A trip in southern Ardèche

Evening check-in at the hotel. Welcome drink and dinner.

You will start by admiring the famous Pont d’Arc, then continue your drive from viewpoint to viewpoint along the gorges road, discovering a 22 km long canyon carved over nearly 110 million years by the Ardèche river.

Lunch at a restaurant, then a visit to the replica of the fabulous Chauvet cave, dated to 36,000 years ago and containing more than 1,000 prehistoric drawings.

Or, if you prefer, a visit to the major site of the Aven d’Orgnac, a true underground cathedral fitted out for visitors.

Driver’s rest day

Visit to Castanea, the Ardèche chestnut discovery centre, housed in the former Oratorian college dating from the 17th century, in the old town of Joyeuse. Then, free morning to stroll around the Provençal market of Joyeuse, the largest in southern Ardèche (on Wednesday mornings).

Lunch.

In the afternoon, a highly original theatrical tour of this important medieval town, which enjoyed great renown during the Renaissance under the Duke of Joyeuse, brother-in-law of King Henri III.

Departure for Terra Cabra, the Picodon museum, dedicated to the iconic AOP goat’s cheese of the Ardèche, to discover how Picodon is made and taste it at various stages of maturity. On the way back, a stop at a wine cellar where you will taste Chatus, a grape variety exclusive to the Ardèche.

Lunch at a restaurant, then a visit to the Mas Daudet in Saint-Alban-Auriolles, or Maison des traditions ardéchoises, the former farmhouse of Alphonse Daudet’s maternal family.

Guided tour of Vogüé, a village of character listed among the “Plus Beaux Villages de France” (Most Beautiful Villages of France). Overlooking the Ardèche river and nestled against a cliff, the castle of the Lords of Vogüé and its four round towers watch over the village and its amphitheatre of narrow streets. Visit to a nougat maker, with tasting.

Lunch at a restaurant.

“Néovinum: dive into the world of the Vignerons Ardéchois”

In the afternoon, enjoy an immersive, sensory experience: a fun audiovisual show trail that takes you on a discovery of the Ardèche vineyards. Gourmet tasting.

Departure for Saint-Remèze to visit La Maison de la Lavande, an estate and museum! You will discover the three different species of lavender and all the secrets of this age-old plant, the distillery room and the collection of antique tools. To finish, a ride on the Petit Train des Lavandes through the fields.

Lunch.

In the afternoon, a visit to the Château des Roure in Labastide-de-Virac, a stronghold on the ancient road to the Pont d’Arc and a key site of the Wars of Religion. The 15th- and 16th-century castle can be visited in its entirety and offers visitors a complete overview of silk, from silkworm breeding to spinning.

Departure for Antraigues-sur-Volane, where Jean Ferrat lived, a village of character perched in the mountains, amid the wild nature that inspired his most beautiful songs. Then discover Mont Gerbier-de-Jonc, a striking basalt peak where the Loire rises, and the natural lake of Issarlès, at an altitude of 1,000 m.

Lunch at a restaurant.

Return via Thueyts and its Pont du Diable (Devil’s Bridge), then Vals-les-Bains, a spa town famous for its sparkling water.

Departure for the Ardèche plateau to discover the volcanic peaks (“sucs”) and the watershed. The breathtaking landscapes will first lead you to the Ferme du Bourlatier, an old 17th-century farm standing like a fortress.

Lunch in a typical restaurant on the plateau, then discovery of the Cirque des Boutières, the crater of an ancient volcano. On the way back, you can admire Mazan Abbey.

Departure for Balazuc. Overlooking the Ardèche river, Balazuc seems to cling to its rock.

The heart of the village charms with its Saracen look and its rich restored heritage.

Lunch at a restaurant.

In the afternoon, set off to explore the Grotte de la Cocalière, one of the most beautiful caves in France, and enjoy a wonderful journey to the centre of the earth in the Cévennes. You will come back up a short staircase, and a little train will take you back to your starting point through the garrigue.