How to visit the Ardèche gorges: Tourist circuit + map

How to visit the Ardèche gorges? Discover below my tourist circuit in Southern Ardèche which passes through sites classified as major sites of France, magnificent caves, some of the most beautiful villages in France and the incredible Gorges de l'Ardèche.

What to see in Ardèche - My tourist circuit around the Gorges de l'Ardèche

Along my tourist circuit around the Gorges de l'Ardèche (route map below), I was able to discover grandiose natural sites, the richness of the landscapes of Beaume Drobie and charming little listed villages.

My itinerary, which is done in 1 week in the form of a road trip, can be personalized and adapted for a 4 or 5 day circuit or for day excursions provided you stay in the heart of the tourist sites (see my advice at the end of article).

Visit Ardèche in 1 week

Department of the Auvergne Rhône Alpes region, Ardèche is located between the Rhône Valley and the Massif Central, between Auvergne and Provence. Due to this geographical location, the Ardèche territory includes a wide variety of landscapes and numerous tourist sites.

This is why it is impossible to visit all of Ardèche in just 1 week!

For my part, preferring to discover a wild nature with spectacular gorges, chasms, caves and sinkholes in which our ancestors left their imprints, rivers among the most beautiful in France and landscapes of limestone plateaus and lavender fields, it's the South of Ardèche which I chose for my 7-day road trip in Ardèche.

Le North of Ardèche that we nickname theArdèche Green also offers tourists a great diversity of landscapes: green hills, valleys, mountain ranges, lakes, small stone villages, orchards, vineyards ... But to discover them, it will be the opportunity of another beautiful tourist circuit in Ardèche.

What to see in Ardèche in 1 week

As I wanted to integrate the most beautiful sightseeing, I had to select only the most beautiful villages, the must-see caves and the largest historical and natural sites which are (for me) tourist attractions must-sees in Ardèche :

  • Saint-Montan
  • Chauvet cave
  • Vallon Pont d'Arc
  • Saint Martin d'Ardèche
  • Aigueze
  • Pont d'Arc
  • Natural site of the Gorges de l'Ardèche
  • Balazuc
  • Vogue
  • Vinezac
  • Joyeuse
  • Labeaume
  • Faugères
  • Barjac
  • The Great Advent Site of Orgnac

Ardèche Gorges tourist circuit map


Now discover the detailed steps by following my southern Ardèche route :

Tourist circuit in Ardèche - Day 1

The 1st stop on my tour is Saint-Montan. The departure of my road trip can therefore be done:

  • From Avignon which is located 85 km from Saint-Montan. If you do not know, this is the opportunity to plan an extra day to visit this magnificent Provencal city (see my article: Visit Avignon in 1 day);
  • From Orange 40 km;
  • From Montélimar 25 km from Saint-Montan;
  • Or Alès at 85 km.

Saint-Montan

It is a 5th century fortress which sits on a rocky outcrop overlooking the entire valley. This medieval city is classified remarkable heritage site ! You can stroll through its small cobbled streets steeped in history, admire the old stone houses going up to the cathedral ...

ARDECHE SAINT MONTAN TOURIST CIRCUIT

Accommodation in Saint Montan

For this 1st night at 10 km from Saint Montan (in Pierrelattes), I recommend the Domaine des Oliviers:

It is a place full of charm. You will be very well received and will enjoy a magnificent setting with a park and swimming pool and an excellent restaurant!


Tourist route of the Gorges de l'Ardèche - Day 2

Early departure to reach the most beautiful site of Ardèche: The Ardèche Gorges Nature Reserve !

Saint Montan - Vallon Pont d'Arc

To start my tour, take the Sainte-Baume road (D262) to larnas, continue until Saint-Remeze. So, if it is the flowering season, you will enjoy the magical landscapes of lavender fields. Continuing on your way and before arriving at Vallon-Pont-D'Arc, you have to make a stop to visit the Chauvet Cave 2.

What to see in Ardèche - lavender fields

Chauvet cave

La Chauvet cave (listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is a prehistoric cave over 36 years old. For reasons of protection and conservation, it is closed to the public. On the other hand, the Chauvet Cave 2 which is a perfect replica can be visited and offers visitors the same sensations in front of the 425 drawings and paintings of our oldest ancestors.

Saint Martin d'Ardèche

Direction Saint Martin d'Ardèche. here is Tourist route of the Gorges de l'Ardèche with lookouts designed to enjoy plunging and spectacular views of the canyon.

What to see around the Ardèche gorges

Take the direction of Saint Remèze to go to Saint Martin d'Ardèche. You can take a short swim at Sauze or on the Grain de Sel beach in Saint Martin d'Ardèche.

B&B accommodation in the Gorges de l'Ardèche

To stay in a magnificent setting with a superb view of Mont Ventoux and the joy of an outdoor swimming pool, here is my tip:


Around the Gorges de l'Ardèche - Day 3

Today, my tour takes you to discover one of the most beautiful villages in France, one of the most beautiful caves in France and one of the most beautiful natural sites in France!

