🛶 Canoe-Kayak rental in Sampzon — departures & arrivals in Sampzon (routes, prices, time slots

At the foot of the Sampzon Rock, this is the perfect spot for a canoe/kayak trip: easy launch, smooth shuttles, clear water, and iconic scenery. On site, we provide all the gear (life jacket, paddles, waterproof barrel) and you can choose a route starting from Sampzon or finishing in Sampzon… with shuttle return. ☀️

🛶 Canoe-Kayak rental in Sampzon

🧭 Routes starting from Sampzon

Maxi Fun — Sampzon → Châmes (≈ 12–13 km • ~3 hrs paddling)

The family favorite: smooth glides, canoe slides, fun rapids, and the iconic passage under the Pont d’Arc. Finish in Châmes, then shuttle return to Sampzon.Free-flow departures from 9 am to 1 pm (in high season: aim for 9 am). First returns around 12:30 pm, then every 40–60 min between 2 pm and 5 pm (chosen on the day).

Classic Half-Day — Sampzon → downstream (≈ 6–10 km)A relaxing mix of paddling, small coves, and swimming stops. Duration varies with water flow and your breaks.

Light Day Trip — Sampzon → Pont d’Arc/Châmes area (≈ 12–13 km)

Same spirit as “Maxi Fun” but with a laid-back day vibe: landscapes, picnic breaks, a slower rhythm. (Organized from the CAP07 base in Sampzon.)

Durations given exclude breaks and depend on your pace and the river flow.

🏁 Routes ending in Sampzon

Upstream → Sampzon (3–6 km)Launch upstream and arrive in Sampzon: a safe and easy discovery trip. Perfect for a first outing with kids.

Mini Maxi — Balazuc → Sampzon (≈ 19 km • ~5 hrs paddling) A longer upstream adventure through perched villages (Balazuc, Viel Audon) and wild surroundings, finishing in Sampzon.

💶 Routes & Prices in Sampzon (indicative examples)

Public rates observed with a Sampzon operator; they may vary depending on the season. Usually included: life jacket, paddles, waterproof barrel, shuttles.

Maxi Fun 12 km (Sampzon → Châmes): from €38 / adult; children €25–30 depending on booking method (online / on-site).

Mini Maxi 19 km (Balazuc → Sampzon): €40 / adult (online), €30 / child.

Sampzon lake area (≈ 3 km, no rapids): hourly rental (canoe/paddle) — perfect for small children & beginners.

👉 🎟️ Book my canoe in Sampzon • 📅 See available time slots in Sampzon

🧰 Booking & Navigation: How it works (6 steps)

🛶 Canoe-Kayak rental in Sampzon

1. Choose: Maxi Fun Sampzon → Châmes (12–13 km), Mini Maxi Balazuc → Sampzon (19 km), Upstream → Sampzon (3–6 km), or lake area (≈ 3 km).

2. Book online: morning slots recommended in summer (departures 9 am–1 pm for the 12–13 km route).

3. Check-in & gear: life jacket, paddles, waterproof barrel provided + safety briefing.

4. Launch: start in Sampzon or shuttle upstream, depending on the route.

5. Enjoy: pebble beaches, canoe slides, the Pont d’Arc crossing (on the 12–13 km), swimming breaks.

6. Return: regular shuttles Châmes → Sampzon in the afternoon (schedule chosen at check-in).

   
   

🧾 “Local bases”

Base CAP07 – 1 chemin de la Digue, 07120 Sampzon: local operator offering 11 routes, 6 distances, and departures/shuttles from Sampzon.

• The Maxi Fun Sampzon → Châmes (12–13 km), morning slots (9 am–1 pm) & organized returns.

• The Mini Maxi Balazuc → Sampzon (19 km).

• Sustainable bonus: their flagship route Sampzon → Châmes reduces bus transfers (departures directly from the base).

  
  

🌤️ Choosing the right slot (conditions)

• Morning (summer): 9 am start recommended for light, freshness, and smooth flow on the slides.

