Among the most beautiful sites in the Ardèche, you’ll love the Ardèche Gorges, the Pont d’Arc, the Chauvet Cave, the Aven d’Orgnac, and canoeing down the Ardèche Gorges. You’ll also love the countless walks…
1st most beautiful site in Ardeche: the Ardèche Gorges
The Ardèche Gorges are one of the most beautiful sites in France. A spectacular natural site in south-east France. They stretch for around twenty kilometres along the Ardèche river. The limestone cliffs that line them reach heights of up to 300 metres. The Gorges de l’Ardèche offer magnificent scenery and bathing spots, and are very popular with water sports enthusiasts and hikers. The famous Pont d’Arc, a natural stone arch spanning the river, is one of the region’s best-known landmarks.
2nd most beautiful site in Ardeche: the Pont d’Arc
Pont d’Arc is another of the most beautiful sites in the Ardèche, and indeed in France. Formed by the erosion of the River Ardèche, this arch is around 60 metres wide and 54 metres high. This site marks an impressive entry point to the Ardèche gorges, a popular destination for canoeing and hiking. The Pont d’Arc is surrounded by a rich biodiversity and spectacular rock formations. It is one of the region’s most emblematic natural monuments.
3rd most beautiful site in Ardeche: the Grotte Chauvet
The Chauvet cave, in the Ardèche region of France, is one of the oldest known decorated caves in the world. Discovered in 1994, it contains paintings and engravings dating back 30,000 to 32,000 years. The works depict a variety of animals, including lions, rhinoceroses and mammoths. They bear witness to great artistic mastery. Because of its historical and artistic value, the Chauvet cave is aUNESCO World Heritage Site. To preserve it, it is not open to the public, but a replica, the Caverne du Pont-d’Arc, allows visitors to admire its treasures.
4th most beautiful site in the Ardèche: canoeing down the Ardèche gorges
Canoeing down the Ardèche gorges is a very popular activity, offering an unforgettable adventure through spectacular scenery. The route, around 30 kilometres long, takes in towering cliffs, pebble beaches and impressive rock formations. The route includes a passage under the Pont d’Arc, an iconic natural arch. This experience combines sport and nature, with possible stops for picnicking, swimming or exploring the surrounding area. Suitable for paddlers of all abilities, it’s an ideal way to enjoy the wild beauty of the region.
5th most beautiful site in the Ardèche: L’aven d’Orgnac
Aven d’Orgnac is a spectacular cave in the Ardèche region of France, discovered in 1935. Listed as a Grand Site de France, it is famous for its vast underground chambers and impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations. Guided tours explore around 2 kilometres of underground galleries, revealing the geological beauty of this environment. An adjacent prehistory museum enhances the experience, displaying artefacts and information about the region’s earliest human civilisations. Aven d’Orgnac is a must-see destination for geology and natural history enthusiasts.
6th most beautiful site in the Ardèche: hiking in the Ardèche gorges
Hiking in the Ardèche gorges offers breathtaking panoramas and a wide variety of trails. Suitable for all levels of ability, these trails lead through forests, along cliffs and past spectacular viewpoints. The Sentier des Gorges and the Sentier des Dolmens are among the most popular, allowing visitors to explore the region’s rich natural and historical heritage. Along the way, hikers can observe a variety of flora and fauna, as well as unique geological formations. These walks combine adventure, nature and tranquillity in an exceptional setting.
