Do you love countryside vacations and natural landscapes as far as the eye can see? Then the Ardèche is the place for you! A verdant treasure trove nestled in the south of France, it offers enchanting landscapes that promise many wonderful discoveries. Your steps will lead you from medieval villages to natural sites, where waterways, forests and ancient bridges create a magical setting. Let yourself be carried away by the beauty of an authentic department that invites you to let go. All set? Let's embark on a bucolic journey, with these 15 must-sees and must-dos in Ardèche.
1. Relax in Vallon-Pont-d'Arc, a green paradise
Vallon Pont d'Arc is where the Ardèche gorges begin, all the way to Saint-Martin d'Ardèche. The verdant landscape, abundant nature and sunshine are all there for the taking! Here you'll find the famous Pont d'Arc, a grandiose natural geological arch that promises 100% Instagrammable photos. The stone beaches attract children, who are eager to take a dip in the cool waters of the Ardèche (the river that bears the department's eponymous name). Beware, however, of the many canoes and kayaks in summer, but the place really is a delight!
Click here to book your canoe rental in Vallon-Pont-d'Arc.
Motorcyclists, how about a motorcycle road trip in the Ardèche? Route 558 between Vallon-Pont-d'Arc and Saint-Maurice-d'Ibie is superb!
2. Visit Aubenas, the historic town of Ardèche
Aubenas is the main town in the Ardèche department. Its most emblematic building is the Château d'Aubenas, a medieval edifice that's well worth a visit. From the castle's various rooms to the superb panoramic view from the top of its tower, the visit is clearly a must-do in the Ardèche. The picturesque lanes of the historic center also beckon you to stroll among its old stone houses, discovering here and there cafés and small boutiques. Don't miss the Musée d'Aubenas before you leave, where artifacts reveal the history of the region.
Good to know: every Saturday morning, the Aubenas market is held on the Place du Château.
3. Balazuc, a bucolic Ardèche village
Nestled in the heart of the Ardèche countryside, the adorable village of Balazuc overlooks the river Ardèche. Classified as a Village de Caractère, it has a rich history, with traces of Neanderthal settlement having been found here. Balazuc's medieval past is evident throughout the town, particularly in its religious buildings. The Romanesque church of Sainte-Madeleine is listed as a Monument Historique. Balazuc, one of France's 25 most beautiful villages, offers a pleasant stroll through its narrow cobbled streets. From the village, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the river and surrounding countryside. As you stroll along, we invite you to stop off at the Ardèche Museumwhose dinosaur skeletons are sure to delight children. In short, a must-see village!
4. Stroll through Antraigues-sur-Volane, the authentic charm of Ardèche
The perched village ofAntraigues, situated at an altitude of 470 m in the heart of the Ardèche volcanoes, was the place of inspiration for Jean Ferrat. It is also famous for its 100 heads sculpted in lava stone, visible in the narrow streets, on the walls of the ancient castle and around the church. The village overlooks the Volane and Mas valleys, offering a charming view of the surrounding chestnut trees, terraced crops and basalt flows.
Relaxation time : are you a pétanque fan? In Antraigues-sur-Volane, we love it too, so head to the main square to shoot and score!
5. Marvel at Alba la Romaine castle
The Château d'Alba is a keep dating back to the XIᵉ century, renovated a few centuries later, then again in the XIXᵉ century with the addition of a trompe-l'oeil facade. Inside, you can visit historic rooms and admire temporary exhibitions. Nestled in its green setting, it offers the perfect bucolic setting for a visit that's both historic and natural. In summer, a chamber music festival, as well as jazz concerts and musicals, enliven this former château, the town's landmark.
6. Visit Grotte Chauvet 2, a prehistoric treasure trove
On the heights of Vallon-Pont-d'Arc, you'll find Grotte Chauvet 2, a superb replica of the original cave, thus preserved. Discover the prehistoric past of the Ardèche over 3,500 m². The cave paintings create an emotion difficult to describe in words... The site also offers the chance to visit the Aurignacian gallery. This playful museographic space, sometimes accompanied by animations, allows the whole family to fully immerse themselves in the daily life of the first European civilization ofHomo sapiens. An exceptional site, a must-see on any family trip to the Ardèche!
7. Walking in the medieval town of Vogüé in the Ardèche
Welcome to one of Ardèche's most beautiful villages, and a must on your vacation to-do list! Nestling on the banks of the River Ardèche, the village's greatest treasure is the Château des Seigneurs de Vogüé. With its beautiful round towers, it still proudly watches over the atypical little streets, dotted with pretty arcades and other vaulted passageways. In the past, stone working was the village's main activity. Today, if you follow the Sentier de la Pierre Bleue, you'll enjoy a pleasant and instructive walk on the subject.
