Downstream trail of the Ardèche Gorges hike (part 3)

SAINT-REMEZE
Downstream trail of the Ardèche Gorges hike (part 3)
Hard
8h
11,6km
+236m
-271m
⚠️ The hike in the Ardèche Gorges is a challenging route. It is intended for experienced hikers and is not recommended for young children.
The trail is very rocky, and there is a significant elevation gain (+/- 500m).
The route follows the river and includes two mandatory fords, handrails, a ladder and a chimney.
The entire route is only feasible when the river water level is very low. Check before setting off.
The trail is very rocky, and there is a significant elevation gain (+/- 500m).
The route follows the river and includes two mandatory fords, handrails, a ladder and a chimney.
The entire route is only feasible when the river water level is very low. Check before setting off.
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Majestic gorges with luminous rocks sculpted by water and time. Protected flora and fauna, typical of limestone cliffs and the Mediterranean climate.
The trail runs along the cliff edge at times and along the riverbank at others, offering numerous opportunities for swimming along the way.
The trail runs along the cliff edge at times and along the riverbank at others, offering numerous opportunities for swimming along the way.
Description
The Ardèche Gorges hiking trail connects Vallon-Pont-d'Arc and Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche. An approach hike is possible from the Vallon-Pont-d'Arc Tourist Office to the Belvédère downstream from Pont d'Arc. This section starts from there and continues to the Gournier Bivouac. The downstream section goes from the Gournier Bivouac to Sauze Beach in Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche.
A Topo-Guide is available at the information offices of the Ardèche Gorges – Pont d'Arc Tourist Office. You will find the detailed and illustrated route there. The trail is marked on site.
A Topo-Guide is available at the information offices of the Ardèche Gorges – Pont d'Arc Tourist Office. You will find the detailed and illustrated route there. The trail is marked on site.
- Departure : Gournier campsite, Saint-Remèze
- Arrival : Sauze Beach, Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche
- Towns crossed : SAINT-REMEZE, BIDON, SAINT-MARCEL-D'ARDECHE, and SAINT-MARTIN-D'ARDECHE
Forecast
Altimetric profile
Recommandations
The entire hike is not feasible year-round due to the fords where water levels can be too high. Be sure to check the weather and water levels with the Tourist Office before setting out.
It is possible to exit the nature reserve to return to the Gorges tourist route at the Gau and Gournier bivouacs, but to complete the entire hike, it is strongly recommended to spend a night in one of the two bivouacs. They are open and staffed from Easter to the end of September. Reservations are required at the Vallon-Pont-d'Arc or St-Martin-d'Ardèche Tourist Offices or on the Ardèche Gorges Office website.
Warning! The Ardèche Gorges trail is a linear path, not a loop. You will therefore need to arrange a vehicle upon arrival or arrange your return by shuttle. Transport companies offer this service. You can park your vehicle at the Sauze car park in Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche, the Pont d'Arc car park, or the bus station car park in Vallon-Pont-d'Arc. From the latter, you can take a shuttle bus that runs in the summer, or the hiking trail that leads to the starting point in Chames.
– May, June, September, and October are the best months to visit. The temperatures are cooler, and the days are sunny.
– Stay on the trails to protect the flora.
– Be as discreet as possible to avoid disturbing the animals that live here.
– Obviously, do not throw any trash or toilet paper in the countryside.
It is possible to exit the nature reserve to return to the Gorges tourist route at the Gau and Gournier bivouacs, but to complete the entire hike, it is strongly recommended to spend a night in one of the two bivouacs. They are open and staffed from Easter to the end of September. Reservations are required at the Vallon-Pont-d'Arc or St-Martin-d'Ardèche Tourist Offices or on the Ardèche Gorges Office website.
Warning! The Ardèche Gorges trail is a linear path, not a loop. You will therefore need to arrange a vehicle upon arrival or arrange your return by shuttle. Transport companies offer this service. You can park your vehicle at the Sauze car park in Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche, the Pont d'Arc car park, or the bus station car park in Vallon-Pont-d'Arc. From the latter, you can take a shuttle bus that runs in the summer, or the hiking trail that leads to the starting point in Chames.
– May, June, September, and October are the best months to visit. The temperatures are cooler, and the days are sunny.
– Stay on the trails to protect the flora.
– Be as discreet as possible to avoid disturbing the animals that live here.
– Obviously, do not throw any trash or toilet paper in the countryside.
Good hiking shoes. Water shoes and poles for fording rivers. Water bottles or pouches. Sun protection. Bring plenty of water and food.
Access and parking
It is possible to reach the Gournier campsite by leaving your car at the side of the road and walking down to the campsite.
This section is also the second part of the historic Gorges hike.
This section is also the second part of the historic Gorges hike.
Parking :
It is possible to reach the Gournier bivouac by leaving your car at the side of the road and walking down to the bivouac.
Report a problem or an error
If you have found an error on this page or if you have noticed any problems during your hike, please report them to us here: