🛶 Canoe-kayak rental in Saint-Martin-d’Ardeche : route, descent and practical guide to the Ardèche Gorges
- Sep 10
- 6 min read
Updated: Sep 13
🌍 Why choose Saint-Martin-d'Ardeche to rent a canoe or kayak?
Located at the southern entrance to the Gorges de l'Ardèche , the village of Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche is an unmissable spot for anyone who wants to experience a unique canoe or kayak rental experience.
It is the arrival point of the famous Vallon-Pont-d'Arc → Saint-Martin descent , but also a perfect place for a family canoe trip or a half-day kayaking trip in an exceptional natural setting.
🛶 Canoe-kayak rental in Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche: route, descent and practical guide to the Ardèche Gorges
The advantages of Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche
Spectacular natural setting: limestone cliffs, pebble beaches and crystal clear river.
Several route options: from a simple stroll to a full 30 km descent.
Village classified as a “Village of Character”, perfect for relaxing after a day of paddling.
Easy to access from Avignon, Nîmes or Montélimar.
🚣 The descents of the Ardèche Gorges towards Saint-Martin
Canoe and kayak rentals in Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche allow you to arrive directly in the village after iconic routes.
Full descent of the Gorges (30-32 km) :
Departure from Vallon-Pont-d'Arc → arrival in Saint-Martin. This is the most famous descent in Ardèche. It lasts 6 to 7 hours, with rapids and spectacular scenery. Ideal for athletes.
Day route (24 km) :
Departure from Châmes to Saint-Martin. The most popular route for exploring the Ardèche Gorges by canoe . Allow 5 to 6 hours of navigation, with beaches perfect for picnics and swimming.
Discovery trail (8-12 km) :
Accessible to all, perfect for an introduction or a short outing. Ideal for families with children.
🛶 Canoe or kayak trips from Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche
Saint-Martin is not just a point of arrival: you can also rent a canoe directly on site for short trips.
Family walk (3-6 km, 1-2 hours) → ideal for families with children from 7 years old (who can swim). Calm and safe water.
Half-day trip (8 km) → 2.5 to 3 hours of sailing with swimming stops.
Sporty trail (12-15 km) → perfect for an active half-day.
👉 Advantage: no need for a return shuttle, you board and return directly to the village beach.
📊 Comparison of canoeing spots in Ardèche (and many others...)
Canoeing and kayaking spot | Main feature | Distance from Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche | Recommended audience | Atmosphere |
Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche | Arrival of the Gorges + short courses at the start | — (you are there 😉) | Families & Sportspeople | Village, beach |
Vallon-Pont-d'Arc | Departure under the Pont d'Arc, legendary descent | ~30 km upstream | All levels | Very touristy |
Chauzon | Intermediate courses (7-15 km) | ~45 min by car | Families & regular enthusiasts | Quieter nature |
Balazuc | Listed village + family descents | ~50 min by car | Families, discoveries | Medieval village |
Ruoms | Water sports center + numerous courses | ~40 min by car | Groups & athletes | Lively village |
📌 Summary of routes from Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche
🛶 Canoe-kayak rental in Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche: route, descent and practical guide to the Ardèche Gorges
Here are the main routes available for canoe-kayak rental in Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche :
Family outing (3 to 6 km – 1 to 2 hours – very easy) : perfect for an introduction to canoeing in Ardèche with children.
Half-day outing (8 km – 2.5 to 3 hours – easy) : ideal for a quick discovery, accessible to beginners.
Sporty course (12 to 15 km – 3h30 to 4h30 – medium) : recommended for regular enthusiasts for longer paddling.
Day descent (24 km – 5 to 6 hours – moderate to sustained) : departure from Châmes, arrival in Saint-Martin. Classic and very popular route.
Full descent (30 to 32 km – 6 to 7 hours – sustained) : from Vallon-Pont-d'Arc to Saint-Martin, the great classic to discover all the beauty of the Gorges.
🏖 Sauze Beach: the must-see spot in Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche
It's impossible to talk about canoeing in Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche without mentioning the famous Sauze beach . Located not far from the heart of the village, it's a place to relax, a supervised swimming area in summer, and an ideal starting/finishing point for canoeing and kayaking trips.
Many short trails (3 to 8 km) start or finish here. With its easy access, free parking and close proximity to the village shops, it is the perfect place to enjoy a family outing on the water , followed by a refreshing swim break.
🏝️ Sauze Beach in Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche is one of the most popular swimming and canoeing spots in the village. It is located directly on the river, and is often the arrival point for Ardèche descents .
✨ What makes it charming:
Large pebble beach, very busy in summer.
