What to do in the Ardèche: 10 must-see places and activities

The Ardèche is a land where nature has become an artist. Man has also left his mark here, with some of the most beautiful villages in France, a prehistoric cave that is unique in the world and a music festival (Aluna) that has become a not-to-be-missed feature of summer in the Ardèche.

Tourism in the Ardèche: 10 good reasons to visit our beautiful region.

1. The Ardèche Gorges: a spectacular canyon

Some of the most beautiful gorges in Europe! The Ardèche Gorges lie between Vallon-Pont-d'Arc and Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche. It's a 32km-long canyon, one of the most beautiful in Europe. Ideal for active holidays, this natural site offers a multitude of activities: canoeing, hiking, climbing and river swimming.

2. The Pont d'Arc: a natural arch unique in the world

Located near Vallon-Pont-d'Arc, the Pont d'Arc is the best-known natural site in the Ardèche gorges. This 54-metre-high stone arch, the only one of its kind in the world, attracts thousands of tourists every year, particularly canoe enthusiasts. It's the most photographed and shared site in the Ardèche on Instagram!

3. Beaches and rivers: swimming in the heart of nature

Swimming in the Ardèche is one of the great pleasures of a holiday! From May to September, the Ardèche offers plenty of opportunities for swimming in a natural environment at the foot of the iconic Pont d'Arc, in Saint-Just-d'Ardèche, Balazuc or Salavas. Between sand and pebbles, the whole family can enjoy a relaxing day by the water!

4. The Chauvet cave: the oldest painted cave in the world

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Chauvet cave, or rather its replica, features cave paintings dating back 36,000 years. Located in Vallon-Pont-d'Arc, this reproduction offers an immersion into a fascinating universe, while preserving the integrity of the original cave. A priceless treasure of the southern Ardèche!

5. Aluna: a festival in the heart of the Ardèche Gorges

A festival featuring the best of the pop, rock and electro scene! Every year, this unusual festival attracts almost 60,000 people for three days of music in Ruoms, in the heart of the Ardèche Gorges. Read our article on the [ concerts announced for June 2025 ], for an inside look at the Ardèche's biggest music event.

6. Local flavours: Ardèche gastronomy

The Ardèche is no slouch when it comes to gastronomy! Its culinary treasures include PDO chestnuts, wild blueberries, Picodon (the star cheese of the Ardèche), Boeuf fin gras du Mézenc, and local wines produced on the hillsides of the Ardèche. Then there are the Joyeuse macaroons, olive oil, truffles and saffron. A real festival of flavours to delight your taste buds!

7. Wine tasting in a cave

This summer, go caving in the Ardèche! Take part in a unique wine-tasting experience in an underground environment in the heart of the Aven d'Orgnac (Grand Site de France), in the Grotte Saint-Marcel (Cave Naturelle des Gorges de l'Ardèche®) or in the grotte de La Madeleine, one of the most beautiful in France.

8. The most beautiful villages in France: Vogüé and Balazuc

The Ardèche is home to two of the ‘Most Beautiful Villages in France’: Vogüé and Balazuc. Only 10 kilometres apart, they share a picturesque charm and an enchanting setting, carved into the cliffside overlooking the River Ardèche. Nestled in exceptional natural sites, they also boast a rich historical, architectural and cultural heritage.

9. A night's bivouac in a nature reserve

For an authentic experience in the heart of nature, opt for a night's bivouac in the Gorges de l'Ardèche nature reserve. The bivouacs at Gaud and Gournier are accessible to hikers and canoeists.

10. Comfortable camping accommodation

Looking for a nature holiday in the Ardèche? Join us at La Digue, our 4-star campsite in Ruoms, in the Ardèche. Leave your suitcases or rucksack on the banks of the river and enjoy the heated swimming pool, entertainment and activities on the campsite. An ideal destination for visiting the Ardèche!

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