Canoeing Holidays in the Ardèche

The southern Ardèche region in France, on the border of Rhône-Alps and Languedoc, is a haven for people seeking canoeing holidays or a more active break.

Locals call the Ardèche ‘France’s little secret’ and the secluded medieval villages and rugged gorges are a testament to its unspoilt character. The most popular experience (which draws French tourists from all over the country) is canoeing the gorge. Imagine paddling through the stunning Nature Reserve with its 32 rapids, long flat sections and amazing limestone walls stretching up to 1000ft above the meandering river below, lazing on the river banks and swimming in the river when the sun gets a little too hot…heaven. With all river trips you have the option to include an overnight bivouac in the heart of the Nature Reserve.

With Experience Ardèche you will have top quality instruction from highly experienced and qualified staff. However, the main benefit is the atmosphere that is created. With small group sizes and tailored sessions, there is ample opportunity for a peak adventure adrenaline rush but only if you are ready. The idea is for each individual to achieve as much (or as little) as they want. After all – it is your holiday!

The Ardèche Gorge (often referred to as the Grand Canyon of Europe) and surrounding area is the perfect location for an introduction to adventurous activities, with an average of 300 days sunshine a year and a Mediterranean climate. There is a multitude of activities to choose from with opportunities for you to experience anything from canoeing, kayaking and canyoning to horse riding and via ferrata.

There are short break and week-long holidays available. The short breaks include a personalised descent of the river for groups of between two and 12 people over any two- or three-day period. The perfect way to ensure you get the most from your Ardèche visit as well as maximising your safety with help and advice from your guide.

There are currently two week-long activity options available from Experience Ardèche. Firstly, there is the Canoe Package which includes a two-day river trip with your highly experienced guide as well as your accommodation for the week. The rest of the week is left for you to spend as you see fit. If you want to add other activities then you can select the Multi-Activity package or see what’s available when you are there.

Option two is the Multi-Activity Package which includes your accommodation and enables you to pre-book certain activities in addition to the two-day river trip. Activities available include climbing; caving; an extra day canoeing; canyoning; via ferrata and more – perfect for couples, families and small groups who want to create a bespoke week of activities.

For both options, camping, self-catered gîtes and hotel accommodation options are available.

Experience Ardèche offers something for everyone. And being only an hour away from London by plane, it is perfect for the holiday maker who doesn’t want to spend hours travelling, but at the same time wants to feel as if they have visited a remote part of the world.

Experience Ardèche provides an un-paralleled service, giving you an experience that you won’t forget. We passionately believe that your holiday is just that…yours!

Experience Ardeche website