Clear, supervised waters in season (ideal for families).
Possible departure for short canoe trips (3 to 8 km) without complicated logistics.
A stone's throw from the village center → restaurants, ice cream parlors, accessible parking.
Magnificent view of the cliffs and the Nature Reserve.
Paid parking in summer.
ℹ️ Practical information for your canoeing trip
🗓 Best time
Spring: calm river and green nature.
Summer: warm water, summer atmosphere (expect to be crowded).
September: fewer tourists, perfect conditions.
Free parking in Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche:
Beach parking (direct access to canoe rentals).
Village center parking (near restaurants and shops).
Municipal campsite parking (often used by rental companies).
⚠️ In summer, arrive early to guarantee a spot near the beach.
🎒 Recommended equipment
Life jacket required (provided by the rental company).
Waterproof container for your belongings.
Hat, sunscreen, closed shoes.
Water and picnic for long runs.
🌞 What to do after canoeing?
Swimming and relaxing on the village beach.
Visit the characterful village of Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche .
Taste Côtes du Rhône wines, goat cheeses and local honey.
Camp or stay in a lodge to extend the adventure.
💧 Water level & quality — Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche (Sauze)
Things to check before you go (2–3 useful links)
Ardèche level – official station “Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche [Sauze]” (Hydro/Eaufrance) : https://www.hydro.eaufrance.fr/stationhydro/V506401001/fiche HydroPortail
Water quality – Sauze Beach (Ardèche Inf'eau Plage portal) : https://qualite.ardeche-eau.fr/plage/plage-de-sauze/ Ardèche inf'eau Plage
Water quality – Grain de Sel Beach (Blue Flag certified) : https://qualite.ardeche-eau.fr/plage/plage-du-grain-de-sel/ Ardèche inf'eau Plage
Official weather forecast – Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche (Météo-France) : https://meteofrance.com/previsions-meteo-france/saint-martin-d-ardeche/07700 Météo-France
How to interpret quickly
Higher flow rate → faster current, shorter breaks : aim for a shorter route and an early morning departure . Use the Sauze station to judge the day's conditions. HydroPortail
Lower flow rate → very quiet navigation: longer route possible, easy swimming.
North wind / recent storm → early departure; after rain, check the swimming quality of Sauze and Grain de Sel before immersion. Ardèche inf'eau Plage+1
Local information “swimming”
Sauze Beach : public site near the canoe landing stage (arrival of the long descent). Supervised swimming in July and August (slots indicated on the information sheet), quality updated in season. Ardèche inf'eau Beach
Grain de Sel Beach : Blue Flag site , supervised swimming in July and August , quality updated in season. Ardèche inf'eau Beach
Practical reminders (Natura/ENS & common sense)Zero waste (everything goes back into the waterproof container ), no glass on the pebbles, do not trample on the seagrass beds ; follow the signs and local instructions.
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 • Overview Sauze (flow) + quality Sauze/Grain de Sel . HydroPortail Ardèche inf'eau Plage+1
❓ FAQ – Canoeing in Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche
👉 1. When is the best time to go canoeing in Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche with your family?
May to September. June and early September are perfect for avoiding the crowds and enjoying pleasant water.
👉 2. Can you canoe from Vallon-Pont-d'Arc to Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche in one day?
Yes, the full descent (30 km) lasts approximately 6 to 7 hours. It is suitable for athletes.
👉 3. Which kayak route should you choose from Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche for a half-day?
The 8 km route is ideal (2h30-3h), with the possibility of swimming.
👉 4. Is canoeing in Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche suitable for beginners?
Yes.
The short courses of 3 to 6 km are accessible to everyone, even without experience.
👉 5. How much does it cost to rent a canoe in Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche?
Between €20 and €40 per person , depending on distance and season.
👉 6. Do you need to book your canoe in advance in Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche?
In summer, yes. In the off-season, it is often possible to rent on site.
👉 7. Can you go canoeing in Ardèche with children under 10?
Yes, from the age of 7 , if the child knows how to swim.
👉 8. What are the free parking lots near the beach in Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche? Beach parking, village center parking, and municipal campsite parking.
👉 9. Are there any authorized bivouac areas for a two-day descent?
Yes, in the Gorges Nature Reserve. Reservations are required in summer.
👉 10. What is the difference between canoeing and kayaking in Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche?
Canoes are paddled with a single paddle, while kayaks are paddled with a double one. Both are available for rental.
✅ Conclusion
Canoeing and kayaking in Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche is a must-do experience. Whether you're looking for a cheap rental for a family outing , a day kayak trip , or the entire Ardèche Gorges , Saint-Martin is the perfect place to experience an adventure on the water.
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