The Ardèche Gorges Nature Reserve
The Gorges de l’Ardèche nature reserve and the Pont d’Arc mineral arch are among the most remarkable sites in France, for 3 reasons.
1 – Spectacular scenery
A 22 km long canyon, shaped over almost 110 million years, through which the river Ardèche meanders. A landscape characterised by limestone cliffs over 250 m high, hollowed out by caves. Meanders, dry valleys, avens and lapiaz (cracks carved out by water in limestone terrain). An incredible geological heritage!
2 – Abundant and varied Mediterranean vegetation
An abundance and variety of Mediterranean vegetation, which has had to adapt to the long periods of drought and the limestone soil. On one side is the garrigue, made up of holm oaks, elms, ashes, Phoenician junipers, caddis junipers and privet. On the other, the riverbanks, populated by willows, poplars and maples. And everywhere plants such as soapwort, sarsaparilla and poppies. In all, more than a thousand plant species can be found in the Nature Reserve.
3 – A varied and species-rich fauna
The geology of the Gorges de l’Ardèche, combined with numerous springs and resurgences, creates a wide variety of natural environments and species. Some are rare and protected. These include theBonelli’s Eagle, the Percnopter Vulture, the Peregrine Falcon, the European Beaver, the Otter and the Bat.
A Nature Reserve classified and protected since 1980
The landscape, archaeological, historical, fauna and flora interests of the Ardèche Gorges quickly highlighted the need to protect this exceptional site from the pressures of urban development and the effects of massive tourist numbers. In 1980, the Ardèche Gorges were classified as a National Nature Reserve, protecting some 2,000 hectares of wilderness.
The Réserve Naturelle des Gorges de l’Ardèche is managed by the Syndicat de Gestion des Gorges de l’Ardèche, which organises its activities around 3 major objectives: Protect – Manage – Raise awareness.
The Syndicat de Gestion therefore has a number of missions:
– enforcing regulations (monitoring)
– assessing the natural heritage
– scientific monitoring
– implementation of ecological management measures (bat conservation, scientific monitoring and surveillance of the two pairs of Bonneli’s eagles, maintenance of percnopter vulture feeding sites, etc.)
– raising public awareness through educational events
WILD CAMPING PROHIBITED – BIVOUAC OBLIGATORY
As you will have realised, access to the Ardèche Gorges Nature Reserve is an immense privilege. To limit the impact of tourism on this fragile ecosystem, wild camping is prohibited in the Nature Reserve.
But so that everyone can enjoy the beauty and richness of this unspoilt environment, whether hiking or canoeing, there are two bivouac sites where you can spend the night in the heart of the Ardèche Gorges, at Gaud and Gournier.
It’s up to you whether you prefer to pitch a tent or sleep under the stars.
Either way, it’s sure to be a magical night.
Email : bivouacs@gorges-ardeche-pontdarc.fr – Tel : 0033 (0)4 75 88 00 41