Aiguèze ranked among the most beautiful villages in France

A few kilometers from Saint Martin, on the other side of the Ardèche, is the charming village of Aiguèze. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Gorges de l'Ardèche, this village is located in a splendid natural setting.

What to see around the Gorges de l'Ardèche: AIGUEZE

Take the time to walk there to go back in time and find yourself in the Middle Ages ...

What to see in Ardèche - Visite d'Aiguèze

Cave of Saint-Marcel-d'Ardèche

This is the second stage of the day (a few kilometers from Saint Martin): The Cave of Saint-Marcel-d'Ardèche. Exceptional for its cascade of gours, it has many galleries and is very beautiful. The visit is done in 1 hour along the traces of the fossil river.

What to see around the gorges of Ardèche la Grotte Saint Marcel

Ardèche Gorges Nature Reserve

After the visit, you will take the wheel for about thirty kilometers of road up the Ardèche to reach the climax of the day: the Pont d'Arc.

Here you will have everything to have a great afternoon and the next day.

Ardèche gorges for tourist circuit

Where to sleep near the Pont d'Arc?

For your 2 nights near the Pont d'Arc, here is a perfect accommodation in terms of location: the hotel The Clos des Bruyères. It is just 450 meters from the banks of the Ardèche and 500 meters from Vallon-Pont-d'Arc town center (to enjoy the cafes and restaurants…).


The Gorges de l'Ardèche - Day 4

At the heart of the Gorges de l'Ardèche Nature Reserve, you can enjoy the landscapes, nature, hiking, swimming, canoeing and kayaking ...

Map of the Gorges de l'Ardèche

To help you find your way around, here is a map that allows you to choose where to go according to the activities planned for the day.

Map of the Gorges de l'Ardèche and activities

To descend the Ardèche by Canoe-Kayak, for caving, climbing or canyoning, you can contact La Vernede : Route des Gorges, 07150 Vallon-Pont-d'Arc at 04 75 37 12 74.


Most beautiful villages in Ardèche – Day 5

My circuit continues today with a 1st stage at Balazuc about twenty kilometers by road from Vallon Pont d'Arc.

Ardèche BALAZUC itinerary

Balazuc

Hanging on a cliff above the Ardèche, Balazuc was the former stronghold of the Lords of Balazuc. It is a medieval city where you will be able to appreciate the small alleys, vaulted passages, a small castle, a fortified Romanesque church… all in a postcard setting.

Tourist circuit Ardèche BALAZUC

Vogue

Also, leaning against a cliff, leaning against a cliff, the village of Vogüe proudly displays its castle of the Lords of Vogüé. The village is worth a visit to appreciate its amphitheater-shaped streets, its many arcades and its stone passages. The old houses with their round tiled roofs confirm the southern architecture of the village.

tourist circuit in ardèche VOGUE

Accommodation in Vogüe

For this 5th night, I recommend an ideal accommodation to relax in a nice setting: The Mas de Molines


Most beautiful villages in France in Ardèche – Day 6

My circuit continues on the route of most beautiful villages in France in Ardèche with the villages of Vinezac, Labeaume, Joyeuse that you can visit before arriving at Faugères.

Most beautiful villages of France in Ardèche
ARDECHE ON THE ROUTE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL VILLAGES IN FRANCE

Faugères is famous for its AOC Faugères wine. The peculiarity of this village are the windmills which, restored, function as before. At an altitude of 417 m, you will enjoy a superb panorama (Cévennes mountains, Lozère mountains and Aveyron landscapes).

Barjac

The small town of Barjac is located in the Cèze Valley, between the Gorges de l'Ardèche and the Cévennes. You can take a stroll around its cobbled streets, its small shaded squares and its old stone houses.

The Great Advent Site of Orgnac

To end my tourist circuit in Southern Ardèche, I recommend that you visit the Grand Site de l'Avent d'Orgnac which includes the Aven d'Orgnac cave and City of Prehistory.

What to see in Ardèche: Caves

Where to sleep at l'Avent d'Orgnac?

2,5 km from the Aven d'Orgnac cave, here is a place that I recommend with my eyes closed: Une Nuit au Village. This is a very nice cottage with garden, terrace and swimming pool.

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24 thoughts on “How to visit the Ardèche gorges: Tourist circuit + map”

  1. Thank you for this particularly interesting circuit project to discover the South Ardèche and its heritage gems.
    Two reservations, however, on the recommended accommodation in Saint-Martin and Aven d'Orgnac.
    Saint-Martin: "B&B La vielle source" the guest room on two levels supposes flawless mobility?
    L 'Aven d'Orgnac :: "A night in the village" ok but no more in the "Rhapsodie" room unless the Ardèche journey converts travelers to the troglodyte life of our elders.

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