Cave diving in the Ardèche

• Réserve naturelle nationale des Gorges de l'Ardèche: the prefect regulates sports and caving in the gorge. In the raptor quiet zones (15 Jan–30 Jun) caving and climbing need permission from the reserve manager, requested before 31 January (SGGA, Saint-Remèze, +33 4 75 98 77 31). Bivouacking only at Gaud and Gournier; no fires, no noise. • Springs in the gorge are reached on steep paths or by canoe (Vallon-Pont-d'Arc – Sauze, 32 km, one day or two with a bivouac). At high water, crossing or paddling is dangerous. • After rain, especially the autumn 'épisodes cévenols', the springs turn brown and undiveable and can flow hard. Dive after a dry spell and check the water level on vigicrues.gouv.fr. • Drinking-water catchments (Tiourre, Rochecolombe, the Gouls de Tourne) and private land (Fontaine de Boude): ask the mairie, water authority or owner for permission first. For the Gouls de Tourne, plongeesout asks you to report your dive to the Bourg-Saint-Andéol gendarmerie before and after. The Dragonnière de Gaud has been closed since 2010. • CO₂ in air bells and dry sections between sumps is common here (e.g. Tiourre, Vanmale, Pêcher, Camélié and the Tannerie's air bell): don't just breathe that air. • Fills: according to divers (2017) there is no fill station for cave divers anywhere nearby; bring enough gas or your own compressor/booster. Camping Les Truffières (Saint-Marcel-d'Ardèche, +33 4 75 04 68 35) allows the use of a compressor, max. 2 hours a day by arrangement with reception. • Water about 12–13 °C. • Emergencies: 112, also for cave rescue (the Spéléo Secours Français is called out via 112/18; FFS free number 0800 121 123). Hyperbaric chamber: Polyclinique Urbain V, Avignon (+33 4 90 81 33 00, 24/7), about 1 h 20 by car from Vallon; also Lyon (Hôpital Édouard Herriot, +33 4 72 11 00 31) and Marseille (Sainte-Marguerite, +33 4 91 74 49 96). DAN Europe: +39 06 4211 5685.