BIVOUAC IN ARDÈCHE: THE COMPLETE GUIDE
If you love adventure, wild landscapes, and direct contact with nature, the Ardèche is a must-see destination for a successful bivouac. Whether you're hiking in the great outdoors or canoeing or kayaking, this natural area offers numerous spots to set up camp. In this guide, we'll introduce you to authorized bivouac areas, regulations to follow, essential equipment, and practical advice for a successful stay.
What are the authorized bivouac areas in Ardèche?
The Ardèche, and particularly the Ardèche Gorges, attracts many bivouac enthusiasts. Two main sites are authorized for bivouacking and will make your stay easier, especially if you are doing the Ardèche Gorges descent over two days: Gaud and Gournier . These places, located in the heart of the Gorges, are supervised to allow visitors to fully enjoy nature.
- Gaud Bivouac : This site is one of the most popular for those who want to spend a night in the great outdoors. Located on the banks of the river, it offers easy access for those who are canoeing or kayaking.
- Gournier Bivouac : A little further upstream, the Gournier bivouac is just as popular. The site offers a magnificent setting, surrounded by cliffs, perfect for those seeking peace and quiet.
These two spots, Gaud and Gournier, are managed by the Ardèche Gorges Management Association and are the only ones officially authorized. So if you're looking for a place to camp in Ardèche, these two spots are your best bets.
Bivouacking regulations in Ardèche
Bivouacking in Ardèche is strictly regulated to protect the gorges' fragile ecosystems. The Management Association ensures that bivouacking activities comply with local regulations. Here are some rules to follow for authorized bivouacking in Ardèche:
- It is forbidden to practice wild camping in Ardèche outside the authorized areas (Gaud and Gournier).
- Campfires are strictly prohibited to prevent fire risks.
- It is mandatory to collect all your waste and take it with you.
- Bivouacs are limited to one night, between 7 p.m. and 9 a.m., in order to preserve the tranquility of the area for wildlife.
- Respect for flora and fauna is essential, so campers are asked to stay on marked trails and not disturb the animals.
Respecting these rules helps preserve the natural beauty of the Ardèche while still having access to camping in the great outdoors.
How to properly prepare for your bivouac in Ardèche?
Proper preparation is essential to fully enjoy your bivouac in Ardèche. Here are some things to consider before you set off.
Essential equipment to take
For a successful bivouac in the Ardèche Gorges, here is the list of things to take with you:
- Tent : go for an iKamper roof tent: light and easy to pitch, like the Skycamp 3.0 or the Skycamp 3.0 Mini . They are ideal for an off-road bivouac, especially with the Rocky Black shell coating!
- Winter insulation fabric : if temperatures drop, you can still stay warm in your iKamper roof tent.
- Disco Series : Remember to bring something to cook simple, hot meals that can be made at home.
- Water tank : access to drinking water is not guaranteed at bivouac sites, so it is important to bring enough, as can be guaranteed by the Dometic water tank which has a capacity of 11 liters.
Prepare for weather conditions
Weather conditions in Ardèche can change quickly, especially in the Gorges. It is therefore important to be well prepared and check the weather forecast before setting off and adapt your equipment accordingly.
In summer, temperatures can be high during the day, so we recommend using a UV protection cover to protect your rooftop tent. In case of rain, iKamper tents are completely waterproof, just make sure you have something to protect your belongings.
Be prepared for weather changes depending on the season and the routes you take.
Water and food management
Water and food management are essential for a successful bivouac. That's why we want to give you some tips.
First, regarding river water. There are several ways to know if it is drinkable or not:
- Perform a visual inspection: Although a water source may appear clear, it may contain invisible bacteria. While you can't guarantee the reliability of water that appears safe to drink, it's generally safer than stagnant, cloudy water.
- Analyze your environment: To determine if the water you plan to consume is safe to drink, look for signs of contamination in the surrounding area. For example, dead animals can release bacteria into the water.
- Avoid sources near urban areas: If the water you want to drink runs through urban areas or under roads, it is likely to be contaminated, so it is best to avoid it.
- Invest in a test kit: Water test kits are readily available, especially online. These kits usually include small strips of paper that you wet. After waiting a few minutes, compare the color of the strip to a chart provided with the kit to determine whether the water is safe to drink or not.
Next, regarding food while bivouacking, you can opt for light and easy-to-carry meals, such as Tactical Foodpacks , for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Also, make sure you have a secure storage space to prevent animals from rummaging through your supplies.
Our tips for a successful bivouac in Ardèche
For a bivouac to be a success, it must be a bivouac in Ardèche, a bivouac in Corsica , or in another region, here are some practical tips:
- Plan your route in advance : authorized bivouac areas are limited, so it is important to reserve your site in advance, especially during high season.
- Respect local regulations : make sure you follow the rules in force to preserve this natural environment.
- Adapt your equipment : a roof tent like the Skycamp 3.0 will allow you to enjoy a comfortable bivouac while remaining protected from the elements, for example.
It's time for you to explore the Ardèche, home to magnificent landscapes. Don't forget to take the time to admire the nature, as well as the charming villages that make up the landscape. The Ardèche awaits you for an unforgettable adventure!