Shuttle and canoe trailer at the Aventure Canoës base in the Ardèche

Parking & shuttle · included

Shuttle, parking and departure point: the logistics of your trip

"Where do we leave the car?" It's the question that comes up most. Good news: with us, parking and the return shuttle are free and included. Here is how a trip works, from the moment you arrive at the base to getting back to your car.

Where do you park and how do you get back to your car? Parking is free at the Salavas launch point, and the return shuttle is included in the price. You leave your car at the base; on arrival, a shuttle brings you back to it. You have nothing to organise.

How a trip works, from A to Z

Canoeing under the Pont d'Arc in the Ardèche — From arriving at the base to the shuttle back, everything is organised.

You arrive at the base, in Salavas, a stone's throw from Vallon-Pont-d'Arc.
You park your car in the free, shaded car park at the launch point.
We kit you out (life jacket, paddles, waterproof barrel) and give the briefing.
You go down the river at your own pace, with swimming breaks and, on most routes, passing under the Pont d'Arc.
On arrival, the shuttle brings you back to your car, free of charge.

Where to park for your Ardèche trip?

Car park and launch point of Aventure Canoës in Salavas — The free, shaded car park at the Salavas launch point.

A free car park at the Salavas launch point, right next to the base. No parking meter.
A leafy, shaded car park, so you come back to a cool car after your trip.
Our tips: arrive early in summer, keep only the essentials on the water, leave nothing visible in the car and bring dry clothes for the way back.

Where does the trip start? The departure point explained

Aventure Canoës hut and launch point, the meeting place for the trip — The Salavas base, your meeting point before getting on the water.

The Salavas base is your meeting point: that's where you pick up the gear and where the briefing takes place. The put-in point itself depends on your route (half-day, full day or 2 days with bivouac). The shuttle is what links the base to that starting point.

How does the canoe shuttle work?

It is free and included in the price, with no extra charge.
It runs with the current: depending on the route, it drops you at the put-in point in the morning, or picks you up on arrival to bring you back to your car.
The ride is short, often with a few words from our drivers, who know the river.

How much time to allow and when to arrive?

Allow a little margin when you arrive, for the gear and the briefing, and set off early in high season: morning departures are the most popular and you enjoy the river in peace. Exact times are confirmed when you book, depending on the season and the water level.

Your checklist before you go

Your booking confirmation.
As few valuables as possible, and nothing left visible in the car.
Closed shoes that stay on in the water.
Water, and a phone in a waterproof pouch.
An eye on the water level and the weather.

Frequently asked questions

How do you reach the base without a car?

The base is in Salavas, just across from Vallon-Pont-d'Arc. From Vallon it is a few minutes on foot or by bike. Contact us if you arrive by public transport and we'll tell you the easiest way.

Where do you leave your bags and bulky belongings during the trip?

You only keep the essentials on the water, in the waterproof barrel provided. Everything else stays in your car, in the car park at the base. Leave nothing visible inside.

Can you arrange the shuttle and parking for a large group?

Yes. For groups, we arrange the shuttles and the parking in advance. Contact us to sort out the logistics and, from 8 people, benefit from the group rate.

What happens if you arrive late at the base?

Let us know as soon as possible: depending on the time and the route, we push your departure back or find a solution. It's best to arrive with a little margin, especially in July and August.

Is there parking for campervans and minibuses?

The car park at the base takes large vehicles. For a minibus or several campervans, let us know in advance so we can keep the space you need.