The canoe descent of the Gardon from Collias to the Pont du Gard is one of the best-known family paddling trips in southern France. The river runs through the Gorges du Gardon in the Gard department of Occitanie, roughly 30 km west of Avignon, and the route covers about 8 km in two to three hours of unhurried paddling. The start is the village of Collias, where Kayak Vert operates from the Chemin de la Rive, and the finish is beside the Roman aqueduct of the Pont du Gard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Paddlers glide beneath limestone cliffs, past gravel beaches and through gentle rapids before the three tiers of the aqueduct appear overhead.
No previous experience is needed. The trip is graded easy, and the current is mild in normal summer conditions, though water levels drop in dry spells and paddlers may need to push or carry the canoe over shallow gravel bars. Participants should be able to swim and be comfortable getting wet. Operators generally set a minimum age for children, commonly around six years, and require each child to wear a life jacket and share a canoe with an adult; the operator confirms the exact limit when booking. Group size and weight limits apply to each boat.
Canoes, paddles, life jackets and a waterproof barrel for valuables are supplied by the operator, which has run descents on this stretch for many years. Visitors bring swimwear, water shoes or secured sandals, sunscreen, a hat and a towel. A shuttle or return transport arrangement is normally included so that paddlers are brought back to Collias from the Pont du Gard end, and participants should check the pickup time at the end of the trip.
Safety is handled through a short briefing before launch covering paddling technique, how to pass the small rapids, what to do after a capsize and the rule of keeping life jackets fastened at all times. Staff monitor river levels, and the descent is cancelled or modified when the Gardon is running high after heavy rain, which can happen quickly in the Cévennes foothills and in autumn storms. Emergency access to the river is possible at several road points along the gorge.
The season runs from April to October. July and August are warmest and busiest, with the water ideal for swimming stops, while May, June and September give quieter water and cooler air. Early spring can bring cold water and higher flows, and the river is best avoided entirely during or just after storms or when the prefecture issues flood alerts. Prices are around EUR 25-30 per adult, and reservation in advance is advisable on summer weekends.
| Price | About EUR 25-30 (~$29-35) per adult; confirm current rates and reserve online at kayakvert.com |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 to 3 hours on the water |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Season | April-October |
| Address | Kayak Vert, Chemin de la Rive, 30210 Collias, France |
Activity facts
- Where
- Collias, Gard (about 30 km west of Avignon)
Equipment
Swimwear, water shoes, sunscreen, waterproof bag; canoe, paddles and life jackets are supplied by the operator
Location
Kayak Vert, Chemin de la Rive, 30210 Collias, France
43.9526, 4.4666 View on map
Highlights
- Paddle about 8 km through the Gorges du Gardon beneath limestone cliffs
- Finish beside the three-tier Roman aqueduct of the Pont du Gard (UNESCO site)
- Stop at gravel beaches for swimming and picnics along the way
- Equipment and life jackets supplied; no experience needed
Tips for visiting
- Reserve ahead for July and August weekends; morning departures are cooler and less crowded.
- Wear water shoes and bring a hat and sunscreen, as there is little shade on the open stretches.
- Use the supplied waterproof barrel for phones, keys and cameras; a secured action camera is a better option than a loose phone.
- Check the operator's cancellation policy for rain or high river levels before paying.
- Allow time after the descent to walk around the Pont du Gard site before the return transfer.
When to visit
June to September gives warm water and reliable levels; mornings are quieter. Avoid periods of storms or flood alerts, and low-water weeks in a dry late summer.
Accessibility
The activity involves stepping into and out of canoes on gravel banks and is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with significant mobility limitations. Visitors with limited mobility can still view the Pont du Gard from the site's paved paths.
Frequently asked questions
Is previous canoeing experience required?
No. The route is graded easy and the operator gives a briefing before launch. Participants should be able to swim and be comfortable getting wet.
How long does the descent take?
The 8 km trip takes about two to three hours on the water, depending on river level, stops for swimming and paddling pace.
Can children take part?
Children are accepted from a minimum age set by the operator, usually around six years, and must wear a life jacket and share a canoe with an adult. Confirm the limit when booking.
What happens if the river is too high?
The operator cancels or modifies the descent when the Gardon runs high after heavy rain. Ask about the refund or rebooking policy when reserving.