From Pont d’Arc to Saint-Martin-d’Ardèche, the canyon can be explored from viewpoints or along the river. This photo tour presents the landscapes and distinguishes a scenic drive, canoe descent and overnight bivouac trip.
The canyon and its landscapes
The Ardèche Gorges are the main attraction of the department and its most beautiful natural site. Before flowing into the Rhone, Ardeche digs a deep canyon, thirty kilometres long in the limestone plateau, creating superb landscapes, between the villages of Vallon-Pont-d’Arc and Saint-Martin-d’Ardèche.
Viewpoints and canoe descents
The gorge road and its viewpoints reveal the canyon from the plateau. Canoeing or kayaking is a different experience, requiring preparation suited to the route’s length and river conditions. Being able to swim is essential; check age, equipment and supervision requirements with the operator. For a two-day descent, book a place in an authorised bivouac area.
The area is a nature reserve, the flora and fauna are preserved. People have lived in these landscapes since prehistoric times. The Chauvet cave near Vallon-Pont-d’Arc, contains cave paintings dating back some 35,000 years, among the oldest examples of human artistic expression in the world.
The limestone plateau is riddled with caves and tunnels dug by underground rivers. The most famous is the Aven d’Orgnac but you can also visit Saint-Marcel cave, the Aven Marzal, Madeleine cave.
Planning your visit
Wild camping is not permitted in the nature reserve: arrange overnight stays at the authorised Gaud or Gournier bivouac areas. Check availability, river conditions and weather before booking a descent. For a scenic drive, use the designated viewpoints.
Accommodation around the Ardeche Gorges
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• Tourist office website : en.gorges-ardeche-pontdarc.fr
Getting to the Gorges de l'Ardèche (Vallon-Pont-d'Arc)
location GPS N 44°24’28’’ - E 4°23’40’’
Location of the Ardeche Gorges at Vallon-Pont-d'Arc : altitude 85 to 45 meters, 2300 inhabitants, 12 km from Barjac, 28 km from Aubenas, 37 km from Lussan, 38 km from Saint-Martin d'Ardèche