guide
A guide to the highlights of the Ardèche: the Chauvet 2 cave, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Cité de la Préhistoire, the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona, along with activities in the department such as cross-country skiing at the La Chavade nordic ski area, rail biking through the Doux gorges and a visit to the Safari de Peaugres. Handy for planning a campsite stay in the Ardèche.
A stay in the Ardèche promises wonder and remarkable discoveries. You’ll be captivated by the region’s rich history as well as its many natural sites. For your accommodation, you can find cheap campsites. Here are a few suggestions for discovering the must-see spots and the activities on offer.
During your stay in the Ardèche, you’ll be able to:
In the Ardèche département, you can explore several exceptional geological sites. We’ll mention in particular the Chauvet Cave, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in Vallon-Pont-d’Arc, it was discovered in 1994. This site houses nearly a thousand engravings and paintings, including 447 depictions of animals. You can also head to the Aven Marzal cave. Once there, don’t forget to visit the museum and the prehistoric zoo for a genuine journey back to the Palaeolithic era.
If you’d like to relive the most important events from the Palaeolithic era to the time of the Gauls, head to the Cité de la Préhistoire. Through the interactive displays on site, you’ll learn more about the evolution of the human species. It’s worth noting that this visit can be combined with a hike that lets you discover the woods of Orgnac.
This gourmet visit is built around a trail that lets you discover the origins of a product whose reputation needs no introduction. You’ll be introduced to the production techniques and can even taste the many varieties of this flagship product. At the end of your visit, don’t forget to stop by the shop to bring back souvenirs for your loved ones.
Whether solo, with friends or with family, plenty of activities await you:
If you’re travelling in the Ardèche between December and February, take advantage of the La Chavade ski area. Located between 1,380 and 1,504 m altitude, it offers you the chance to try cross-country skiing. For a family stay, your children will love sledging.
On the tracks of the famous Train de l’Ardèche, you’ll climb aboard little rail carts that will remind you of iconic Beetle cars. To explore the pre-set routes, you’ll need to pedal through tunnels, across viaducts and through clearings. Several kilometres of enchanting scenery await you. Once you reach the end of your adventure on the banks of the Doux river, you’ll have the chance to visit the village of Boucieu-le-Roi.
This zoological park is a space inaugurated in 1974 by Paul de La Panouse. It covers an area of 80 hectares, home to 127 different species. You can visit this zoo as part of a walking tour or by car.
For your accommodation, be sure to check out the budget campsites in the Ardèche. Several establishments offer water parks with slides or heated indoor pools.
No, but the Chauvet 2 cave, discovered in 1994 and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, presents a faithful replica of the nearly a thousand engravings and 447 animal depictions from the original site.
The La Chavade nordic ski area, located between 1,380 and 1,504 metres altitude, operates between December and February. Children can also go sledging there.
An activity where you pedal small carts along the tracks of the Train de l’Ardèche, through tunnels, viaducts and clearings, all the way to the village of Boucieu-le-Roi.
This 80-hectare zoological park, opened in 1974, is home to 127 different species, visitable on foot or by car.