Do you love ancient villages? Discover the 15 most beautiful medieval villages in France, including Ruoms and Saint-Lourent-sous-Coiron, in Ardèche.
8. Spend the day at L'aven d'Orgnac, a family paradise
With exceptional sites such as L'aven d'Orgnac, it's only logical that the Ardèche is a favorite destination of the French! The Grand Site de l'Aven d'Orgnac includes a monumental underground complex and the Cité de la Préhistoire, rich in relics from the southern Ardèche. Among many other discoveries, the area has been occupied since the Palaeolithic, with archaeological traces ranging from flint knapping 350,000 years ago to Neolithic bronze tools. To get the most out of your visit to the pot hole, don't hesitate to book a guided tour.
Don't forget the site also offers a variety of activities, including caving, prehistoric workshops and technical demonstrations.
9. Climb up to Château de Crussol, a vestige of the past
A historic treasure perched atop its hill, Château de Crussol is a must-see marvel in the Ardèche. What's more, it's an ideal playground for your little knights in shorts! There's a fun trail for kids to discover, with an educational booklet to pick up at the tourist office. The treasure hunt is on! The site also organizes a wide range of fun activities, enabling families to spend an excellent time at the heart of a historic site.
10. Recharge your batteries at Cascade du Ray-Pic
Come to Péreyres and marvel at one of France's 15 most beautiful waterfalls, nestled in the heart of the Ardèche. The Ray-Pic waterfall is easy to get to, as a nearby parking lot offers direct access to the path leading to this haven of freshness. Well, more or less direct, because you'll still need 45 minutes to reach it... This is a great opportunity to enjoy a short hike, rewarded by a refreshing geological curiosity. But beware, swimming is forbidden! During your visit, you'll come across a number of lookouts offering breathtaking views of one of the department's most beautiful waterfalls.
11. Whitewater sports in a superb gorge
The Ardèche gorges offer an ideal playground for water sports enthusiasts. Many kayakers paddle these waters in summer, as the natural landscapes that punctuate their route are quite simply sumptuous. Canyoning, kayaking, paddling, rafting: take your pick, ladies and gentlemen! The more leisurely activities are accessible from age 3, while others are available from age 7. The whole family can enjoy a sporty, fun activity that lets them discover the splendours of the Ardèche from a different point of view.
Learn to canyoneer with your family in the Gorges de l'Ardèche with the instructors at Base Canyon de la Besorgues by booking right here !
12. Discover the Ardèche Devil's Bridge
The Pont du Diable, a natural site in the Monts d'Ardèche, is an emblematic bridge spanning the River Ardèche, located below the village of Thueyts. Embark on a slightly fantastical journey, where legends and geological treasures take center stage. The exact date of its construction is unknown, but legend has it that the devil exerted his influence here, tempting youngsters to cross the bridge, only for them to perish in the abyss. It's not a very happy story, but I promise you, you'll be safe! Nearby, the village of Thueyts completes your day of sightseeing. Take the time to wander through the ancient streets, encountering fountains and pretty Renaissance houses here and there.
13. Via ferrata, a thrilling experience
Don't leave! The Pont du Diable site is ideal for via ferrata enthusiasts. A 90-meter-long zip line takes you from one side of the cliff to the other. The course takes you from ladder to wooden footbridge, all in complete safety thanks to your lifeline.
Good to know: via ferrata doesn't have to be a disaster if you're afraid of heights. Unlike accrobranche, where the course is in constant motion - creating a sensation of vertigo - many people find via ferrata reassuring. That's right, the mountain doesn't move! Are you ready to go? Click here to book your Via ferrata session at Pont du Diable.
14. Family walks in the Bois de Païolive
The Bois de Pa ïolive is one of France's ideal walking forests, and one that will delight your children. The site, which covers the communes of Banne, Les Vans and Berrias-et-Casteljau, offers well-developed trails for family walks. Rocks of unusual shapes, nestling in the heart of lush vegetation, punctuate your discovery walk. But be careful! We advise you to follow one of the following 3 paths, as the wood is very, very, very vast:
- Le sentier de la Vierge: the easiest to access, allowing you to see some of the sights.
- Le sentier de la Corniche: more dangerous, as it includes some vertiginous slopes.
- Le sentier de l'Ermitage: the path of the brave, as it is the longest!
Take advantage of your outing to visit the nearby Cocalière cave. It's a wonderful discovery, and offers the added bonus of a little coolness in summer!
15. Hiking at Mont Gerbier-de-Jonc
To hike Mont Gerbier-de-Jonc is to plunge into the heart of the Ardèche and discover the source of the Loire in a breathtaking natural setting. This ancient volcano rises to 1,551 metres, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the vast plateaux below. Along the way, you'll pass through pretty flower meadows and beech forests, while admiring unique volcanic landscapes. After giving it your all, you reach the summit, and your efforts are finally rewarded! The 360° view reveals the authenticity of this wild region.
