Quick answer
Vallon-Pont-d'Arc, the gate of the Gorges de l'Ardèche, is about 53 km and 53 minutes by car from Uzès (a route planner). The gorge road with its eleven viewpoints is free to drive, the canoe descent is a full day that needs booking, and a replica of the Chauvet cave is nearby. Choose one or two of the three, not all.
Good for: a scenic drive, a swim-and-picnic day by the river, an active day on the water.
Not for: a short outing, or the middle of July and August when the roads and the river are busiest.
The Ardèche river has cut a gorge through the limestone plateau between Vallon-Pont-d'Arc and Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche, protected as a nature reserve. At its entrance the river runs under the Pont d'Arc, a natural arch about 54 to 55 metres high, classified in 1982. A tourist road runs along the rim with eleven developed viewpoints, and the river itself is canoed in a day. Nearby, the Caverne du Pont d'Arc is a replica of the Chauvet cave, a UNESCO site whose original is closed to visitors. For an underground day instead, see the Aven d'Orgnac.
| What | What to know | Check before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Drive from Uzès | About 53 km and 53 minutes by car to Vallon-Pont-d'Arc, by a route planner. La Valette is five minutes from Uzès. | A live map on the day: the gorge roads are slow in summer. |
| The gorge road | A tourist road of about 24 to 29 km (guides differ) from Vallon-Pont-d'Arc to Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche, with eleven developed viewpoints. Driving it and stopping at the viewpoints is free. | Closures and parking at the viewpoints; we found no 2026 notice. |
| Pont d'Arc | A natural arch about 54 to 55 m high over the river at the start of the gorge, classified in 1982. A pebble beach and the river for a swim are beside it in summer. | Swimming rules and water level: the signs on site. We cannot tell you the water is safe. |
| Canoe descent | Operators run a sporty 24 km day (about 10:00 to 16:00, meeting around 8:00) and a classic 30 km route. In July and August, book two to three weeks ahead. The two overnight bivouacs, Gaud and Gournier, must be booked and wild camping is banned in the reserve. | River conditions and prefectoral orders (tourist office or town hall), season dates and prices with the operator. |
| Caverne du Pont d'Arc | A replica of the Chauvet cave with its painted walls. Booking is required for a timed slot and the guided visit lasts about 1h30 to 1h45; the sources do not agree on the hours or on how early to arrive. | Slots, hours and tickets on the official site. We state no price: sources differ. |
By road
The viewpoints, from the arch to the end
Start at the Pont d'Arc, then drive the gorge road towards Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche and stop where the view opens. It is the easiest way to see the gorge and it costs nothing; go early or late in summer, when the road is slow.
More about the viewpoints: gorges-ardeche-pontdarc.fr
On the water
The canoe day, booked ahead
The sporty 24 km day takes about six hours on the water and needs good fitness; operators shuttle you back. In July and August the departures fill up, so book two to three weeks ahead and ask the operator about the river level on your day.
Prefer to swim than paddle? See our swimming guide.
Plan the day
Pick one or two
With about 53 minutes each way, the day works in two ways: the road and the arch with a swim and a picnic, or the canoe day on its own. The Chauvet replica needs a booked slot and about two hours, so it fits best as the rainy-day alternative. Nearer home, the Gorges du Gardon offer a similar day on a smaller scale.
Frequently asked
A day in the Ardèche gorges
About 53 km and 53 minutes by car to Vallon-Pont-d'Arc, the gate of the gorges, by a route planner. Allow more in summer, when the roads are busy.
Driving the tourist road and stopping at its eleven viewpoints is free according to the gorges tourism site. Canoe hire, the cave replica and some car parks are paid; we state no prices.
In July and August, yes: book two to three weeks ahead because departures from Vallon-Pont-d'Arc often fill up. Outside those months ask the operator. Overnight bivouacs at Gaud and Gournier must be reserved, and wild camping is banned in the reserve.
No: the original is closed to visitors. The Caverne du Pont d'Arc is a replica; a timed slot is required, so book before you go and check the hours on the official site.
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