 30–32 km – the must-see

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

  • Audience : motivated athletes / experienced paddlers

  • We like : the Pont d'Arc , the meanders, the feeling of arriving “at the end of the Gorges”

  • 2-day option : Gaud bivouac (late departure) or Gournier (50/50) ⛺


⏱️ Descent formats (durations & audiences)

  • Half day (8–15 km) : discovery, families, swimming – Ruoms → Chauzon / Balazuc

  • Day 24 km : Châmes → Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche (classic Gorges)

  • Complete 30–32 km : Vallon → Saint-Martin (great adventure)

Two-seater or single-seater boats of your choice. Online booking recommended in summer to guarantee your time slot and shuttle .


🗺️ Alternative routes from Ruoms (route ideas)

  • Ruoms → Chauzon (7–10 km) : 2.5–3.5 hours, “pleasure” half-day

  • Ruoms → Balazuc (12–15 km) : 3–4 hours, superb viewpoints

  • Châmes → Saint-Martin (24 km) : 5–6 hours, “big day” of the Gorges, return shuttle

  • Vallon → Saint-Martin (30–32 km) : 6–7 hours, legendary full tour , return shuttle

(Duration varies depending on level, flow and breaks.)


🧰 How it works (6 steps)

🛶 Canoe-kayak rental in Ruoms (Ardèche):

  1. Choose spot & distance : Ruoms for easy logistics; Chauzon/Balazuc variants; easy access to the Gorges (24 km / full).

  2. Book online : morning or early afternoon; two-seaters/single-seaters , child seat /waterproof bag options.

  3. Check-in & equipment : vest , paddles , waterproof container , map, safety briefing .

  4. Boarding : departure from the spot (or small launching shuttle).

  5. Enjoy & respect : swimming, breaks, reading the current; zero trace (we take our waste back down).

  6. Arrival & shuttle : the return shuttle takes you back to the base; return of equipment.


💶 Rates & What's Included

Half day (8–15 km)

  • 20–30 € / person (depending on season/spot)

  • Included : vest , paddles , waterproof container , map/briefing

  • Options : child seat, additional waterproof bags, family pack


Day 24 km – Châmes → Saint-Martin

  • 30–40 € / person

  • Included : vest , paddles , waterproof container , return shuttle , safety briefing

  • Tips : early departure, 1–1.5 L of water/person , picnic, sun protection


Full 30–32 km – Vallon → Saint-Martin

  • 35–45 € / person (depending on period/renter)

  • Included : life jacket , paddles , waterproof container , return shuttle , map & briefing

  • Who is it for? Motivated paddlers (6–7 hours + breaks)

👉 🎟️ Book my canoe now



🎒 Takeaway Checklist

👟 Closed shoes • 🧢 Cap • 🕶️ Sunglasses with cord • 🧴 Sunscreen • 💧 1–1.5 L of water / person • 🥪 Picnic/salty snacks • 🎒 Waterproof bottle (provided) + zip bags • 📱 Phone in waterproof case • 🧣 Windproof/UV top • 🧺 Towel / dry clothes (on return) • 👶 Anti-UV & water bottle for children


Only two official areas: Gaud (about 1/3 of the way through) and Gournier (halfway through). Reservation required , limited places. On site: water points , toilets (often dry), sometimes cold showers , tables . No fires ; stoves subject to seasonal instructions. Choose : late departure → Gaud ; 50/50 split → Gournier .


🧡 After the river: Ruoms village side

Ruoms isn't all about paddling. Stroll through the old town and its narrow streets, discover the ramparts and the famous Route des Défilés (impressive cliffs above the river).

In summer, the atmosphere is warm: colorful markets , lively terraces, artisanal ice creams, and Ardèche specialties (chestnut, picodon , charcuterie, local wines). It's the perfect place to extend the canoeing day with an evening guinguette by the water.


🚴 Ideas for 48 hours around Ruoms

Day 1 : Half-day canoe trip from Ruoms → Chauzon , swimming and picnic; afternoon stroll to the Défilés de Ruoms (exit Ruoms, direction La Beaume, at the bridge on the right and the "défilés de Ruoms" start) then sunset by the river.


Day 2 : Morning bike ride on the Via Ardèche (old converted railway line, very accessible), local lunch, then visit a natural or cultural site in the surrounding area (according to your wishes). Return to Ruoms for a last ice cream and a dip.


Want to paddle in Ruoms?

Whether you're aiming for a family outing , a half-day trip , a long 24 km day or the full 30–32 km , Ruoms offers what you need: simple rental , online booking , equipment included and return shuttle . Choose your format, take your waterproof container , and let the river do the rest. 🌊🛶☀️



💧 Water level & quality — Ruoms


Things to check before you go (2–3 useful links)

  • Ardèche level (flow/height) : Vallon-Pont-d'Arc station (upstream of Ruoms) and Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche / Sauze (downstream of the gorges). A glance at either one gives a good idea of the conditions of the day . HydroPortailvigicrues.gouv.fr

  • Bathing water quality in Ruoms : Stade Beach and Moulin de Grazel Beach (local updates in season). Ardèche inf'eau Beach+1

  • Local weather (wind/storm/UV) :

    Météo-France – Ruoms (useful for aiming for an early morning departure). Météo-France

How to interpret quickly


  • Higher flow rate → faster current, shorter breaks : choose a short route and leave in the morning .

  • Lower flow rate → quiet navigation: longer route possible, easy swimming.

  • North wind → aim for an early start and take lots of breaks in the shade .

  • With children (~7+ years old who can swim) : tight life jacket, frequent breaks , morning schedule recommended.


Local “swimming” information In Ruoms, Stade Beach and Moulin de Grazel Beach have dedicated monitoring ( near real-time tables + ARS bulletins ): practical for checking the water quality just before leaving. Ardèche inf'eau Beach+3Ardèche inf'eau Beach+3Ardèche inf'eau Beach+3


Reminders, waste (everything goes back into the waterproof container ), no glass on the pebbles, do not trample on the seagrass beds ; follow local instructions (signs/OT).

Check “60 seconds” before boarding Time = morning • Route = short if in doubt • Life jacket worn • Phone in waterproof case • 1–1.5 L of water/person • salty snack


🔗 Direct links (Ruoms)





Ruoms FAQ

📍 Where to rent a canoe or kayak in Ruoms for a fun half-day?

In Ruoms , several bases offer canoe/kayak rentals in Ruoms Ardèche with half-day options of 8–15 km, which are very popular. You choose a two-seater or single-seater , you book online , and on the day you'll be equipped: life jacket , paddles , waterproof container and safety briefing . The main routes from Ruoms lead to Chauzon or Balazuc , perfect for alternating navigation, swimming and picnicking. The return shuttle is generally included depending on the package, which simplifies the whole organization. For the summer, leave in the morning : beautiful light, fewer people, delicious water.


👨👩👧👦 What is the best route from Ruoms for beginners or with children? For a family canoe in southern Ardèche , aim for 7–10 km Ruoms → Chauzon : calm water, very gentle small rapids , pebble beaches and open landscapes. Another easy option: 12 km Ruoms → Balazuc , a little longer but splendid, with a view of the picture-postcard village . Plan 1–1.5 L of water/person , a salty snack , hat and sunscreen. Children must be able to swim ; a two-seater adult + child is often ideal, with a well-fitting life jacket and waterproof container for small items.


💶 How much does it cost to rent a canoe or kayak in Ruoms and what does the price include?

In high season, expect to pay €20–30/person for a half-day (8–15 km) , €30–40/person for a full day (24 km) (Châmes → Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche) , and €35–45/person for the full 30–32 km (Vallon → Saint-Martin) . The price generally includes a life jacket , paddles , a waterproof container , a map/briefing , and often the return shuttle . Family packs , group rates , and options (child seat, additional waterproof bags) are available depending on the rental company. To find a cheap canoe rental in Ruoms , compare offers and book online early in the summer.


🛶 Can I do the “24 km day” or the “30–32 km full tour” by renting in Ruoms?

