Gorges de l'Ardèche, France

Gorges de l'Ardèche

A canyon with a giant natural stone arch over the river.

  • May–Sep
  • Best by car
  • 1 night
Explore on the map
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Things to do

2 days in Gorges de l'Ardèche

Day 1

  1. MorningRent a canoe at Vallon-Pont-d'Arc and paddle under the Pont d'Arc natural arch.
  2. AfternoonDrive the gorge road and stop at its many belvederes high above the river.
  3. EveningHave dinner in Vallon-Pont-d'Arc.

Day 2

Visit the Chauvet cave replica, with copies of 36,000-year-old paintings.

What to eat

Crème de marrons, chestnut cream, and a local Ardèche wine.

Local tips

Make the most of Gorges de l'Ardèche

Beat the crowds

July and August are busy with canoes and at the viewpoints. June and September are calmer.

Best photo spot

The Pont d'Arc, a natural stone arch over the river, from the riverbank or the road above.

Getting there

Easiest by car. The gorge road runs between Vallon-Pont-d'Arc and Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche.

Don't miss nearby

The replica of the Chauvet cave, with copies of the oldest known cave paintings.

Good to know

The full canoe trip through the gorge takes one or two days, with a riverside bivouac for the night.

Secret spots

3 secret spots near Gorges de l'Ardèche

Our most hidden places around Gorges de l'Ardèche: fewer people, same wow. Unlock them with a route in Google Maps and a PDF guide of Gorges de l'Ardèche to take with you.

49 km away
73 km away
80 km away
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Plan your visit

Getting to Gorges de l'Ardèche

Getting there

  • Avignon Caumont airport (AVN)65 km away
  • Marseille Provence Airport (MRS)125 km away
  • Avignon55 km away
  • Montpellier95 km away

A car is the easiest way to get here and to see the area around it. Distances are in a straight line.

At a glance

Best timeMay–Sep
TypeNature spot
Good forNature
Getting thereBest by car
Stay1 night
CountryFrance

Questions

Gorges de l'Ardèche: good to know

Is Gorges de l'Ardèche worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you like nature. A canyon with a giant natural stone arch over the river.

How many days do you need in Gorges de l'Ardèche?

Plan 1 night. Our free 2-day plan above shows how to spend your time.

When is the best time to visit Gorges de l'Ardèche?

The best time to visit is May to Sep. July and August are busy with canoes and at the viewpoints. June and September are calmer.

How do you get to Gorges de l'Ardèche?

The nearest airport is Avignon Caumont airport (AVN), about 65 km away. Easiest by car. The gorge road runs between Vallon-Pont-d'Arc and Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche.

What is there to see near Gorges de l'Ardèche?

Nearby hidden places include Avignon (57 km), Arles (80 km) and Gordes (82 km).

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