The Ardèche department in southeast France is well known for its mountainous scenery and dramatic gorges. Every summer, tourists flock here to kayak down its rivers and hike up its mountains. This is also the home of the major annual road cycling event, L'Ardéchoise. The Ardèche department (number 07) lies within the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region and borders the departments of Drome, Haute-Loire, Loire, Vaucluse, Gard, Lozère and Isere. The dramatic landscape embraces the deep ravines and valleys of the Ardèche River and the heights of Mont Mézenc and the Massif Central, which lies to the west. Privas is the capital of the Ardeche and the smallest administrative capital of any department in France. It is not the largest settlement in the Ardèche, however, and is, in fact fifth in size, the largest in terms of population being Annonay.
Charming Villages of Ardèche
There are many beautiful villages to explore which are full of character and history. One of these is the charming village of Alba-la-Romaine which has an impressive castle and an old town where many of the buildings date back to the 16th and 17th centuries.
Scenic Landscapes
The main visitor attractions in the Ardèche, however, are related to its picturesque and dramatic landscape. They include the Gorges de l'Ardeche, and the Regional Natural Park of the Monts d'Ardèche.
Vibrant Tourist Hotspots
The town of Vallon Pont d'Arc is a favourite with tourists, and in high season, its many
cafés and restaurants are buzzing with people soaking up the sun and the atmosphere of this lively resort as they take a break from their outdoor pursuits.
Culinary Delights of Ardèche
When it comes to cuisine, the Ardèche is renowned for its sweet chestnuts which are used to make
marron glacé and
crème de marrons which feature in many local recipes. Another local speciality is the
crique, similar to a Swiss rosti and made with grated potato and seasoning.
Key Information about the Ardèche
- Main City/Prefecture: Privas
- Nearest Airport: Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (approx. 140 km)
- Population: Around 330,000 (as of the latest census)
- Area: 5,529 sq. kilometres and 2,135 sq. miles
- Landmark: Pont d'Arc, a natural limestone arch and gateway to the Ardèche Gorges, a popular spot for kayaking and hiking.
- Number of Tourists/Year: Approx. 1.8 million, drawn by its breathtaking gorges, prehistoric caves (like the Chauvet Cave), and outdoor adventures.
If you are looking for property in the Ardèche, please get in touch to discuss
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4 Beds
2 Baths
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