What is the difference between the 24 km and the 31 km full-day canoe route?

The 24 km Grande Aventure (Châmes → Sauze) is an accessible full-day route suited to most paddlers — it does not pass under the Pont d'Arc, with departure at 9:30 am. The 31 km Super Aventure (Salavas → Sauze) passes under the Pont d'Arc and covers the entire gorges nature reserve — it requires good physical fitness and sustained paddling, with departure between 8:00 and 9:00 am. Both routes return between 4:00 and 5:00 pm depending on the season.

Is the full-day canoe trip suitable for beginners?

The 24 km Grande Aventure is accessible to paddlers who are comfortable in the water, even without prior canoe experience — Aventure Canoës provides a free initiation session before departure. The 31 km Super Aventure is reserved for experienced paddlers with good endurance. Swimming ability is required for both routes. If you are a complete beginner or travelling with young children, the half-day routes (5, 7 or 12 km) are a better starting point.

What time do full-day canoe trips depart and return?

The Grande Aventure (24 km) departs at 9:30 am. The Super Aventure (31 km) departs between 8:00 and 9:00 am. Both routes return between 4:00 and 5:00 pm. Exact times are confirmed at booking based on the season, water level, and conditions on the day.

Can I bring my dog on a full-day canoe trip?

Yes. Dogs are welcome at Aventure Canoës and a life jacket is provided free of charge. A full day on the water is a genuine physical challenge for an animal — make sure your dog is comfortable in the water and fit enough for the distance.

How do I choose between a half-day and a full-day canoe trip?

A full day means 5 to 7 hours on the water, versus 1h30 to 3 hours for a half-day. Choose the full-day format if you want to spend most of the day on the river, take swimming and picnic stops at your own pace, and discover more varied and iconic scenery. The half-day format is better suited to families with young children, first-time paddlers, or visitors with limited time. A full day does not require prior experience — only comfort in the water.

Full-day canoe in the Ardèche

A full-day canoe trip on the Ardèche offers a truly immersive experience on the river.

This format is designed for those who want to take their time, soak up the iconic gorge scenery, make as many stops as they like, and enjoy a genuine nature escape around Vallon-Pont-d’Arc.

A full day on the water strikes the perfect balance between discovery, relaxation and gentle adventure
No time pressure, and accessible to a wide range of paddlers.

Discover all our Ardèche canoe trips

Our full-day routes

Two routes offered by Aventure Canoë are suited to a full-day format. Both offer a rich variety of landscapes and a gradual immersion into the gorges.

24 km — The Great Adventure (Châmes → Sauze)

Best for: nature lovers • those seeking a real day on the river

Average duration: full day
Difficulty: easy to intermediate
Highlights: ardèche gorges • natural beaches • wild scenery

The route

Departure upstream from the launch point for a full day through the Ardèche Gorges.
This route lets you fully enjoy the river scenery, with cliffs, natural beaches, and wilder sections.
A gradual, accessible descent, but longer : ideal for those who want to spend a full day on the water.

The day is entirely free-form: swimming stops, picnics on natural beaches, and time to observe. Everyone moves at their own pace, with no time pressure, for total immersion in nature.

Departure: 9:30 am
Return: between 4:00 and 5:00 pm depending on the season
Level: suitable for those comfortable in the water

⚠️ Note: this route does not pass under the Pont d’Arc !

31 km — The Super Aventure (Salavas → Sauze)

Best for: active paddlers • experienced canoeists • physical challenge

Average duration: approx. 7 hours of paddling
Difficulty: sporty
Highlights: Pont d’Arc • Ardèche gorges • nature reserve

The route

An early morning departure from Salavas for the most demanding single-day route we offer.
The route passes under the iconic Pont d’Arc, then runs through the entire Ardèche gorges nature reserve, all the way to Sauze.
A complete adventure in a single day, reserved for the most motivated paddlers.
Stops are possible but must be managed carefully to cover the distance.

This descent requires a sustained pace and good endurance to fully enjoy the route.

Departure: between 8:00 and 9:00 am
Return: between 4:00 and 5:00 pm depending on the season
Level: sporty, for paddlers comfortable on the water

⚠️ Not suitable for children or beginners. Good physical fitness is essential.

Who is the full-day format for?

A full-day canoe trip is particularly well suited if you:

Want to spend most of the day on the river
Like taking your time, with swimming and picnic breaks
Are coming as adults, with friends, or as a family with children comfortable in the water

It’s the ideal format for those who want to truly immerse themselves in the Ardèche gorges.

Why Choose a Full-Day Trip?

Opting for a full-day outing means you can:

Discover more varied and iconic scenery
Enjoy the natural surroundings without watching the clock
Take several swimming or rest breaks
Live a more complete experience than a half-day trip

Not too short, not too long, the full day is the ideal format for a real adventure on the Ardèche, even without prior experience.

Tips for a great full-day trip

To make the most of your full-day canoe trip, here are a few useful tips:

Being able to swim is mandatory
Bring enough water and a picnic
Wear closed-toe shoes suitable for water
Protect yourself from the sun (hat, sunscreen)
Check out our article to choose the best time: When is the best time for your canoe trip?

The Aventure Canoës team will assist you before departure to help you choose the route best suited to your needs.

Full day or half day — How to choose ?

If you’re unsure between a half-day and a full-day trip, ask yourself:

Are you comfortable paddling for several hours at a stretch? A full day means 5 to 7 hours on the water, versus 1h30 to 3 hours for a half-day.
Do you have a whole day to dedicate to the activity, or would you prefer to keep time for other visits in the Ardèche?
Are you travelling with young children or people who are not used to physical effort? In that case, a half-day would be more suitable.

Compare with a half-day canoe trip

Practical information

Full-day trips generally depart in the morning between 8:00 and 9:00 am, with return in the late afternoon between 4:00 and 5:00 pm.
Exact times are confirmed at booking, based on the season, water level and conditions on the day.

Age limit, equipment, dogs… all answers in our FAQ

Why Choose Aventure Canoës?

A riverside base designed for relaxation

Our Salavas launch point is more than just a departure area.

Guests regularly praise its peaceful, idyllic setting.
Enjoy shaded parking on hot summer days and a private riverside beach.
Take your time and relax, before or after your trip.

A warm welcome from a local team

Vincent and Manon are your hosts.
Both grew up on the banks of the Ardèche and love sharing their passion for the river.
The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, far from large, impersonal operations.
A close-knit team: reliable shuttle drivers, a family spirit, and a warm welcome guaranteed.