Our two must-sees during your stay in the Ardèche
The Ardèche Gorges is a wonderland for nature and adventure lovers, with countless marvels to explore. Our team has tested the best activities and experiences to be had in this spectacular region. Here are our recommendations for two not-to-be-missed experiences during your stay in the Ardèche!
Our team's favourites : The famous Pont d'Arc and its Gorges route
The Pont d'Arc and the Route des Gorges de l'Ardèche promise a total immersion in one of France's most beautiful landscapes.
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. You'll soon reach the Pont d'Arc, which is just 4 km away from Rives 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.
Marvel at the spectacular landscape of high, steep-sided cliffs,
Then continue your tour on a road that winds above the cliffs to discover breathtaking views of the meandering Ardèche. From scenic lookouts to secret stopping points, every bend in the route is full of surprises. Follow the wild beauty of the landscape, where dizzyingly high cliffs combine with Mediterranean vegetation.
Get ready for some unusual encounters along the way! : You'll likely come across the wild goats that roam the gorges.
The Grotte Chauvet: a unique site that we love
Grotte Chauvet 2 is a journey back in time to the origins of art. A faithful replica of the original decorated cave, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a fascinating immersion in the world of the first human artists.
The original Grotte Chauvet lies at the entrance to the Ardèche Gorges on a cliff in the Cirque d'Estre. To protect this historic treasure and preserve its precious works of prehistoric art, it is closed to the public. That's why a faithful replica, Grotte Chauvet 2, has been created to allow everyone to discover these thousand-year-old masterpieces without compromising their conservation.
A trip back in time
Just a 10-minute car ride from Rives d'Arc, enjoy a 1-hour visit, switching between light and shade, amid stalactites, stalagmites, draperies, rimstone and remains. Discover the cave paintings, engravings and marks left by our ancestors. More than 1,000 representations of animals are spread across the walls, telling the story of a distant age when art and spirituality were intertwined. The subtle lighting and scenography will immerse you into a magical and captivating atmosphere.
