🏙️ Visit Ardèche and where to sleep in Ardèche

Looking for information for visitar el Ardèche ? To know the ideal place to sleep in Ardèche ? Or the essentials or activities to do in Ardèche? Here is an article that can help you prepare your stay in Ardèche.

Here is the action plan for this article to save time (use the menu on the right to access the desired section):

What to visit in Ardèche Verte?
What to visit in Ardèche Plein Coeur
What to see in the south of Ardèche
What activities can you do in Ardèche?
Where to sleep in Ardèche?

1) What to see in Ardèche, what to visit in Ardèche

Ardèche, this French department located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, turns out to be an exceptional land.

We recommend you go there in autumn, because the vegetation is even more beautiful (colors) and tourism is less important, but you decide!

The Ardèche is geographically divided into three parts: the green Ardèche (to the north), the sincere Ardèche (in the center) and the southern Ardèche (to the south).

2) What to see in Ardèche Verte

The green Ardèche has a highly developed agriculture (apricots, cherries, peaches). Tourism is much more discreet there than in the south. It is an ideal place for any curious traveler, who appreciates the peace of nature.

If you intend to stay in Ardèche du Nord, here are our favorite places to spend a pleasant holiday.

Annonay

Capital of Haut Vivarais, it is a good starting point. Unfortunately, Annonay has hardly any traces of her past (due to the wars of religion).

However, the old town reveals some vestiges dating from the Middle Ages such as the Torre de los Mártires, the Soubises vaults or the Valgelas bridge.

Since the XNUMXth century, the leather and wool industry, then paper in the XNUMXth century, set the pace of life for Annonay and gave it this national popularity. Not to mention that this is where inventors such as the Montgolfier brothers or Marc Seguin evolved.

Gorges de l'Ay, Ardoix

A stone's throw from the town of Annonay, the landscape, with its sharp cuts, is a truly picturesque walk, surrounded by nature.

Beyond the cliffs and the wild vegetation, you can also go to the Notre-Dame de l'Espérance chapel, or the Oriol tower, a bygone vestige of its castle.

Las gargantas del Darona, Colombier-le-Vieux

It is a natural space where you can admire the Darona, classified as a natural space of ecological, fauna and floristic interest. As you can see, this is a (very) protected site.

You may be lucky enough to see beavers, muskrats, otters, and many other animals.

Tournon sur Rhône

Tournon is located among orchards, forests and wild gorges, but above all in the heart of great vineyards such as the Hermitage or the St-Joseph.

You can visit the feudal castle of the Counts of Tournon, the chapel and its beautiful triptych from the XNUMXth century, or the Beauregard tower and its hanging gardens.

Around Tournon, you can discover "secret" bathing spots and villages of character.

3) Qué visitar in Ardèche Plein Coeur

You should know that Ardèche is quite a mountainous and wild territory. These are the best destinations:

The Valley of Sweets

The Vallée du Doux is a mixture of gentle slopes, forests, pastures and orchards. It is also the starting point of the vélorail, a circuit of about twenty kilometers through the Valley.

The castle of Crussol

Dominating the Rhone Valley. Crussol Castle is a true historical site classified Natura 2000 and Sensitive Natural Area: no less than 3 hectares within the walls! Notice to fans of medieval history.

Ventadour Castle

The original name is "Chateau de Meyras". But in the 19th century, the castle took its name from the last family to live there: the Dukes of Ventadour. History has devastated the castle, but since 1969, XNUMX volunteers have participated in its restoration.

As an anecdote, many young people have found their vocation as architects, engineers in public works or co-workers in carpentry and stonework. Allow an hour for the visit and € 5 for entry.

The Tchier era of Borée

On the heights of the village of Borée, Fabienne Versé and Serge Boyer produced, in 2008, a life-size work of art: the era of Tchier de Borée.

It is a universal calendar made up of 70 stones. It is a contemporary megalithic creation inspired by Land Art and produced by two sculptors, Fabienne Versé and Serge Boyer, in 2008.

