The Ardèche Gorges
The Ardèche Gorges lie between Vallon-Pont-d’Arc and Saint-Martin-d’Ardèche. It’s a 32km-long canyon, one of the most beautiful in Europe. The scenery here is breathtaking: 250m-high cliffs covered in scrubland, the river winding through the bottom of the canyon, rare flora and fauna. That’s why the Gorges de l’Ardèche are classified as a protected nature reserve. To preserve this fragile eco-system. There are several ways to explore the Ardèche Gorges: by canoe, on foot, by car or by bike.
Canoeing down the Ardèche Gorges
Canoeing down the Ardèche Gorges is undoubtedly one of the highlights of a holiday in the Ardèche. More than just a sporting activity, canoeing in the Ardèche Gorges is a nature experience. Over 1 or 2 days, embark on a 24 km canoe trip in the heart of a magnificent natural setting.
Hiking in the Ardèche Gorges
Un sentier de randonnée balisé long de 24 km traverse la Réserve Naturelle des Gorges de l’Ardèche au cœur du canyon. Le long des 24 km de l’itinéraire, vous marchez tantôt en corniche, tantôt en bord de rivière, et profitez d’une faune et d’une flore exceptionnelles.
A 24km signposted hiking trail crosses the Réserve Naturelle des Gorges de l’Ardèche in the heart of the canyon. Along the 24 km itinerary, you can walk along the ledge or along the river bank, and enjoy the exceptional flora and fauna.
Bivouac in the Ardèche Gorges
A l’intérieur de la réserve naturelle des Gorges de l’Ardèche, le camping sauvage n’est pas autorisé, et on ne trouve ni hébergements, ni restauration, ni commerces. Seule option pour y passer la nuit, deux aires de bivouac (camping) au bord de la rivière.
Wild camping is not permitted in the Ardèche Gorges nature reserve, and there is no accommodation, restaurants or shops. The only option for spending the night are two riverside bivouac (camping) sites.
The Ardèche Gorges tourist route by car or by bike
Between Vallon-Pont-d’Arc and Saint-Martin-d’Ardèche, you can take the Gorges de l’Ardèche tourist route by car or bike. There are 11 lookouts along the 29 km route, offering spectacular views over the canyon.
The Ardèche Gorges: a Protected Nature Reserve
The Ardèche Gorges have been classified as a Protected Nature Reserve since 1980. They are among the most remarkable sites in France for 3 reasons: the spectacular scenery, the abundant and varied Mediterranean vegetation, and the varied and species-rich fauna.
Ardèche Gorges Academy: tips for making the most of your stay
Les Gorges de l’Ardèche accueillent chaque année plus de 1,5 million de visiteurs. Pour préserver cet écosystème fragile et mieux informer les vacanciers, l’Office de Tourisme Gorges de l’Ardèche – Pont d’Arc, en partenariat avec les Syndicat de Gestion des Gorges de l’Ardèche et les loueurs de canoës, a créé l’Académie des Gorges de l’Ardèche. Une série de vidéos pour aider les vacanciers à mieux profiter de leur séjour dans les Gorges de l’Ardèche tout en adoptant des gestes plus éco-responsables.
The Ardèche Gorges welcome over 1.5 million visitors every year. To preserve this fragile ecosystem and keep holidaymakers better informed, the Gorges de l’Ardèche – Pont d’Arc Tourist Office, in partnership with the Syndicat de Gestion des Gorges de l’Ardèche and canoe hire companies, has created the Académie des Gorges de l’Ardèche. A series of videos to help holidaymakers make the most of their stay in the Ardèche Gorges while adopting more eco-responsible practices.
