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Peaceful paddling in September

This September we are looking forward to running loads of Ardèche Canoeing trips. The month is very popular among those who want to enjoy the Ardèche without the summer crowds and take on the famous Ardeche Gorge in their own time.

We have groups from stag weekends to honeymooners (not at the same time!) coming to enjoy the river during the course of the month as well as others that are staying for longer to take part in activities such as cycling, mountain biking, canyoning and climbing.

As usual, the Evasion Travel team will be on hand, transporting and advising our clients as well as taking them to all of their activities. On the river, we’ll be making sure that they have everything that they need to have an enjoyable descent. The water gets a little cooler and there is a chance of rain in September so another layer or two are often advised!

Our Ardèche canoe trips are almost always self guided (guides are available  and are obligatory at high water levels) with a briefing on the canoes and the river provided before departure. We find that due to the nature of the river, the descent is manageable for most under their own supervision. Local guidelines say that people should be in reasonable physical condition and be able to swim. Children must be aged 7 or over. There are plenty of exciting rapids on the river and each comes with the possibility of falling out of the boat! Scary as this sounds, the river calms down pretty quickly after the rapids and gives the sodden paddler a chance to retrieve their canoe, paddle and other gear!

Each paddler gets one of these waterproof barrels for their kit

After 12km of paddling we usually stop at the first of two Ardèche Gorge National Park campsites. These are very basic with just a toilet block, some big barbecues and lots of camping pitches. There are also basic dormitory style cabins for those that prefer a roof over their heads. On a nice evening, a hammock strung between a couple of trees or a simple tarpaulin are all that you need. For a little more privacy a basic tent will suffice. A sleeping mat and lightweight sleeping bag are all that is required in addition and these, as well as 3-man tents are provided by Evasion Travel for all of our clients. Many short break clients fly from the UK with just hand luggage.

With barbecue coals provided by the campsite, you just need to grab a handful and within no time your provisions are cooking nicely on the grills. With full bellies and a canopy of stars, it’s a chance to unwind and relax in preparation for another day of paddling.

Day 2 on the river is 20km but getting on the river has none of the learning of yesterday. By now you are seasoned canoeists and can stow your gear back in your waterproof barrels and be on the water in a jiffy. The day is spent in the heart of the Ardèche gorge, a canyon that has been carved over millennia into one of Europe’s most enchanting natural features. Steep limestone cliffs rise out of the water, heavy forest hugs the slopes and hunting birds circle overhead. During quiet periods like this it can feel like you are the very first person to explore the gorge as you paddle the deep channels that separate the rapids. Eventually the cliff-top village of Aigueze comes into view and you know that you have nearly conquered the gorge. On the opposite bank lies Sauze, your pick-up point where we transport you back to the top of the descent. Getting to Sauze can often be a fight against the afternoon breeze but rest assured that a well earned drink or ice cream await!

Two day Ardèche canoeing trips are available with Evasion Travel from April until October. They can also be incorporated into longer holidays. Clients are accommodated at our Ardèche hotel or campsite.

See http://evasiontravel.co.uk/ardeche for all the details.

Post by Adam