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Shuttle, parking, starting point: the logistics of your Ardèche trip, explained
Good news, at Aventure Canoës, parking and the shuttle are free and included. All you have to do is turn up.
Before booking an Ardèche trip, one question comes up almost every time: "and my car, how do I get back to it at the end?".
It's often the only real thing holding beginners back. The reality is much simpler than it looks. The parking, the starting point and the return shuttle are organised for you, from the start of your day on the river to the finish.
How does an Ardèche trip work, from A to Z?
An Ardèche canoe trip isn't just the time you spend on the water. Here's the full run-through, from arriving by car to the moment you head off again, so you can picture what your day looks like.
1 - You arrive at the base
Meet at our watersports base in Salavas, a stone's throw from Vallon-Pont-d'Arc, the gathering point for all the trips.
2 - You park your car
A free, leafy, shaded car park awaits you near the base. You leave your vehicle there with complete peace of mind.
3 - Equipment and getting on the water
We hand you a life jacket, paddles and a watertight barrel, with a briefing on the route. Depending on the itinerary, a shuttle takes you to the starting point.
4 - You head down the river
You paddle at your own pace through the gorges, with swimming breaks and the passage under the Pont d'Arc on most routes.
5 - The shuttle brings you back to your car
At the finish, a free shuttle takes you back to the starting point. You're reunited with your vehicle, hassle-free.
Where to park for your Ardèche trip?
Free parking at the base
- You leave your car in the free car park at our launch site in Salavas.
- No parking meter, no tricky hunt for a space in the village: you arrive, you park, you come and join us.
- This is where it all begins, and where the shuttle will bring you back.
Our parking tips
In July and August, the Ardèche is very busy. Arrive early in the morning to enjoy the beaches before the crowds. Remember to sort out your belongings before you head onto the water too.
- Keep only the essentials with you, in the watertight barrel provided: phone, keys, a little cash.
- Although the car park is watched over by us, don't leave any valuables visible in your vehicle during the trip.
- Pack a dry change of clothes to leave in the car, very welcome for the journey back.
Where does the trip begin? The starting point explained
The base, your meeting point
- Everything starts at our base in Salavas, before the gorges.
- It's your meeting point: this is where you collect your equipment and receive your instructions before getting on the water.
- The trip sets off from here and takes you through the river's most iconic landscapes.
The put-in point depending on your route
- The exact starting point on the river depends on the route you choose.
- A half-day trip, a full day or a two-day adventure with a bivouac don't share the same put-in or the same finishing point.
- When you book, the route and its landmarks are clearly explained, and the team points you in the right direction on site.
How does the canoe shuttle work?
Outbound or return: how it works
- The shuttle principle is simple: since a trip runs in the direction of the current, your finishing point is never the same as your starting point. The shuttle links the two.
- Depending on the route, it takes you to your put-in in the morning, or it picks you up at the finish to bring you back to your vehicle.
- Either way, this transport is free and included in your trip.
How long to allow for the shuttle
The shuttle ride is short and part of the experience, our drivers usually take the opportunity to give you a guided tour.| Route | Indicative time on the water | Free shuttle included |
| Half-day | From 1.5 hours to a few hours | Yes |
| Full day | A whole day, breaks included | Yes |
| 2 days with bivouac | Spread over two days, with a night at the bivouac | Yes |
| Guided trip | Depending on the supervised route chosen | Yes |
As you'll have gathered, you don't have to worry about getting back to your car:
- The shuttle is designed for exactly that
- No round trip for you to organise
- No extra charge to budget for
How long to allow and what time to arrive?
Allow a little leeway when you arrive to park, get kitted out and listen to the briefing before getting on the water.
In high season, setting off early in the morning is still the best strategy: you enjoy the river in peace and the beaches before the crowds.
One last practical point: the Ardèche's level can vary depending on the rain and how the dams are managed. In the event of a flood or too low a flow, navigation can be temporarily suspended. Check before you set off, and remember to book your slot in advance, especially in July and August.
Your checklist before you set off
To arrive relaxed on the day, here are the boxes to tick before you leave your accommodation:
- Route and date booked
- Arrival time at the base noted down
- Car cleared of valuables
- Closed shoes that can get wet
- Water, snacks and water-resistant sun cream
- Phone in a waterproof pouch
- A dry change of clothes left in the car
- Water level and weather checked
Book your trip, stress-free
Parking, shuttle and equipment are free and included: all that's left is to choose your route and your date.
Discover our trips, check our rates or get in touch to plan your Ardèche adventure.
FAQ: your questions about the logistics of the trip
How do you get to the Aventure Canoës base if you don't have a car?
- Vallon-Pont-d'Arc is served in season by regional bus lines, and many campsites and accommodation options nearby are just a few minutes from our base.
- If you're coming without a vehicle, the easiest thing is to call us to plan your visit: we'll tell you the best way to get here from where you're staying, via our contact page.
Where do you leave your bags and bulky belongings during the trip?
- On the water, you take only the essentials in the watertight barrel provided.
- Larger luggage stays in your car in the base car park.
- If you don't have a vehicle on site, let us know when you book so we can find the best solution with you.
Can you arrange the shuttle and parking for a large group?
- Yes, group trips (large families, corporate groups, holiday camps, birthdays, stag and hen dos) are our daily routine.
- The shuttle adapts to the number of participants, and parking for several vehicles is provided.
- For a quote or a tailored arrangement, write to us via the contact us page.
- Organising an outing for your company? Read our full articles on team-building in the Ardèche and nature retreats.
What happens if you arrive late at the base on the day of the trip?
- Departures are staggered throughout the day, so a small delay can usually be made up on the next slot.
- Beyond that, let us know as soon as possible by phone: we'll push back your put-in when we can.
- To avoid stress, look up your route and the recommended arrival time in advance.
Is there suitable parking for motorhomes and minibuses?
- Yes. Large vehicles may need a little more room than the standard spaces, especially in high season.
- We recommend contacting us before your visit to reserve the space needed and arrange your departure smoothly.
- All our contact details are on the contact page.
