You can find more information about your night on the bivouac below.

• The bivouac is the only place autorized to spend the night in the nature reserve of the Gorges de l’Ardèche.
• There are 2 bivouacs in the Gorges de l’Ardèche, the bivouac of Gaud and Gournier. These are special equipped places that allow you to spend the night under the stars.
• In the off-season, only the bivouac of Gournier is open. Except for the night of 27 to 28 May and during the weekends of June, the bivouac of Gaud is also open.

For the FAQ of the descents in 2 days with an overnight stay on the bivouac, check this page.

If you want more information, do not hesitate to contact us :

How does a descent in 2 days with night on a bivouac area work?

Once your online reservation or your reservation by phone is made, you have an appointment at our departure base.

Attention do not forget to book your places on the bivouac.

There are several options: single night, night with tent 2 seconds for 2 or 3 people, cozy tent for 6 people or marabout tent for 15 people. To these options are added the possibility of reserving mattresses.

Once the formalities have been completed, you are ready to reach our reception point in Vallon Pont d’Arc. Depature takes place between 8am and 3.30pm for the descent of 31 km in 2 daysand between 9am and 1.30pm for the descent of 36 km in 2 days. On site you will find free and private parking to park your vehicle during the two days in canoe, a water fountain to fill your water bottles, and sanitary facilities. Our teams will provide you with the essential equipment for the descent; A 55-litre barrel, a life jacket and a double paddle per person, depending on the season we can give you a wetsuit. A detailed briefing of the route explaining the main characteristics and difficulties of the canoe descent of the Ardèche in 2 days, as well as a reminder of the basic techniques of handling a canoe or kayak, will take place before departure.

Your belongings installed in the barrels, you are ready for the adventure on the Ardèche in 2 days. The descent of the Ardèche in 2 days, much less crowded than the other routes, allows you to take your time.

Arrival at the bivouac Gorges de l’Ardèche

After a few quiet kilometers between beaches and beautiful cliffs, the first rapids and of course the famous Charlemagne rapid are there. Once recovered from your emotions, first break under the Pont d’Arc, a natural arch of more than 50 meters, unique in the world classified as a major site of France. A few more kilometers and you pass the stop sign, the last exit point before the nature reserve of the Gorges de l’Ardèche. The Tiourre stream on your left, known for its translucent basins, marks the official entrance to the nature reserve.

The best rapids, beaches and exceptional panoramas are linked in a wild and preserved nature conducive to disconnection. Still some efforts to reach the bivouac of Gaud or Gournier in the heart of the nature reserve.

The bivouacs are indicated by signs. At your disposal; drinking water, sanitary facilities with showers, barbecues with free access (charcoal being provided by the reserve). You have the possibility when booking your bivouac tickets online to book tents 2 seconds, cozy tents for 6 people or marabout tents for even more comfort. The bivouacs are managed by the reserve of Gorges de l’Ardèche, you will find on site agents in charge of the maintenance of the premises but also there to exchange and share their knowledge of the Gorges de l’Ardèche with visitors. Interpretive panels on the fauna and flora characteristic of the Gorges de l’Ardèche have recently been installed.

It is important to respect the place, therefore alcohol is prohibited on site, as well as fires outside the barbecues, remember to respect the tranquility of the bivouacs by limiting noise. Composters have been set up for green and food waste, but you will have to bring your other waste back to the arrival point in Sauze. Plan to take reusable water bottles rather than plastic water bottles, reusable cutlery and as little packaging as possible.

A night in the bivouac of Gaud or the bivouac of Gournier is a timeless experience in the middle of nature.

After a good night’s sleep under the stars, enjoy the sunrise in the Gorges de l’Ardèche, such a special moment. For breakfast you have the possibility to order coffees and cold drinks from the agents of the bivouac, attention payment only in cash.

A short walk to the canoe or kayak, left on the beach the day before and here you go for a second day of adventure on the Ardèche. On the program, the mythical rapids of the Toupine de Gournier and La Pastière, the Cathédrale rock and the Cirque de la Madeleine, and the highest cliffs of the Gorges de l’Ardèche; 250 meters high!!! At the bend of a meander you may see a herd of wild goats, nestled in the cliffs. There are also black kites, griffon vultures and Egyptian vultures, but especially the emblem of the Gorges de l’Ardèche, the Bonelli’s eagle. In the translucent waters live many fish, amphibians and cave beavers.

And then at the turn of a last bend we see the straight line of Sauze, a body of water of 1.5 km that will put your arms to the test. On your right, the cliffs and ramparts of the classified village of Aiguèze are gradually taking shape, and then on your left the beach of Sauze, meeting place for all canoeists, the end of the 2 days out of the ordinary in Ardèche. On site, our teams welcome you before the return by bus scheduled around 4pm. An hour’s drive and you are back in Vallon Pont d’Arc.

Your canoe adventure in 2 days is over, until next time.