The small village of Naves is found a couple of kilometres west Les Vans, close to the south-eastern border of the Ardeche. The village is listed as an Ardeche 'village of character'.
Note: Naves doesn't exist as a commune name - it is part of Les Vans, a larger town in the Ardeche. Hence in guide books it is sometimes referred to as Les Vans (Naves) - confusing, as you set off to explore Les Vans...be aware that they are separate entities a couple of kilometres apart.
Explore Naves
Cars are not permitted to enter the village of Naves - it is a pedestrian only village. Parking is along the road below the entrance to the village.
Although the centre of Naves is small it has some lovely old properties to admire and a great deal of charm. Enter the village and stroll along the narrow passages through the village as they pass between some very picturesque old houses, with plants and flowers bursting from every available space.
As you explore further into the back streets of the village you find the properties progressively more abandoned, until reaching some which are now in ruins as if waiting to see whether they will be renovated and become part of the 'tourist attraction' or disappear for ever back into the mountains...keep going there are further great views at the far end of the village.
Most paths end at the small square in front of the pretty little church in Naves (in use as an art gallery at the time of our visit) - an attractive spot with steep terraces tumbling away down the hill below the church.
There is also a 'sentier botanique' that follows around the back of the village, a chance to see and enjoy a little of the surrounding landscape and enjoy the regional plants and flowers. The pathway is signposted to the right shortly after entering Naves village.
Attractions close to Naves
Les Vans, the nearby town which now includes Naves, is a pleasant town for a stroll and has a small historical centre around the church. Although it has no particular highlights, Les Vans has all facilities and supermarkets, banks etc. and there are also a couple of museums, including a Museum of Archaeology.
There are numerous other historic villages in the region around Naves. If you have limited time our favourites are Banne and Labeaume because they both combine the charm of an ancient village with exceptional scenery.
You can find more travel ideas in the Ardeche guide and the Rhone-Alpes guide.
Photos of Naves
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Map of Naves and places nearby
Visit near Naves with France This Way reviews
Banne
The exceptional views from Banne are the highlight, and the streets of the small village and castle ruins are also highlights
Banne guide
Joyeuse
Explore the castle and medieval centre of Joyeuse - then head to the river beach to cool down!
Joyeuse guide
Labeaume
Both the medieval village and the river beach combine to make Labeaume very rewarding to visit
Labeaume guide
Saint-Ambroix
Saint-Ambroix is an interesting town, in part because of the ruined castles and the rocky 'plateau du dugas' in the village centre
Saint-Ambroix guide
Barjac
Barjac is a historic market town in the lovely countryside of he northern Gard department
Barjac guide
Vallon Pont d'Arc
Because of the proximity to the Gorges de l'Ardeche and the lively holiday atmosphere Vallon Pont d'Arc is a good base for exploring
Vallon Pont d'Arc guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Ardeche
Address: Les Vans, Largentière, Rhone-Alpes, 7140, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 44.4058, longitude 4.13278
Plan your visit to Naves, Ardeche
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Bois de Païolive: site of natural beauty (5 km)
- Grotte de la Cocaliere: site of natural beauty (12 km)
- Jardin du mas de l'Abri: remarkable garden (12 km)
- Jardin du Tomple: remarkable garden (16 km)
- Gorges du Gardon: grand site of france (17 km)
- Gorges de l'Ardeche: grand site of france (20 km)
- La Garde-Guerin: most beautiful village (22 km)
- Balazuc: most beautiful village (22 km)
- Tanargue: site of natural beauty (24 km)
- Aven d'Orgnac: grand site of france (25 km)
- Vogue: most beautiful village (28 km)
- Réserve naturelle nationale des Gorges de l'Ardèche: site of natural beauty (28 km)
Market days in Naves, France
Regular market(s) are held in Naves each Saturday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)
The French version of this page is at Naves (Francais)