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Gorges de l'Ardeche travel guide

The Gorges de l'Ardeche are in the Ardeche department of the Rhone-Alpes.

One of the most stunning scenic highlights of France, they are usually accessed from the town of Vallon Pont d'Arc at the upper (north-west) end of the gorges.

The best way to explore the Ardeche gorges, and to get a real sense of their grandeur and beauty, is by descending in canoe from Vallon to Saint-Martin d'Ardeche - about 35 kilometres, with cliffs either side up to 300 metres in height. The tourist office recommend April, May and September as the best times of year to make the descent.

To add to the excitement of a visit the erosive forces of the river have also carved a large number of canyons and caves into the rocks. Highlights among these are the Grotte des Tunnels; the Pont d'Arc (a natural stone arch over the river); the Museum of the World at the 'Aven de Marzal'; the Grottes de la Madeleine; the Grottes de Saint Marcel; and the Aven d'Orgnac (probably the best of all). So there is always somewhere cool to escape from the heat outside!

After all that canoeing and cave visiting, take a trip along the road that follows the top of the canyon to visit some of the viewpoints (belvederes) such as the 'belvedere du serre du tourre' and the 'belvedere de gournier' for a different perspective on the canyon.

 

Gorges de l'Ardeche: tourist information, map, travel plans and gites

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Travel, hotels and holiday gites, Gorges de l'Ardeche

See the Visit Gorges de l'Ardeche section above for gites and hotels local to the area. For more general French travel options, see the Gites in France listings, or French holidays for other holidays, and Travel to France for ferries, Gorges de l'Ardeche car-hire, eurotunnel, cheap flights etc.

 

Places to visit - Gorges de l'Ardeche

• Gorges of Ardeche Magnificent Canyon
• Balazuc Ardeche village

Any places listed above are within about 20-25 km (as the crow flies)

 

Information and photos of Gorges de l'Ardeche, France

This Gorges de l'Ardeche tourism guide, has information and holidays and photos when available. If you have any photos or relevant information please send them to us! Full credit will be given if they are used.

 

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