The Ardèche is a stunning department located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France.
At the gateway to Provence, the Cévennes, and the Massif Central, the Ardèche enjoys sunshine all year round. Its breathtaking natural sites will amaze you with their beauty and diverse landscapes.
If you choose this destination, be sure to plan ahead to prepare for your trip and find the perfect accommodation: a gîte, campsite, bed and breakfast, or hotel in the Ardèche.
Also, plan each step of your journey, the magical places that will inspire you, the majestic landscapes where you can admire pristine nature, and, of course, the unforgettable landmarks of the prestigious Ardèche: Pont d’Arc, Mont Gerbier de Jonc, the Ardèche Mountains, Lake Issarlès, Bois de Païolive, and the Gorges of the Ardèche and Chassezac.
Discover many troglodyte sites in the Ardèche, including the famous Chauvet Cave 2 (also known as the Pont d’Arc Cavern) and Aven d’Orgnac, along with other caves in southern Ardèche: Grotte de la Madeleine, Grotte Saint Marcel, and Aven Marzal, near Vallon-Pont-d’Arc.
Enjoy the charm and tranquility of the “Villages of Character” in southern Ardèche, some of which are ranked among the most beautiful villages in France: Vallon-Pont-d’Arc, Vogüé, Balazuc, Saint-Montan, Labeaume, Ruoms, Banne, Naves, Thines, Joyeuse, and Montréal.
But the Ardèche isn’t just something you talk about—it’s something you experience!
Embark on a historic canoe or kayak trip through the Gorges de l’Ardèche, or explore numerous hiking trails through untouched nature.
Spend a night under the stars in the heart of the nature reserve, taking in an exceptional panorama and marveling at the incredible biodiversity of its flora, fauna, geology, and cultural heritage.
Take advantage of our crystal-clear rivers, canyons, streams, and waterfalls, where you can swim, jump, slide, or even rappel down during canyoning and aquatic hiking activities.
Feel the thrill of via ferrata and via cordata routes, or challenge yourself by climbing the region’s rocky formations.
Get out and enjoy all that southern Ardèche has to offer, from local events to cultural experiences: guided tours, museums, festivals, and other local celebrations.
Renowned for their unspoiled landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich prehistoric and historical heritage, the Gorges de l’Ardèche and their surrounding plateaus are among France’s most remarkable natural and cultural sites.
Since 1980, the Gorges de l’Ardèche have been designated a National Nature Reserve.
Carved by the river over 30 kilometers, this spectacular canyon is a paradise for enthusiasts of canoeing, rock climbing, canyoning, hiking, and caving.
To protect this fragile environment, please follow the rules and regulations within the gorges:
