Ardeche places to visit and attractions
Below you can explore some of the most popular highlights and places of interest in the Ardeche department of Rhone-Alpes. See also our Ardeche travel guide
Ailhon
The beauty of Ailhon is the chance to follow the footpaths through the forests between the separate hamlets See guide
Alba-la-Romaine
Larger than many of the Ardeche villages, Alba-la-Romaine also has a very picturesque historic centre to explore See guide
Antraigues-sur-Volane
Antraigues-sur-Volane is a small medieval perched village, with most activity centred around its central square at the top of the hill See guide
Aubenas
The Chateau d'Aubenas and the belvedere next to the castle are the highlight of your visit to the town of Aubenas See guide
Balazuc
After exploring ancient Balazuc you descend further to reach the Ardeche river See guide
Banne
The exceptional views from Banne are the highlight, and the streets of the small village and castle ruins are also highlights See guide
Desaignes
The ramparts, medieval gateways and village centre are the highlights of your visit to Desaignes in the Monts d'Ardeche Regional Natural Park See guide
Gorges de l'Ardeche
The Gorges de l'Ardeche are one of the most scenic highlights in France, whether following the road along the rim or canoeing along the river See guide
Jaujac
The most unusual characteristic in Jaujac is the deep river gorge running through the centre of the village See guide
Joyeuse
Explore the castle and medieval centre of Joyeuse - then head to the river beach to cool down! See guide
Labeaume
Both the medieval village and the river beach combine to make Labeaume very rewarding to visit See guide
Meyras
Smaller than many of the Ardeche villages, you will see an ancient covered passageway and a couple of trompe l'oeil paintings in the centre of Meyras See guide
Naves
Stroll through the pretty village of Naves and you will see progressively more ancient houses disappearing back into the landscape See guide
Pont d'Arc
The small beach and beautiful setting make Pont d'Arc a very beautiful and popular site See guide
Privas
Privas is not a major destination but a visit is leasant when you are exploring the Ardeche countryside See guide
Saint-Montan
Climbing the steep cobbled streets to the castle at the top of the village you see lots of lovely houses in ancient Saint-Montan See guide
Thueyts
Thueyts is more 'renovated' than many of the Ardeche 'villages of character' and has lots of architectural highlights See guide
Tournon-sur-Rhone
In Tournon-sur-Rhone there are several interesting monuments to explore and also the Eden Parc woodland garden and views See 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 See guide
Viviers
The town of Viviers contains some interesting buildings and a nice view across the Rhone, although the town is also rather neglected in places See guide
Vogue
Dominated by its castle, the beautiful village of Vogue is one of our favourite Ardeche villages See guideFor more information see the Ardeche guide
Market towns & days in Ardeche
all markets in morning unless otherwise stated
Annonay: Wednesday & Saturday
Aubenas: Saturday
Bourg-Saint-Andeol: Wednesday
Coucouron: Wednesday
Guilherand-Granges: Friday
Jaujac: Tuesday & Friday
Joyeuse: Wednesday
La Voulte-sur-Rhone: Friday
Lamastre: Tuesday
Largentiere: Tuesday
Le Cheylard: Wednesday
Le Teil: Thursday
Naves: Saturday
Privas: Wednesday & Saturday &
Rosieres: Monday (high season only)
Ruoms: Friday
Saint-Agreve: Monday
Saint-Felicien: Friday
Saint-Martin-d'Ardeche: Sunday
Saint-Martin-d'Ardeche: Wednesday (high season only)
Saint-Paul-le-Jeune: Monday & Friday
Saint-Peray: Wednesday
Satillieu: Tuesday
Serrieres: Friday
Thueyts: Friday
Tournon-sur-Rhone: Saturday
Vallon Pont d'Arc: Thursday
Vals-les-Bains: Thursday & Sunday
Vernoux-en-Vivarais: Thursday
Tourist attractions to visit in Ardeche
The following sites have received official "tourist classifications"...
Sites of Natural Beauty
Bois de Païolive
Cascade du Ray-Pic
Secteur Sauvegardé (protected historical town centre)
Viviers: See tourist guide
Religious Monuments
Abbatiale Sainte-Marie (Cruas)
Regional Natural Parcs
Monts d'Ardeche
Towns classified as Recommended Detours
Vals-les-Bains