• Water level / wind: if conditions are strong, shorten (Upstream → Sampzon) or switch to the lake area (3 km, no rapids).

• Reminder: ability to swim (25 m + immersion) & wearing a life jacket is mandatory.

  
  

🎒 Quick checklist

👟 closed shoes • 🧢 cap • 🧴 sunscreen • 💧 1–1.5 L water / person • 🥪 snack/picnic • 📱 waterproof phone case • 🎒 waterproof barrel (provided) • 🧣 UV top / windbreaker (depending on weather) • 🧺 dry clothes for after the trip

🧡 After the river

Extend your day in and around Sampzon:

• Belvedere of the Sampzon Rock. Drive up (then a short walk) to the Rock for a 360° panorama over the valley, Ardèche meanders, and on clear days, the Cévennes. The sunset here is magical for photos 📷.

  
  

• Dolce vita by the water. Stay by the riverside: late swim in golden light, reading in the shade of willows, or a guinguette vibe. Perfect while your gear dries in the sun.

  
  

• Ardèche flavors. Indulge in local treats: artisanal ice cream, picodon cheese, chestnut specialties (cream, biscuits), cured meats, country bread. Pair with fresh local juice — or an Ardèche IGP wine (in moderation).

  
  

• Easy cycling. If you still have energy, try a stretch of the Via Ardèche (greenway) near Sampzon: flat, family-friendly, with valley views and no effort.

  
  

• Markets & strolls. In season, local markets and terraces in nearby villages (Ruoms, Vallon) keep the holiday vibe alive: music, crafts, gourmet stalls… A perfect light ending to your canoe day in Sampzon.

💧 Water level & quality — Sampzon

Check before you go (2 useful links)

• Ardèche River level (flow/height): Vallon-Pont-d’Arc station (upstream of Sampzon) and Saint-Martin-d’Ardèche / Sauze station (downstream of the gorges).Check either one to get an idea of the river conditions on the day. hydro.eaufrance.fr

• Bathing water quality: official “Sampzon beach” page (summer updates) + Ministry of Health database. Ardèche inf’eau Plage • baignades.sante.gouv.fr

  
  

Quick interpretation

• Higher flow → faster water, shorter breaks: choose a shorter route and go in the morning.

• Lower flow → calm navigation: longer routes possible, more swimming breaks.

• North wind → start early + shorter distance (more comfortable).

• With kids (~7+ years and able to swim): tighten life jackets, take frequent breaks, prefer a morning slot.

  
  

Local swimming infoSampzon Beach is monitored; recent ARS reports confirm good/excellent water quality during the summer season (see ARS bulletins).

Practical reminders

• Zero waste (everything in the waterproof barrel), no glass on pebble beaches, don’t trample aquatic plants.

• Follow municipal regulations and tourist office info (links below).

• 60-second check before launching:Time = morning • Route = short if in doubt • Life jacket = worn at all times • Phone in waterproof case • Water = 1–1.5 L per person • Small salty snack.

  
  

🔗 Direct links (Sampzon)

• Vigicrues – Ardèche at Vallon-Pont-d’Arc (official station)

• Vigicrues – Ardèche at Saint-Martin-d’Ardèche / Sauze (official station)

• Water quality – Sampzon beach (local portal Ardèche Inf’eau Plage)

• ARS report – Sampzon beach (recent example, PDF)

• National portal – water quality (Sampzon data sheet)

• Sampzon town hall – “Water quality” page

  
  

📍 Where can you rent a canoe/kayak in Sampzon (departure or arrival in Sampzon)?

Local bases offer canoe-kayak rentals with departures from Sampzon (launch at the foot of the rock) or arrivals in Sampzon after upstream drop-off.

Online booking lets you choose 2-seater/single, distance, and time slot. On site, you’ll get equipped: life jacket, paddles, waterproof barrel, plus a safety briefing before launching.

🧭 What are the main routes starting from Sampzon (distances & audiences)?

