Adventure & active · Vallon-Pont-d’Arc — Pont d’Arc — Châmes or selected gorge descent — shuttle return
Canoe beneath the Pont d’Arc through the Ardèche Gorges
Launch near Vallon-Pont-d’Arc, paddle beneath the immense natural arch and continue between limestone walls on a route matched to your experience and stamina.
The river gathers paddlers below Vallon and carries them toward a limestone wall that appears unbroken until the Pont d'Arc opens overhead. Beyond the arch, road noise falls away and the canyon begins to control the day: small rapids demand attention, long pools slow the rhythm and pebble beaches offer measured pauses beneath high cliffs.
Choose a short guided route if inexperienced and reserve the 24- or 32-kilometre descent only with sufficient fitness. Knowing how to swim and secured closed footwear are normally mandatory. Carry several litres of water, food and sun protection in the supplied container, check river conditions and never camp outside the reserve's authorised bivouac sites.