3 places to make rafting in Ardèche

Do you feel like a strong feeling? Here are 3 places to make rafting in Ardèche.

You have the paddle in hand, it’s good. Did you put the combination on? It’s good too, just like the helmet. You have good footwear and you are very motivated to measure yourself to the rapids of the ardéchoise rivers. Perfect! But by the way, it looks like the rafting. Ardèche ?

It is a pneumatic boat on which can take 6 to 8 people. Its great advantage is to be able to pass everywhere, to be flexible and especially insubmersible. Thanks to him, you will be able to cross the rapids of the torrents with a good dose of sensations. This falls well, there are some interesting rivers of this type in Ardèche and which are perfect to start this practice. To make you want, here are 3 hot spots in Ardèche.

BON A LEARN

The practice of rafting is classified according to 6 levels of difficulty. Level 1 is the easiest, of course, accessible to all while level 6 corresponds to almost impossible rivers to navigate. Rest assured, in Ardèche, the difficulty does not exceed level 4.

Note: Often, there is a bit of walking to reach the starting point and the crew must wear the raft.

1. The Gorges of the Allier

As its name suggests, it is a canyon dug by the Allier River that is considered one of the wildest in Europe. The gorges are on horseback on the extreme north of the Ardèche, the Haute-Loire and the Lozère. Their total distance of more than 50 kilometers is particularly suitable for rafting in Ardèche.

It is also the best activity to discover the gorges from the water because there is almost no access point to the river except by the railway. In addition, they are accessible at all levels.

The course

To go through the Gorges de l’Allier, most guides offer two options: a discovery course and a sports course. Most food service providers offer to combine rafting and canoe day with a lunch break and swimming.

The course is divided into two parts and it starts strong because it is the first half that moves the most. Indeed, there are quite a lot of rapids with sensational passages especially after a Naussac dam drop. The most well-known rapid passages are "the crying rock" and "the pony boat", a whole program! A few flat rocks by this, by which one can have fun, maybe a small waterfall too otherwise it’s not funny.

The second part of the course is much quieter, it’s perfect to recover from its emotions. And then the guide can indicate nice places to jump into the rollers safely.

Practical information

The descent of the Allier Gorges and the practice of rafting in Ardèche takes place, in general, from April to October. But the best times are in April, May and August. The gorges are difficult to access so there are not a lot of starting points to put the boat to water. Most guides start in Monistrol d’Allier in Haute-Loire. So we have to plan a little car from the Ardèche.

For rates, the average is between 45 and 50€ Half day per person.

2. The Gorges du Chassezac

The Channerac River is the main tributary of the Ardèche and its great advantage is to be less frequented than the Ardèche River. Yet, the Chassezac offers superb views of the landscapes of the Ardéchoise Cevennes.

The gorges are located at the low-value level from the village of Les Vans. They form the ideal place to start rafting in Ardèche.

The course

The gorges of Channerac are ideal for beginners who don’t know what to expect with the rafting or who apprehend. The descent is more like a trip by airboat than a true traditional descent.

However, although it is quiet, you will cross a few reels and fast. What to give you some nice sensations. The rest of the course is dedicated to the discovery of the gorges thanks to the explanations of the guide. The pneumatic boat allows access to wild places that are inaccessible by land. This is a great opportunity to discover the region’s fauna and flora.

Practical information

To make rafting in Ardèche in the gorges of Chassezac, the starting point is in the Assions on the basis of leisure. It takes 1 hour from Privas to get there.

For rates, it is necessary to plan about 25€ per adult and 22€ for children .

Note: In times of high heat, it is possible that rafting practice is regulated or impossible if the water level is insufficient.

3. Descent of the Ardèche

The gorges of Ardèche are one of the most popular tourist destinations France . It must be said that the landscapes are spectacular.

One of the most famous sites is the Pont d’Arc, a 60-metre high stone arch. But there are lots of others that you can discover during a rafting trip to Ardèche.

The course

There are 2 rafting routes on the Ardèche. The first part of Aubenas and goes down to Voguë. This part is very playful, you will learn to cross different types of rapids and rollers. During the quieter passages, the accompanier will present you the fauna and the ardéchoise flora. There will be a little history too, more precisely prehistory since the region is home to the Chauvet cave . You will end in beauty by the village of Voguë.

The second course leaves Vallon and goes to Châmes. This one is quieter than the previous one with few sports passages. It is particularly suitable for families. It is no less beautiful because you will have the opportunity to pass under the Pont d’Arc. You can even enter a cave and climb on the surrounding cliffs to discover the point of view.

Practical information

Attention, the river gorges are particularly susceptible to water level decreases. This is why the practice of rafting in Ardèche is rarely possible in summer. Take spring or fall.

Depending on the providers, the appointment can be made at the starting point of the route or at the guide desk with a minibus transport. In terms of rates, count between 40 and 45€ per person.