Canoeing & Kayaking Down the Ardèche Gorges from Our Campsite

Your turnkey Ardèche Gorges descent directly from the campsite

Camping Les Truffières makes your canoe or kayak descent of the Ardèche Gorges effortless with a full-service experience reserved exclusively for our holidaymakers. Working in direct partnership with the local water sports centre, you can book your route directly at reception and benefit from complete logistical support.

This all-inclusive setup spares you from tedious admin, as well as the hassle of driving and hunting for parking near crowded launch points. Your vehicle stays safely parked on your pitch throughout your water excursion.

Whether you are looking for a gentle family paddle lasting a couple of hours or a multi-day athletic expedition through the heart of the Ardèche Gorges National Nature Reserve, our team is on hand to help you choose the ideal route suited to your fitness level, the age of your children, and real-time river conditions.

Why organise your canoe or kayak trip from our estate?

Staying at a campsite with an integrated Ardèche Gorges descent allows you to combine a relaxing nature break with water sports without any organisational stress. Situated in Saint-Marcel-d'Ardèche, right on the doorstep of the canyon, Camping Les Truffières streamlines your river outing thanks to our trusted partners (Ardèche Aventure / ABACA Canoë).

Paddling through a protected nature reserve:

From gliding underneath the natural limestone arch of the Pont d'Arc to arriving in Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche, you paddle beneath dramatic limestone cliffs rising up to 300 metres high within an unspoilt reserve.

Access to secluded beaches:

The descent allows plenty of time to pull up on hidden shingle beaches accessible only from the river—perfect for wild swimming and a riverside picnic.

Zero transport worries:

Avoid the heavy summer traffic jams around Vallon-Pont-d'Arc and the misery of searching for a car park in 35°C heat. Leave your car on your pitch; we handle the rest. By departing straight from the estate, your family or group of friends can make the most of your day on the river without worrying about retrieving vehicles at the finish line.

Canoeing routes accessible from our reception desk

1. Family Discovery Paddle (6 km)

If you are looking for a gentle introduction close to the campsite, the 6 km family route between Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche and Saint-Just-d'Ardèche is the ideal choice. Located downstream from the main canyon, this calm section is sheltered from strong currents. In about 2 hours of easy paddling, you will enjoy calm waters and broad, accessible riverbanks for a relaxing, fun and completely safe family day out.

Highlights of this route:

Tranquil & accessible:

Downstream from the rapids, this gentle flow is ideal for learning paddle techniques with young children.

Wildlife watching:

A great opportunity to spot riverside wildlife, including grey herons, Bonelli's eagles, and European beavers.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Stress-free family fun 6 km - Half day Family Discovery View rates & detailsHide details

From St Martin to St Just. Discover canoeing along a gentle, peaceful section of the river.

Estimated duration:

2 to 3 hrs (breaks included)

Price per person:

from €25

2. The Pont d'Arc Mini Descent (8 km)

Short on time but determined not to miss the world-famous Pont d'Arc? Departing from Vallon-Pont-d'Arc, this 8 km mini-descent delivers all the highlights in record time. In less than 2 hours of actual paddling, you glide right underneath the 54-metre-high natural stone archway. Enjoy fun river slides and gentle rapids without giving up your whole day, leaving you plenty of time to head back to the campsite and relax by the swimming pool by early afternoon.

Why choose this route?

Quick & iconic:

Less than 2 hours of paddling to pass beneath the celebrated 54-metre monumental limestone arch.

Great fun for all:

Enjoy small boat chutes, accessible rapids, and large pebble beaches for swimming along the way.

Book your campsite stay

🛶 Express & Iconic 8 km - Express Pont d’Arc Mini Descent View rates & detailsHide details

Departs from Vallon so you can paddle directly beneath the famous Pont d'Arc.