Yes. Many bases organize the long descents of the Ardèche Gorges even if you rent in Ruoms: transfer from Châmes for the 24 km day or from Vallon-Pont-d'Arc for the full 30–32 km . You paddle to Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche , then the return shuttle takes you back to the Ruoms base. This is the simplest solution to experience the full 30 km descent of the Ardèche Gorges without managing complex logistics.


🗓️ Should I book online in Ruoms and which slot should I choose?

In July-August , online booking is key: you secure the slot , the number of two-seaters/single-seaters and the options (child seat, waterproof bags). The morning is ideal (coolness, light, availability), but an early afternoon departure works very well if you want to take your time. Remember to indicate the level of the group so that the base can offer you the right half-day route or the most suitable 24 km day .


🎒 What equipment and outfit do you need to paddle comfortably from Ruoms?

The rental company provides a life jacket , paddles , a waterproof container and the map/briefing . For your part, bring closed shoes , a cap , sunscreen , glasses with a cord , 1–1.5 L of water/person , a picnic/salty snacks , a waterproof cover for the phone, and dry clothes for after the outing. Depending on the wind and sun, an anti-UV top or a light windbreaker is welcome. This simple kit makes kayak rental Ruoms Ardèche comfortable, even for a 24 km day .


👶 Ruoms with family: minimum age, knowing how to swim, dogs allowed?

Most bases accept children from 7 years old if they can swim (25 m + immersion). Choose a half-day Ruoms → Chauzon 7–10 km route to start, in a two-seater adult + child. As for dogs, some bases accept them on calm routes : ask when booking online and bring a harness + foldable bowl. Keep a relaxed pace (regular breaks, hydration) so that everyone can enjoy the southern Ardèche .


📷 What “nature & photography” ideas are there around Ruoms without doing the whole thing?

The Ruoms → Chauzon loop (7–10 km) is a gem: meanders , limestone cliffs , clear water and hidden coves. A little longer, Ruoms → Balazuc (12–15 km) offers great views of the hilltop village and sculpted rocks . For a change, head for Chassezac (Les Vans/Casteljau) : grandiose mineral reliefs, wild atmosphere. The best light for photos is early morning or late afternoon .


⛺ Can we do a 2-day descent with a Gaud or Gournier bivouac by renting in Ruoms?

Absolutely. You book your Ruoms canoe rental for the whole trip and add a night at an official site : Gaud (practical if you leave late) or Gournier (halfway, 50/50 split). Reservation of the bivouac is obligatory and places are limited; on site, you will find water points , toilets (often dry) and rest areas. Respect the posted instructions (zero fire, respect for nature). This is the best way to enjoy the Ardèche Gorges in gentle adventure mode.


🌄 What to do in Ruoms before/after canoeing to complete the day?

Stroll through the old village of Ruoms , admire the Défilés (spectacular cliffs above the river) and cycle along the Via Ardèche (old converted railway line, ideal for families). On the flavor side: discover the summer markets , picodon cheese , chestnuts , local wines... In the evening, enjoy a guinguette atmosphere by the water. These activities perfectly complement a half-day or full-day canoe kayak rental in Ruoms .


🧭 Which option should you choose: half-day, 24 km day or full 30–32 km from Ruoms?

It all depends on your level and the desire of the group . The half-day 8–15 km (Ruoms → Chauzon/Balazuc) is the best first step . The 24 km day (Châmes → Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche) reveals the Gorges without being extreme. The full 30–32 km (Vallon → Saint-Martin) is a must if you like to paddle for a long time. In any case, book online , choose two-seater/single-seater , collect your vest/paddles/waterproof container , and let yourself be carried away by the southern Ardèche .


Read our full article "Canoe-Kayak Rental in Ardèche"


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🏄‍♂️ About location-de-canoe-kayak.com
Location-de-canoe-kayak.com is the independent guide for water sports enthusiasts. Find the best canoeing and kayaking spots in the Ardèche, Verdon, Annecy, Tarn, Dordogne, and other regions, including towns such as Vallon Pont d'Arc, St Martin d'Ardèche, Quinson, Esparron, Sainte Enimie, and more.
Our articles are written by local riders and highlight good deals, weather advice, safety tips, recommended water sports centers and feedback.

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