Family descent of the Ardèche river

Discover a different view of the river and explore the Ardèche away from the crowds with an instructor in Vallon Pont d'Arc.
Younger children can ride in the instructor’s boat (activity for ages 5 and up).
Meet at 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Departure 30 minutes later.

Give your children their first real adventure in the great outdoors with our mini canoe trip on the Ardèche, specially designed for young children aged 4 and up. Supervised by a qualified and enthusiastic instructor, this gentle and fun outing allows younger children to discover the pleasures of the river in complete safety, in an exceptional natural setting.
Upon arrival, families are welcomed into a friendly atmosphere. The instructor takes the time to present the equipment, explain the course of the outing and familiarise the children with the canoe. Here, everything is designed to reassure young and old alike: life jackets adapted to the size of the children, lightweight paddles, a leisurely pace and a short course, perfectly designed for a first experience.
The mini descent starts on a calm section of the Ardèche, where the clear, shallow water allows children to learn to feel comfortable. The instructor takes the youngest children on board, gives them tips on how to steer the boat and encourages them to participate. The first paddle strokes quickly become a game, and smiles multiply as the trip progresses.
Throughout the trip, families enjoy picture-postcard scenery: golden cliffs, the Pont d’Arc, birdsong and small beaches where you can take a break to play, observe the flora and fauna or simply enjoy the sun. The instructor shares a few anecdotes about the river, its inhabitants and its landscapes, making the experience both fun and educational.
The outing ends gently, with a gradual return to the base where there is a reception area where you can change quietly and share your impressions. The children leave feeling proud of themselves, delighted to have experienced their first big aquatic adventure, and often eager to come back for a longer trip!
Ideal for a family outing, this mini canoe trip with an instructor is the safest and most fun way to introduce young children to the pleasures of sailing on the Ardèche.

Equipments / Services

We speak : English, French

Minimum age : 4 years years

Opening / Rates

Opening

From 01/06 to 31/08/2026 daily.

Rates

Adult: 40 €
Child (4-12 years): 34 €.

  • Bank/credit card
  • Cash
  • Credit transfer
  • Online payment
  • Contactless payment

From 40 € / adult

Address

Patou Bateau et Guinguette Chez Patou St Martin
428 route de Sauze
07700 Saint-Martin-d’Ardèche

My route via Google Maps
  • Website
  • Facebook

Did you find this content useful?