Estimated duration:

Under 4 hrs of paddling

Price per person:

from €25

3. Gorges Descent: Canyon Adventure (24 km)

The 24-kilometre journey through the heart of the Nature Reserve is our flagship full-day descent. It immerses you deep within the wild limestone canyon, striking a balance between exhilarating rapids and serene, mirror-like pools flanked by sheer cliffs.

Why pick this route?

Total wilderness immersion:

You travel through the most protected section of the gorges, completely free of roads or buildings.

Dynamic paddling:

A well-paced alternation between brisk currents, legendary rapids (such as the Charlemagne), and calm resting stretches.

⛰️ Full-day nature getaway 24 km - 1 day The Canyon Adventure View rates & detailsHide details

Keen to escape the holiday crowds and immerse yourself in untamed nature? The 24 km route takes you right into the Nature Reserve, where no roads can be seen. This energetic journey requires around 5 hours of steady paddling to conquer legendary rapids like the Charlemagne. It is the gold standard for wilderness seekers: a full day spent deep inside a majestic canyon walled by 300-metre cliffs.

Estimated duration:

~6 hrs of paddling + breaks

Price per person:

from €34

4. The Full Traverse & Bivouac Immersion (32 km)

Looking for a genuine expedition rather than a short spin? The full 32 km descent pairs the legendary passage under the Pont d'Arc with the complete canyon traverse, spread over one or two days. Choosing the two-day bivouac option allows you to spend the night at one of only two official riverside camp areas (Gaud or Gournier). This 48-hour total digital detox provides unforgettable immersion in this protected river environment.

Why choose this expedition?

The definitive river trip:

Experience the two finest sections of the river back-to-back: approaching the Pont d'Arc followed by the entire length of the canyon.

Overnight inside the reserve:

With the 2-day option, sleep under canvas or beneath the stars at one of the two designated bivouac areas (Gaud or Gournier).

Book your official bivouac permit

• 💪 Energetic & Adventurous 32 km - 1 day The Full Traverse View rates & detailsHide details

  Paddle under the Pont d'Arc followed by the complete journey through the nature reserve.

  Price per person:

  from €34

• ⛺ Reconnect with nature 32 km - 2 days Bivouac Immersion View rates & detailsHide details

  Includes a night under canvas inside the canyon (advance booking via Tourist Office mandatory). Passes beneath the Pont d'Arc.

  Price per person:

  from €45

• 🗺️ Full-scale expedition Full Raid - 2 nights The Grand Raid View rates & detailsHide details

  2 nights camping out, including one in the heart of the gorges for the ultimate adventure.

  Price per person:

  from €90

Logistics & Transport: Free shuttle bus and equipment included

When staying at Camping Les Truffières, you can book your descent directly at reception with no middlemen (open daily from 9:00 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 20:00). How your day unfolds: It could not be simpler! In the morning, meet right outside the campsite reception. Board our free shuttle bus—a return transfer service included in your booking for completely seamless logistics. When you finish paddling, a vehicle will be waiting at the landing stage to bring you straight back to the campsite. You return refreshed and without any transport hassle, usually just in time for a dip in the swimming pool or a refreshing pint at The Pub.

• Depart directly from the campsite

  Located on the canyon's doorstep, our campsite makes logistics effortless with departure and return organized straight from our reception desk.

• All equipment provided

  Everything you need is provided on site: stable canoes and kayaks, certified buoyancy aids, paddles, and watertight barrels.

• Booking at reception

  No complicated online forms: our friendly team advises you on the best route based on the weather forecast, water levels, and your preferences.

• Convenient amenities & Pub

  Pack your picnic at our handy grocery shop, and upon your return, unwind at our welcoming PUB or dine at our restaurant, L'Oustaou.

• Your vehicle parked safely

  Forget the stress of narrow gorge roads and crowded riverside car parks. Your car, campervan, or motorhome remains securely parked on your pitch.

• Poolside relaxation on your return

  Back from the river, relax and soothe your muscles in our solar-heated swimming pool, featuring extended evening opening hours.

Frequently Asked Questions About Planning Your Trip