Do you like hiking? Then the proximity of the Cévennes National Park is just the thing for you!
Petit Futé tip
Fill up on visits with the Pass'Ardèche. Available in 3-day, 6-day or annual packages, it allows you to visit 40 of the Ardèche's must-see sites. Some are directly accessible, while others offer a discount on presentation of the Pass.
Where to go in the Ardèche with your family?
While hikers have a field day in the Ardèche, it's also an ideal destination for family vacations. There are so many fun activities to choose from!
Family fun in the Ardèche
Spanning the Doux gorges, the ardèche train takes families aboard its vintage carriages. Passing over bridges and viaducts, the train unveils breathtakingly beautiful landscapes.
The Château de Crussol also offers a fun day out for families. Between the treasure hunt and the fun activities organized by the town, children can put themselves in the shoes of the knights of yesteryear and have plenty of adventure.
Finally, spend an exceptional day at Adventure Parc, where there's plenty to do:
- accrobranche,
- wooden games,
- archery
- via ferrata,
- escape game.
Add to all this a giant zip line, paintball and laser game, and you've got the recipe for a successful family day out.
Nature outings with children
Do your kids love animals? Head for the peaugres safariwhere some of the animals are in semi-liberty. You can take this part of the tour by car, then the other on foot. It's even possible to sleep on site, in a perched hut, for a dream two-day stay.
The Bois de Païolive and the Grotte de la Cocalière are also great places to visit as a family in the Ardèche. In the shade of the trees, you'll discover rocks of astonishing shapes, all the while evolving in a dream setting. Is your family really only complete with your beloved pooch? Good news: dogs are allowed on leash!
Ardèche heritage in the spotlight
Visiting the Ardèche also means delving into its rich prehistoric past. There are two places you can't miss: the Aven d'Orgnac and its exceptional site, and the Chauvet 2 cave.
What to visit in Ardèche in a week?
Whether you put your bags down at one of the Ardèche's best campsites or stay in a hotel, you can be sure of one thing: your week's vacation will be pure pleasure! Follow our little guide day by day.
Day 1: Aven d'Orgnac Grand Site
From the Aven d'Orgnac cave to the Cité de la Préhistoire, you can spend the whole day on this exceptional site. Don't forget your picnic!
Day 2: Vallon Pont d'Arc and the Chauvet 2 cave
It doesn't matter whether you visit one or the other in the morning, or in the afternoon. Both the cave and the waters of the Ardèche will keep you cool in summer.
Day 3: Bois de Païolive
There are three different trails in the Bois de Païolive, so if you're well-shod, you can spend the whole day there. From moss-trunked trees to karst formations, the area offers a peaceful haven for unusual walks.
Day 4: Labeaume to Balazuc
A village nestled against a cliff, a magnificent blue river, caves and dolmens: the day begins in an authentic setting at Labeaume! After lunch, it's off to Balazuc, another authentic Ardèche village not to be missed.
Day 5: Vogüé and Aubenas
This fifth day begins in Vogüé and its beautiful château. It continues in the historic town of Aubenas, with its castle, museums and narrow streets.
Day 6: Ray-Pic waterfall and Mont Gerbier-de-Jonc
Time to get back into the swing of things at the superb Ray-Pic waterfall! Equipped with your best shoes, you'll then discover the landscapes of Mont Gerbier-de-Jonc.
Day 7: Crussol castle and Doux gorges
Fun for kids, exciting for adults, Château de Crussol is a must-see in the Ardèche. End your stay in style with a canoe trip in the Doux gorges.
What unusual visits can you make in the Ardèche?
We keep coming back to this, but the Bois de Païolive, with its astonishingly shaped rocks, is one of the most unusual places to visit in the Ardèche!
What's more, did you know that you can taste local wine... underground? It's possible, and it's happening on the Grand Site de l'Aven d'Orgnac!
Your unusual Ardèche adventures continue at Vals-les-Bains, with its astonishing intermittent spring. Head for the town park to admire this natural curiosity, which erupts twice a day. At times, the geyser can reach heights of up to 15 metres!
Envious of height? We invite you to visit Labeaume's hanging gardens. Clinging to the cliffside, or rather integrated into it, these unusual terraces offer a breathtaking view of the Labeaume Gorge.
The Ardèche is one of the best destinations to visit in July and August. Sailing between exceptional sites, gastronomy and magical autumn walks, it's without doubt one of the most beautiful departments to visit in the south of France. Are you a soft mobility enthusiast? In Lamastre, you'll find one of France's most beautiful cycling itineraries, the Dolce Via, accessible to the whole family. Have you fallen in love with this pretty spot of greenery? Go further with our 19 must-do activities in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes!
