Ardèche
Ardèche Adventure: Where the Rhône carves through rugged gorges, ancient caves whisper history, and outdoor wonders beckon the bold.
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The landscapes are composed of plateaus full of flowers, oak and coniferous forests, fast rivers in deep canyons, vineyards and orchards. You can hike here, go cycling or horse riding and in winter go skiing or cross country skiing and come across flocks of sheep and goats, birds of prey and the odd wild boar! The volcanic peaks of Mount Mézenc and Mont Gerbier de Rush, and the Col de Meyrand on the Massif de Tanargue offer superb views over the Ardèche landscapes.
The Ardèche canyon
The Ardèche river has dug the deepest canyon in Europe (Gorge de l’Ardèche) between Ruoms and Saint-Martin-d’Ardèche. This is the ideal place for fishing and if you make a canoe trip during your holiday, you can also admire the natural bridge of Vallon-Pont-d’Arc, carved into the rock by erosion. The natural sculptures of limestone blocks in the Bois de Païolive have also been carved by erosion. But the Ardèche has also become famous for to the Paleolithic painted cave near Vallon-Pont-d’Arc: the Chauvet cave with over 400 representations of animals. From spring 2015, you can visit the meticulous replica of the cave. A nice outing from your holiday home is the cave Orgnac and the cave of the Madeleine. But also picturesque villages of Balazuc, Vogue, Labeaume Lagorce Chalencon, Joyeuse and Largentière Jaujac with their cozy terraces, their boutiques, wine shops and restaurants must not be missed.
Specialties of the Ardèche
During your holiday, enjoy the specialties based on fish or meat (especially game and poultry), but also dishes prepared with mushrooms, herbs or olive oil from the Pays des Vans perfectly accompanied by a glass of the wines of the Coteaux de l’Ardèche and to finish your meal in your holiday home, do not forget to taste the Brique de l’Ardèche cheese and candied chestnuts for dessert. You will find all these specialties on Aubenas markets, Privas, of Arnonay or Ucel. Did you know that the Ardèche has also many spas like Vals-les-Bains, Neyrac-les-Bains and Saint-Laurent-les-Bains? They can be reached via the scenic route of Corniche du Vivarais Cevenol. And take the steam train from Tournon-sur-Rhone to Lamastre. Exciting for children is the Jaujac Adventure Forest and safari park Peaugres that you can cross with your own car!