Holidays in Ardeche, Rhone-Alpes, France

Ardeche is a department in the Rhone-Alpes region of southeastern France. Dominated by the Ardeche Mountains and the spectacular Ardeche gorges, the area is a great place to explore on foot or by kayak. There are also pretty mountain villages and towns where you can make a comfortable base to explore the region.

Ardeche Mountains

The mountains are found in the west of the Ardeche region and provide some great scenery for walkers and bikers to enjoy. The mountains themselves are quite easy to climb, and the numerous hiking trails are all graded for difficulty so you can assess easily before you start which ones are suitable for your group. You can find yourself hiking through forests or along the shores of mountain lakes, and enjoying the viewpoints across the surrounding scenery. Mount Menzenc is one of the most famous peaks in the mountains, thanks to the cows that are fed on its high slopes and are one of the best delicacies of the Ardeche.

Ardeche Gorges

The Ardeche River flows from the mountains south, where it has created a network of spectacular gorges through the limestone cliffs, some 300 metres high. There are paths along the tops of these gorges, but the best way to explore them is by kayak or canoe at water level. The river is relatively easy to navigate in the summer months and there are many companies that run day trips on the water, including stop off points for a swim. One of the most popular beaches on the river is at Vallon Pont d'Arc, a natural arch carved by the river in the stone that you can swim through. There are several pretty medieval villages to be found in this area, such as Labeaume at the bottom of one of the gorges and Balazuc, which is perched on a cliff edge overlooking the Ardeche River.

Sceautres

This beautiful village in the east of the Ardeche region is worth a visit, and not just for the historic houses and churches or the beautiful countryside. Just outside the village can be found an interesting geological phenomenon, reminding the visitor of the volcanic past of this part of France. The huge mound of volcanic rock on the outskirts of Sceautres is actually the largest volcanic neck in Europe; rock that has formed over time to plug what was once a huge volcanic vent. Whether you're interested in geology or not, this is a spectacular and popular tourist site.




The Author writes for Holiday Home Rentals who have a selection of Gites in Ardeche and Villas in France which can be rented direct from their owners.