Guided canoe trips : canoeing with a certified instructor

Enjoy a 100% safe canoe trip with a certified instructor

Want to discover the Ardèche with complete peace of mind alongside a passionate professional? Qualified with a state-certified diploma, our canoe-kayak instructors make your trip both safer and more rewarding.

Their presence is mandatory for children under 7, school groups, and summer camps. It is also highly recommended for people who are less comfortable in the water and want extra reassurance.

But beyond safety, our instructors are also guides: they know the river, its wildlife and flora, and are always happy to share stories and hidden secrets of the Ardèche Gorges.

Guided discovery experience
Supervision for children under 7
Technical instruction
Sport progression and coaching

It’s up to you to choose the kind of experience you want on the water !

Discover all our Ardèche canoe trips

Half-day guided canoe trips

All our half-day routes can be supervised by a state-certified instructor.

5 km Trip : The Mini Adventure with Canoe Slides (Sampzon → Salavas)

Duration: 1h30 of paddling
Best for: Families with young children, school groups

7 km Trip : The Little Adventure (Salavas → Châmes)

Duration: 2 hours of paddling
Best for: Discovering the Pont d’Arc, Summer camps

12 km Route : The Signature Adventure (Sampzon → Châmes)

Duration: 3 hours of paddling
Best for: Groups, Corporate events

Full-day guided canoe trips

Full-day guided canoe trips allow you to develop your skills further and discover the Ardèche gorges in their entirety.

24 km Trip : The Great Adventure (Vallon-Pont-d'Arc → Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche)

Durée : 5h à 6h de pagaie
Idéal pour : Groupes sportifs • Clubs

31 km Trip : The Super Adventure (Vallon-Pont-d'Arc → Sauze)

Duration: 6 to 7 hours of paddling
Best for: Corporate challenges, sport progression

Who are guided canoe trips for ?

The guided format is especially suited if you:

Are paddling with children under 7
Are part of a school group or summer camp
Are discovering canoeing for the first time
Feel less comfortable in the water and want extra reassurance
Want to improve your paddling skills
Would like to discover the hidden secrets of the Ardèche gorges

It’s a reassuring and enriching way to discover the Ardèche alongside a passionate professional.

Why choose a guided canoe trip?

Choosing a guided trip guarantees:

Enhanced safety: a state-certified professional supervises your group
Technical learning: paddling skills, reading the river, and navigation techniques
A guided discovery experience: secrets of the gorges, wildlife, flora, and local stories
A pace adapted to the group: personalised guidance based on everyone’s abilities
Mandatory supervision for children under 7 and school groups

Our instructors are true enthusiasts who know the Ardèche inside out and love sharing their knowledge.

How to prepare for your trip ?

To make the most of your guided canoe trip, here are a few simple recommendations:

Being able to swim is mandatory
The trip is accessible from age 4 with an instructor
Wear clothing suitable for water activities and closed-toe shoes
Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat in summer

The Aventure Canoës team is on-site to advise you before departure.

Questions about how the trip works? Our FAQ has all the answers

Self-guided or guided canoe trip: how to choose?

If you’re unsure between a self-guided trip and a guided canoe trip, consider:

The age of the participants (mandatory supervision for children under 7)
The type of group (school groups and summer camps require an instructor)
Your desire to learn and discover the hidden secrets of the river
Your need for safety and guidance

Plus d'infos pour faire du canoë avec des enfants sur notre guide : Âge minimum et conseils pour les enfants

Découvrez toutes nos descentes de l'Ardèche

Why choose Aventure Canoës?

A riverside nature base

Our Salavas launch point offers much more than just a place to start your trip:

A peaceful and green setting loved by our visitors
Shaded parking so you can return to a cool car after your trip
A private riverside beach to extend the experience before or after your descent
A quiet, countryside atmosphere far from the crowds

A story of family and passion

Vincent and Manon were born and raised here, on the banks of the Ardèche.
Deeply connected to their river, they are passionate about helping you discover it with authenticity and care.

With us, there’s no large impersonal operation, just a close-knit and experienced team, with passionate certified instructors, attentive shuttle drivers, and a genuinely warm family atmosphere.