Day 1: Depart UK; Arrive Ardeche Gorge
Depart Heathrow Terminal Three this morning on the British Airways flight to Marseille Terminal One (13:05-16:00). The group will be collected on arrival in Marseille and travel to Ardeche Gorge via the town of Vallon Pont du Arc (2.5 hours transfer by minibus).
We set up camp at Camping des Tunnels, Vallon Pont d’Arc and this evening supper is include at the camp’s own restaurant.
Vallon Pont d'Arc is a small town in the Ardeche department of the Rhone-Alpes, at the western end of the Gorges de l'Ardeche. A quiet tranquil place in winter, the village leaps to life in summer when numerous visitors, wishing to explore the Gorges de l'Ardeche, descend on the town.
NB. On day 6 we shall spend time in Vallon.
Day 2: Trek to Pont du Arc; driven tour of Ardeche Gorge
We start the day with a walk to the Pont du Arc (a famous limestone arch). From here, we drive down the D290 road for a view of the entire gorge, stopping at various viewpoints – this is a great photo picture day! Care will need to be taken at the viewpoints when the group leave the vehicles.
In the evening, students will help pack the equipment and food for the following days. The students will eat in camp and will be encouraged to help prepare food for the group.
Day 3: Kayaking on the Ardeche River – first leg
Today we’ll kayak the first leg of the Ardeche River, between the Pont du Arc and Gaud (or Gournier) bivouac site, where we’ll set up camp for the evening.
The rangers of the Ardeche Gorge will offer an evening’s video showing how the Gorge was formed. It’s an 18km ride along a gentle stretch of the river. There will be time for regular stops along the way, with a picnic lunch provided on the river bank.
The section of the Ardeche River which we will be covering over the course of these two days is safe for beginners with minimum amount of canoe training, but offers beautiful scenery and a real sense of wilderness.
On arrival at the campsite, the students will help prepare dinner in small groups.
Day 5: Canyoning
The group will depart the campsite this morning for a full day of canyoning and gorge walking in the Ardeche Gorge.
We’ll follow the course of the meandering riverbed, swimming, walking, and sliding through natural water chutes along the way. Return to the campsite in the evening for a BBQ dinner.
Day 6: Day trip to Vallon
After breakfast the group will have the chance to join the ropes course and learn rope techniques and attempt an abseil, accompanied by trained guides.
Later the group will drive into Vallon to enjoy exploring this old French town. Vallon is a commune typical of this region of France, with a 17th century town hall and a lively old quarter. The student will have a chance to explore in small groups.
Later in the afternoon time will be spent packing away the equipment. In the evening, book into a local restaurant for a celebratory meal.
Gane & Marshall
Unforgettable journeys,
tailor-made for you.
Ardeche Adventure
This short-haul adventure takes place in the Ardeche Gorge, Southern France, and combines kayaking, canyoning and camping in one 7-day itinerary, perfect for summer or school half-term breaks.
Outline Itinerary
Private Expeditions
Please contact the office for more information