Three main formats: Sampzon → downstream 6–10 km (half-day, family-friendly), Sampzon → Châmes 12–13 km (best-seller “Maxi Fun”), and sometimes a laid-back day trip 12–13 km. All include pebble beaches, clear water, and fun features when river flow allows.

🏁 What routes end in Sampzon?

Two simple options: Upstream → Sampzon 3–6 km (super safe discovery, ideal with kids) and Ruoms/Balazuc → Sampzon 4–19 km (duration depends on starting point). The base drops you upstream, you paddle at your own pace, and arrive in the village of Sampzon.

🛶 Does the Sampzon → Châmes route (12–13 km) include canoe slides and the Pont d’Arc?

Yes, the “Maxi Fun” format includes canoe slides and the passage under the Pont d’Arc (depending on river conditions and daily safety rules). A varied, fun, yet accessible trip, with organized shuttle return.

🗓️ Should I book online, and what are the departure slots from Sampzon?

In season: yes. Online booking secures your slot, number of boats, and options. Departures for the 12–13 km route usually run in the morning (~9 am–1 pm), with shuttle returns scheduled in the afternoon at regular intervals (times confirmed at check-in).

💶 How much does canoe rental in Sampzon cost (indicative)?

Approx. €18–25 (Upstream → Sampzon 3–6 km), €20–30 (Sampzon → downstream 6–10 km), €30–40 (Upstream → Sampzon 12–18 km), and €35–40 (Sampzon → Châmes 12–13 km). Prices vary by season, operator, and extras (child seat, dry bags, family packs).

🎒 What’s included in the rental and what should I bring?

Often included: life jacket, paddles, waterproof barrel, map/briefing, and shuttle (for linear routes). Bring: closed shoes, cap, sunscreen, 1–1.5 L water per person, snack/picnic, waterproof phone case, dry clothes for after.

👶 From what age can children join trips from/to Sampzon?Most bases accept kids from ~7 years old if they can swim (25 m + immersion). For beginners: Upstream → Sampzon 3–6 km. For more family adventure: Sampzon → downstream 6–10 km. Life jacket must be worn at all times.

🐾 Are dogs allowed on Sampzon routes?

Some operators allow them on calm sections (often excluding slides/rapids). Ask when booking and bring harness, leash, foldable bowl. Depending on weather and flow, the operator may suggest a shorter route.

🚌 How do shuttles work when starting/arriving in Sampzon?

• Departure Sampzon → downstream arrival: you finish at the endpoint, then shuttle back to Sampzon.

• Upstream → Sampzon arrival: drop-off upstream, paddle back down to the village, and you’re done.Schedules are announced during the briefing; arrive a bit early at the meeting point.

  
  

🌤️ Best time/season to paddle in Sampzon?From spring to early autumn. In summer, mornings are best: soft light, fewer people, pleasant temperatures. In hot weather or north wind, shorten distance (e.g. 3–6 km arriving in Sampzon) and plan more shade breaks.

⏱️ How long to plan for each route from/to Sampzon?

Indicative (excluding breaks): 1h30–2h30 (3–6 km Upstream → Sampzon), 1h45–3h (Sampzon → downstream 6–10 km), ~3 hrs paddling (Sampzon → Châmes 12–13 km), ~5 hrs (Balazuc → Sampzon 19 km). Flow and pace affect timing.

🧾 Can I change/cancel if weather or river flow is unfavorable?

Most bases allow adjustments (shorter route, reschedule) if conditions aren’t favorable. Check cancellation terms when booking and follow safety instructions at the briefing.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Do you welcome groups (large families, stag/hen parties) in Sampzon?Yes, often with dedicated slots and group rates. Indicate group size, level, and preferred route (e.g. Sampzon → Châmes 12–13 km or Upstream → Sampzon 3–6 km) to arrange logistics and shuttles.

🌊 Is there a calm water area in Sampzon for beginners without rapids?

Yes: a lake area (~1 hr rental) allows you to try canoe/kayak/paddle in complete safety — perfect with toddlers or to get used to paddling before a real descent from/to Sampzon.

📖 Read our full article: “Canoe rental in Ardèche”