Descent of the Ardèche: how it works

This is the first time you take a trip down the Ardèche River in a canoe, and you want to known everything about everything!

You will be friendly welcomed with a big smile by our team

Whether you are a couple, a familly or with friends, you will get an individual briefing, during which we will give you all the informations about your trip.

If you want to, we will explain to you the basic techniques to easily control your canoe.

You will have a life jacket and a container for your belongings. We advise you tu use adequate waterproof cases for you sensitive belongings (phone, camera, ect..)

Depending on the trip you choose, you will leave directly from our base with your canoe, or we will provide transport to your departure point. At the end of your trip, you will be welcomed by our team who will collect your canoe. Finally we will drive you back to our base with one of our confortable buses.

All along the Gorges, photographers are located at the most beautiful spots. Upon your return to our base, you will be able to see their photos and leave with a copy!

If you want to take a trip down the Ardèche River in a canoe with one or more children under 7 years old, you must be accompanied by a monitor holding a French State Instructor diploma. In this case we recommend a specially adapted trip: Discovering Beavers

We can prepare you a picnic, if you precise it during your booking . It need to be ordered before 5pm the day before your trip.

If you want to make your trip down the Ardèche River with a dog, it is possible, but the dog must weigh between 10 and 50kg. A very small dog is not safe and secure in a canoe, and a large dog can even make the canoe capsize. It is also important that your dog is not attached when with you in the canoe.

Plus all the other practical information concerning your trip down the Ardèche River in a canoe:

  • In summer the water is warm in the Gorges of the Ardèche River, reaching up to 25°C! Before and after summer, we supply you with neoprene wetsuits. We only organise trips down the Ardèche River from 1 April to 31 October.
  • You should wear sports clothing adapted to the season, trainers or water shoes with good adherence, a swimsuit and towel. If you wear glasses you should fit them with a neck cord. In the summer bring protective sun cream and a hat.
  • You must arrive thirty minutes before your Departure time, to give you adequate time to get ready.
  • It is also a good idea to have some cereal bars and water with you.
  • To take a trip down the Ardèche River in a canoe you need to be able to swim for 25 metres, be older than 7, or be accompanied by an Instructor who has a French State Instructor Diploma.

Discover the Ardèche gorges by canoe kayak, in the best conditions of safety and pleasure

Aigue Vive, canoe rental since 1987