It might be tempting to describe the Ardèche department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region by its proximity to other more famous places in France. Just south of Lyon. Just northeast of the Cévennes. West of Grenoble. Hugging the Rhône river that flows along its eastern border. Ardèche isn’t home to any great cities. But what this sparsely populated territory does have is some of the nation’s most spectacular scenery.
That includes Les Gorges de l’Ardèche, a 30 km canyon in a natural reserve that runs along the Ardèche river that has carved deeply into the region’s limestone. You’ll find here the Pont d’Arc, a natural stone bridge over the river that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a region rich in natural wonders that provides a great spot for biking, hiking, and camping.
