To spend an unforgettable stay with a bivouac in the Ardèche Gorges, preparing is a must! Here is our checklist to know what to take so that you can leave lightheaded! Be careful, everything must fit in your backpack and/or in the container of the canoe. So, it is time to try a bit of minimalism…

To paddle, yomp or pedal in the Ardèche Gorges:

  • Suitable shoes that you are not afraid to make wet: hiking shoes if you take the Historic trip downriver through the Ardèche Gorges, trainer shoes for the mountain-bike/canoe stays in the Ardèche Gorges.
  • A hat or cap and sunglasses (with a cord for the canoe trip)
  • Sunscreen
  • Swimsuit
  • Mosquito repellent
  • Waterproof protection for your mobile phone if you want to keep it with you in the canoe

To sleep at the bivouac:

  • A tent : you can bring it yourself (see the recommended sizes in the FAQ) or rent it when you book the bivouac.
  • A sleeping bag or blanket
  • A floor mat: there are not mattresses orcamp beds on the spot.

To eat:

For both days:

  • 1 liter of water per person (drinking water at the bivouac)
  • 1 picnic per day
  • Cereal bars and fruits for snacks

For the overnight at the bivouac:

  • 1 meal for the evening (grills, pasta salad, rice salad, semolina…)Barbecue and charcoal available at the bivouac: do not forget your lighter and firelighters!
  • Plates, cutlery and preferably washable or eco-responsible cups (do not forget a washing-up liquid, a sponge, and a bin bag) and paper towels.
  • A gas stove and a small pan if you want to reheat your food or water in the morning
  • A breakfast
  • Drinks are offered at the bivouac: tea, coffee, and fruit juices at 2€ from 1stMay to 11th September (be careful, cash payment only, have spare change). Alcohol is forbidden in the nature reserve of the Ardèche Gorges.

For your comfort:

  • Take a complete change of clothes and a jumper or fleece jacket for the evening at the bivouac
  • Bring light shoes or flip-flops for the evening because your shoes for the day may highly be wet.

For the practical side:

  • A torch or headlamp becausethe bivouacs are not lit at night
  • A first aid kit with materials for minor injuries
  • A toilet bag with toilet paper and your hygiene products.
  • Towels

For any other questions, you can look at the frequently asked questions !

And, above all, do not forget… to relax!