Ardèche landscapes
A break in the time line
Les Rives d'Arc offers a dream location. You're just a stone's throw from the Ardèche Gorges, the Pont d'Arc, and the starting point for hikes into the heart of the breathtaking cliffs... but you're also just a few minutes from three unmissable villages.
Discover Ardèche's lush green valleys, crystal-clear rivers, and reliefs sculpted over time, each landscape telling its own story. From the impressive gorges, where the water and rocks meet to create breathtaking scenery, to the ancient oak forests that are home to wild fauna, Ardèche is a peaceful haven for lovers of the great outdoors. Here are the must-sees during your stay at Rives d'Arc:
Route des Gorges and Pont d'Arc
At the exit for Rives d'Arc, turn right and start exploring the 29 km Ardèche Gorges route. You can cycle along this route if you're feeling adventurous, or drive at your own pace.
Along the way, you'll discover 11 lookouts offering breathtaking views of the river and the gorges. You'll soon reach the Pont d'Arc. This natural arch is a marvel of nature spanning the river and is an iconic part of Ardèche. Stop off and- visit one of the 2 Pont d'Arc beaches for a swim or a picnic with the family, your partner, or your friends.
A must-see spot in Ardèche, this canyon is perfect for relaxing and recharging your batteries. Marvel at the breathtaking, steep, and striking landscape.
Get ready for some unusual encounters along the way! : You'll likely come across the wild goats that roam the gorges.
Cirque de Gens
Check out the Cirque de Gens, a natural site dating back millions of years, carved out of the limestone cliffs next to the Ardèche River. Stop off at this site that stands out for its sheer cliffs with the scent of the Mediterranean and complete peace and quiet.
Here are a few ideas for exploring Cirque de Gens:
- Admire the view from the top of the cliffs, starting from Chauzon then Cirque de Gens, on the other side after the bridge over the Ardèche.
- Canoe down to Ruoms
- Relax on the banks of the site
- Hike along the signposted path and explore the site on foot along the cliffs. A round route starting from Ruoms: 7 km / 2.5 hrs / yellow and white markings.
Dent de rez massif
At 719 metres high, the Dent de Rez massif is the highest peak in Ardèche Provençale. At- the top, you'll love the stunning 360-degree panoramic views. However, this view has to be earned! : A 12 km walk from Gras awaits you. You'll reach the highest point in around 3.5 hours and bask in the magic. You'll be able to see the Cévennes, the Dentelles de Montmirail, the Mont Ardéchoise, the Coiron, the Vercors, the Diois, the Trois Becs, and the Mont Ventoux. The vegetation alternates between forest, scrubland, and grassland, and you'll come across a host of plant and animal life.
Ardèche village
- Vogüé : Just 30 minutes from Les Rives d'Arc, discover Vogüé, one of France's most beautiful villages. Vogüé is a small village set against a cliff on the banks of the Ardèche River. The castle of the Lords of Vogüé watches over the village, with its flower-filled streets, warm-coloured medieval houses, and stone arcades.
- Balazuc : Explore Balazuc, a small medieval village boasting the 'Village de Caractère' and 'Les Plus Beaux Villages de France' certifications. Discover a village centre that exudes authenticity : Stone houses built close together, paved lanes, arches, cobblestones, secret passageways... and lots of little boutiques.
- Labeaume : In the heart of the Labeaume Gorges, discover the small village of Labeaume, surrounded by limestone cliffs dating back several thousand years. This charming village nestled along the river is home to pebbled houses huddled together on narrow cobblestone lanes full of secrets.