Each stone has its number, to form a path around nine themes. It has a mythological, historical but also esoteric side.

4) What to see in the south of Ardèche

It is more touristy, especially thanks to its incredible gorges, which we compare with real canyons. But let's start from the north of the south of Ardèche.

Mont Gerbier de Jonc

It is a somewhat sporty but relatively short climb, since just 30 minutes will be enough to climb this mountain. At the top, the view allows you to admire the landscapes of the Ardèche and even the Alps if the weather permits.

On the way down, we stop at Lake St Martial where we can swim, have a picnic, and relax.

Cascade du Ray pic

A few kilometers south of Mont Gerbier de Jonc, is the Ray Pic waterfall, a small beauty of the Ardèche nature, a natural volcanic site (classified since 1931).

You can contemplate the view from the heights and then take the path that descends (15 min) to enjoy the freshness of the waterfall. However, swimming is prohibited there.

The path of the nipples (Les Tétines de Vernon)

In the village of Vernon, the Tétines trail is full of promise: after two and a half hours of walking, you will find a cave, with strange geological formations, but that's not all, you can admire a very beautiful waterfall from within.

The place has something special ...

The Tanargue massif

The Tanargue is a mountain. It occupies three valleys: Beaume, Borne and Lignon. Its highest point is at 1511 meters. It is part of the Regional Natural Park of the Monts d'Ardèche.

For the record, this massif takes its name from the Celtic period; Taranis, god of the sky and thunder, violently manifested himself on the mountain “Arga”. The Tanargue thus designates the mountain of thunder.

The valley of Drobie

Further south, the Drobie valley is one of the Ardèche's landmark landscapes. The immensity of the territory makes it a still privileged place to walk there. We recommend trying one of the possible walks.

Païolive wood

The Bois de Païolive with its gorges of Chassezac is a protected natural site (Natura 2000 site and sensitive natural area). We know many rare animal and plant species.

When we speak of the Païolive forest, we often compare it to a mysterious labyrinth; in fact, wood protects limestone rocks damaged by erosion. Very often, these natural rocks are related to animals or men, as if the Païolive forests were inhabited ...

The gorges of l'Ardèche

And finally, the best for last: the gorges of the Ardèche! These 32 km have been classified as a National Nature Reserve since 1980.

This magnificent Canyon is increasingly courted by visitors, without leaving them indifferent. The cliffs reach 300 meters high, can you imagine? This space can be discovered in many ways; on foot (walks on marked trails), rowing (canoeing) or even by car; A tourist route dotted with viewpoints has been developed.

Among the well-known places, we can mention the Pont d'Arc or the Cirque de la Madeleine, of course. But this nature reserve has many other faces to offer.

5) What activities you can do in Ardèche

The natural environment of the Ardèche is ideal for outdoor activities, it is also through fun activity that visitar el Ardèche !

Where to go canoeing in the Ardèche

The gorges of the Ardèche can be experienced in different ways. For example, you can rent a canoe and enjoy the scenery from the heart of the gorges. There are many rentals, especially near the Pont d'Arc, you will have no problem finding one.

Where to go canyoning in the Ardèche

Other activity in contact with water; canyoning. There is no canoe here, it is about evolving in the water, with your body.

A bit like a hike, except that the obstacles to overcome are different: steep canyons, waterfalls, jumps, natural slides or rappelling, there is something to get out of your comfort zone!

Where to bivouac in Ardèche

The bivouac attracts more and more people. The return to nature and simplicity correspond perfectly to the Ardèche. This goes perfectly with hiking, for example.

If you want to bivouac near the gorges, there is only one place: Gaud's bivouac located on the third of the route. On the other hand, if you prefer total solitude, this may not be the right place, especially in high season.

Via Ferrata du Pont du Diable

If you don't have vertigo, this course is a good way to explore the territory, like an acrobat. It includes an incredible 100-meter zip line to reach both shores.

