Introduction

Situated in the South-East of France, Ardèche is one of the eight departments to make up the region of the Rhone-Alpes. Geographically, Ardèche is a department of significant contrast, with the Rhone Valley, its towering Mezenc mountain, luscious forests, picturesque villages and the plateau region coming down from the mountains.

History

The Ardèche department has been inhabited since the Palaeolithic period and its early residents are evidenced by the cave paintings that have been found in several of the caves contained within the department's volcanically-created mountain range. In more recent times the department has embraced tourism and for many years its diverse landscape has made the department an attractive destination for visitors from all over the world.

Main Towns

• Annonay
• Aubenas
• Joyeuse
• Privas
• St Just

Weather

The climate in the Ardèche department is warm and wet with the Rhone-Alpes having, on average, twice as much rainfall as any other region in France. The department's temperatures are similar to those in the south of France although the weather tends to be very changeable and is hard to predict at any time of the year.

Tourist Sites

The finest tourist attractions in the Ardèche department are found in the natural splendour of its varied landscapes. The 'Gorges de l'Ardèche' is a 35km range of gorges that sprung up due to geological shifts over a hundred million years ago. The gorges have a network of canyons, potholes and caves inside them but most fascinating is the Pont d'Arc, a 66m opening in the rock face.

The Ardèche Mountains are a range of volcanically-created peaks formed seven or eight million years ago. The mountains are intersected by a network of caverns and passageways, seven of which are open to the public. The Organac pothole is a popular natural attraction with both geologists and tourists, and visitors can explore the vast cavern on a walking tour with local naturalists.

The Issarles Lake is a listed site and a popular attraction for tourists. The lake is situated in the crater of an extinct volcano and was created from the meeting of molten magma and water. The lake is an extraordinary blue, surrounded by beautiful countryside and, with a depth of 62 metres is an extraordinary natural phenomenon.

Surrounded by the beautiful Ardèche countryside, the Vals-les-Bains is a popular health resort for tourists wishing to 'get away from it all.' The source of Vals water, Vals spas have long been known for their healing powers and visitors still flock from far and wide to bathe in the waters today.

Museums, Galleries and Culture

There is a wealth of museums and galleries in the Ardèche department that explore the history of its fascinating landscapes. The Musée de la Préhistoire d'Orgnac is a popular museum that tells the story of 80,000 years of mankind's adventures, and the Chauvet cave museum has an exhibition of cave paintings that were discovered in 1994 and date back as far as 32,000 BC. For those wishing to stay at ground level, the Canson museum in Annonay tells the story of paper-making in the departmental capital. There is also a selection of working mills around the department that stands as a testimony to 19th century local culture, demonstrating the traditional techniques of making flour, silk and even olive oil.

Family Entertainment

The Marzal pot-hole is an excellent sub-surface attraction suitable for visitors of all ages. The cavern acts as a prehistoric zoo and museum that tells the story of the world underground.

Food and Drink

Like most places in France, the Ardèche department has an excellent reputation for food and wine. Its 'fin gras' beef is a delicacy that is famous all over the Rhone-Alpes, a product of cattle that are fed with nothing but the finest hay from the Mezenc mountain. The department is also famed for its Picodon goats cheese that is made from whole-fat goats milk and known for its subtle hazelnut flavours.

Wine Tasting

Like all the departments in the Rhone-Alpes, Ardèche offers plenty of opportunities to sample the produce from its expanse of vineyards, particularly its renowned Chardonnay. There are several wine cellars contained within the department's main towns, such as the Clos Delorme in the town of St Just.

Walking

The Ardèche department is a haven for serious hikers but also offers plenty of opportunities for the more leisurely walkers. The Mezenc mountain towers above the department at 1753 metres and is a tough climb but is well worth the effort, especially in Spring when the mountain is covered in a luscious variety of Alpine plants and flowers. A little lower than the Mezenc, at 1550 metres, the Tanargue mountain is attractive to hikers and climbers from all over the region wishing to sample its pure clean air and exceptional views.

There are several designated trails marked throughout the department allowing hikers to experience the diversity of the department's landscapes. It's panoramic viewpoints are best explored by the Sucs trail that winds through the villages of Lachamp-Raphael, Boree, Saint-Clement and Saint Martial and ends with spectular views over the Rhone valley and the Alps. In addition, the Piémont Ardéchois is a challenging 6-day hiking tour that provides a true experience of the department's natural treasures.

Golf

The Ardèche department is an excellent golfing region with its magnificent expanse of green countryside. The Annonay-Gourdan golf club is a varied 18-hole course set in a vast tree-lined park in the heart of the beautiful Ardèche countryside.

Other Sports

With its variety of natural landscapes the Ardèche offers many ways to engage with the outdoors through a variety of sporting activities. With its magical canyons and rock formations, the Gorges de l'Ardèche can only be reached by foot or by boat and its caverns, well-marked trails and winding river are a haven for those craving adventure. The nature reserve is best explored by canoe or kayak and several companies offer canoe adventures that allow visitors to experience the majestic beauty of the reserve at close range. Winding through 133km of Ardèche countryside, the Rhone river is a popular setting for a variety of watersports and is also an ideal spot for angling with carp, trout and pike in abundance.

Ease of Access

Most of the major towns in Ardèche are linked by the TGV rail network and the train to Privas takes just four hours from Paris. The nearest airports served by UK arlines are in Lyon and Nimes, but St Etienne and Valence are in closer proximity to the Ardèche and have regular flights from Paris and other regional airports.

Value for Money

The Rhone-Alpes is a fairly expensive place to live, especially around its larger towns and the Ardèche department is no exception. However, property prices in the rural areas are much cheaper and away from the more touristy areas the cost of living is much better value for money.

Summary

With its good food, vineyard climate and opportunities for adventure, the Ardèche is one of the most charming departments in France and it is easy to see why it has been a popular tourist attraction for so many years. There is plenty to explore around the department and, with its varied natural landscapes and relaxing atmosphere, it is hard to resist.