Discover Ardèche
The views, landscapes and beauty spots make Ardèche a "must" tourist destination. In this part of France everyone involved in tourism is friendly and tries to ensure you make the most of your visit. There is a wide choice of accommodation including self catering holiday homes, caravan parks, B&B and Hotels and a host of things to see and do including Canoeing, Horse riding and Quads). Holidays in Ardèche are always enjoyable – which is why so many people dream of coming here.
In addition to the world-famous Ardèche river gorges and Vallon Pont d'Arc, there are so many other spots to choose and discover all the multiple facets of Ardèche – simultaneously sumptuous, savage and friendly.
Places to stay include Les Vans and the olive groves, Joyeuse and its magnificent mediaeval streets, Largentière and its historic buildings, Ruoms near the Ardèche river gorges, Aubenas, the market centre for the whole of southern Ardèche, Vals les Bains and its famous thermal spa, Privas, the capital of Ardèche and "marrons glaces" (delicious crystallised chestnuts), Annonay, where hot air balloons were invented, Lamastre in the hills and Tournon, a bustling market town and shopping centre on the river Rhône. Just some examples of the wealth of things to discover here plus the breathtaking views, landscapes, rivers, caves, museums and vineyards...
The Ardèche river gorges
Between Vallon Pont d'Arc and Saint Martin d'Ardèche in a nature reserve protected since 1980, the famous vertiginous, wild and impressive gorges – France's Grand Canyon - are 35km long. Their geological evolution began 110 million years ago.
In the limestone rocks, the Ardèche river dug caves, caverns, holes and canyons like the cirque de la Madeleine and the natural stone bridge of the Pont d'Arc, a superb arch 66 metres long, listed as a part of France's protected natural heritage in 1982.
The descent of the gorges and its 25 rapids makes them a "must" for canoeing and kayaking enthusiasts. You can also drive along the special overhanging road built so everyone can admire this remarkable natural marvel.
**Païolive wood
Near Les Vans, visit the 16 kilometre long Bois de Païolive, an astonishing primeval forest of white oaks and petrified rocks in the Cevennes Ardéchoises.
It is a series of labyrinths created by the erosion which cut out the soil in immense faults. This mineral and vegetable chaos is full of strange rock shapes sculpted by nature.
Païolive wood
Near Les Vans, visit the 16 kilometre long Bois de Païolive, an astonishing primeval forest of white oaks and petrified rocks in the Cevennes Ardéchoises.
It is a series of labyrinths created by the erosion which cut out the soil in immense faults. This mineral and vegetable chaos is full of strange rock shapes sculpted by nature.
Video
Païolive wood
Ray-Pic waterfall
Located on the D 215 between Burzet and Lachamp Raphaël. and a protected nature reserve since 1931, Ray-Pic waterfall tumbles 60 metres down beautiful basalt cliffs. The river Bourges fountains from volcanic lava flows 35,000 years old.
VideoRay-Pic waterfall
The Mont Gerbier-de-Jonc
The Mont Gerbier-de-Jonc on the Ardèche mountain plateau is a pile of phonolitic rocks 1551 metres high and the source of the river Loire which flows to the Atlantic.
Walk up to the summit in 30 minutes for amazing views.
VideoMont Gerbier-de-Jonc
Chauvet Cave
There are over 100 caves and holes in Ardèche.. Inhabited for over 30,000 years, they bear witness to the origins of mankind..
Discovered in 1994, Chauvet cave contains over 400 wall paintings - the oldest paintings yet found in the world. Ardèche people created one of the earliest civilisations on Earth!
Ardèche Vineyards
The vineyards in southern Ardèche produce many different wines due to the diversity of grapes and soils ranging from honest local wines to top class AOCs - and sophisticated wines competing to obtain the coveted AOC "appellation controlee" label. Grapes – and the wine they make- are now the most important crop here.