3-day canoe trip down the Ardèche in the nature reserve
3 days · 2 nights · easy pace

3-day canoe trip down the Ardèche with bivouac

★★★★★ Rated 4.8/5 on Google · From €55

Three days to paddle down the Ardèche gorges without rushing: two short days of paddling and a longer one, a night at a campsite and a night at a bivouac in the heart of the nature reserve. From 31 to 36 km, canoe and shuttle included, from €55.

What is a 3-day canoe trip? The same gorges route as the 2-day trip (31 or 36 km), but spread over three days with two nights on the way. Shorter days of paddling, so the most relaxed format to really enjoy the river, all the way to Sauze.

Our 2 three-day trips

La Super Aventure 3 days, 31 km canoe route from Salavas to Sauze

La Super Aventure · 31 km

Salavas → Sauze · 3 days / 2 nights · accessible

Short days of paddling (about 1 hr 30, 2 hr 30 then 4 hrs): the most accessible route, ideal for taking your time.

From €55 · see our prices

La Maxi Aventure 3 days, 36 km canoe route from Sampzon to Sauze

La Maxi Aventure · 36 km

Sampzon → Sauze · 3 days / 2 nights · intermediate

The longest route, well spread out (about 3 hrs, 3 hr 30 then 3 hrs): start at Sampzon with slides, the Pont d'Arc and the gorges.

From €62 · see our prices

Day by day

DayStageThe night
Day 1Launch and first stretch down to Camp des Gorges.Equipped campsite at Camp des Gorges.
Day 2Under the Pont d'Arc and through the heart of the gorges.Official bivouac at Gaud or Gournier.
Day 3Last part of the gorges down to Sauze beach.Return by shuttle.

The 2 nights

Camp des Gorges campsite, first night of the 3-day trip

Night 1 · Camp des Gorges

An equipped riverside campsite: toilets, showers and a beach. A comfortable first night after the start.

Official bivouac at Gaud or Gournier, second night in the heart of the nature reserve

Night 2 · Bivouac Gaud or Gournier

An official bivouac in the heart of the nature reserve, with water, toilets and showers. The real night in the gorges.

Important Both nights (the Camp des Gorges campsite and the Gaud or Gournier bivouac) are booked separately and are not included in the price of the trip. We explain everything in our guide on how to book your bivouac.

Who is the 3-day trip for?

  • La Super Aventure (31 km) is accessible: two short days of paddling then a longer one, perfect for families and anyone who wants to take their time.
  • La Maxi Aventure (36 km) suits a good intermediate level, with a longer route well spread over three days.
  • For a shorter trip, see our 2-day trip or our full-day trips.

What's included

  • The canoe or kayak hire for the 3 days, with paddles and life jackets.
  • The return shuttle from Sauze.
  • French gear, life jackets and paddles included.

What to bring

  • The booking of both nights (campsite and bivouac), made separately.
  • Your camping and sleeping gear for the two nights.
  • Food and water for the three days.
  • A waterproof bag or barrel, closed shoes that stay on in the water and sun protection.

Practical info

  • You must be able to swim on the 3-day routes.
  • Departure on day one between 9am and 4pm, arrival at Sauze around 4:30-5pm on day three.
  • Both nights are booked separately and in advance: places in the nature reserve are limited.
  • Exact times are confirmed when you book, depending on the season and the water level.

Why book your 3 days with Aventure Canoës?

  • Three days designed to take your time: short days of paddling and two nights to unwind, even with children on the 31 km route.
  • A team from Vallon who know every stage of the gorges and set a pace that suits your level.
  • We guide you through booking the campsite and the bivouac, and the return shuttle from Sauze is included.

Frequently asked questions

How much paddling is there each day?
On La Super Aventure (31 km): about 1 hr 30 on day one, 2 hr 30 on day two and 4 hrs on day three. On La Maxi Aventure (36 km): about 3 hrs, 3 hr 30 then 3 hrs. The rest of the time is for breaks, swimming and the nights.
Where do you sleep on the two nights?
The first night at the equipped Camp des Gorges campsite (toilets, showers, beach), the second at an official bivouac at Gaud or Gournier, in the heart of the nature reserve. Both nights are booked separately: we explain everything in our guide on how to book your bivouac.
Is the 3-day trip suitable for families?
Yes, especially La Super Aventure (31 km): the days of paddling are short and the pace is relaxed, which suits families well. La Maxi Aventure (36 km) requires a good intermediate level.
What is included in the price?
Included: the canoe hire for the 3 days, paddles, life jackets and the return shuttle from Sauze. Both nights (campsite and bivouac) and your camping gear are extra.
Do you need to be able to swim?
Yes, being able to swim is required on the 3-day routes. Life jackets are provided and worn at all times on the water.