Where to go caving in the Ardèche

In Ardèche, there are very beautiful underground cavities to explore, in the company of qualified guides, The caves: the cave of St Marcel, the cave of Chauvet 2, the cave of Derocs, those of Vallon ...

Where to climb trees in Ardèche

Always close to the gorges, you can also be filled with emotions thanks to the branch of the tree. Beginners or experienced athletes, the routes are varied.

It is in Vallon Pont d'Arc where we find the 5 hectares of tree climbing. Ideal for activities with family or friends!

Where to do ULM in Ardèche

If you dream of a first flight, why not fly over the Ardèche canyons? The good plan: the ULM Franck Toussaint is a passionate family business.

Where to go hiking in Ardèche

The walks are diverse and varied, you can find others more or less original, on your own or guided. But in general, Ardèche is Ardèche, the geography of the territory is simply magnificent, your feet are always an excellent means of exploration!

Survival course

Warning to explorers! Away from tourism, if you want to find yourself in total immersion with nature, learn to eat, drink, wash and various survival techniques, the course is for you! Due to its territory, the Ardèche is one of the ideal places for this type of activity.

The Via Rhôna

And why not discover the Ardeche by bike? Do you know the Via Rhôna? It is an 815 km cycle route that runs along the Rhône and allows you to discover the many facets of the Ardèche, while doing your calves!

If you are doing the 815 km, call us and we will interview you! https://www.viarhona.com/

balloon

If there is a place to try this activity, it is in the Ardèche. And more particularly in Annonay, since it is the cradle of Montgolfière!

Of course this list is not exhaustive, since we could talk about trains, climbing, castles, vineyards and much more. The Ardèche is full of (puns) various characteristics that allow a total exploration of the territory.

6) Where to sleep in Ardèche

It is not always easy to know where to put your luggage to spend a pleasant stay in an unknown land. That is why we have selected some very nice places for you.

Where to sleep in Ardèche Verte (north)

In a quiet hamlet, close to Annonay, we recommend the "La Roche Péréandre" rooms. Cozy, the place is decorated with great taste, it will not leave you indifferent. Ideal for couples.

On the Tournon side, we fell in love with “L'oiseau bleu”, again it is a guest house. In addition to the multiple services, the warm welcome and the quality of the premises, the location is privileged.

Where to sleep with desire in Ardèche (city center)

In the middle of the vineyards, 3 km from Crussol (and its castle), is the guest house "heart of the vineyards". Modern and refined, it is the perfect place for romantic stays. This accommodation is appreciated for its tranquility, away from tourism.

Where to stay in the south of Ardèche (south)

If you have the possibility, we recommend that you stay at the hotel "les voyageurs" in the town of Vogüé.

It is one of the most beautiful villages in France, located on the banks of the Gorges. The old town is a true medieval cave that deserves our attention.

Labeaume is also a very nice place. It is a town of character where you will appreciate leaving your bags. If you are passing through, consider visiting the famous Recatadou Hanging Gardens in Labeaume; landscapes and stone cultures.

If you sleep there, we recommend our favorite accommodation: “L'Apogée”.

Balazuc is a town built on the wall a few kilometers from the Gorges. It always surprises its visitors. Described as a small maze, wear good shoes to be comfortable during your walk.

We recommend that you sleep in the rural house “le Servière”, where the accommodation is atypical and of a very high quality.

Bourg-Saint-Andéol en Vivier is a very pleasant stopover, especially if you are doing the Via Rhôna. Stop at the hotel "Le Prieuré" to recharge the batteries.

Where to stay in Ardèche - near Pont d'Arc

If you want to sleep in a real hostel on the banks of the Ardèche, head to the Lodge du Pont d'Arc. Located near the natural arch of the Pont d'Arc and on the water's edge.

Well there you go, I think you have all the information you need to visitar el Ardèche and knowing where to sleep in Ardèche.

Do not hesitate to leave a comment at the bottom of the page to give me your impressions, share a good address, a hotel, a bar ... Sharing is good;)