ESCAPES

     IN THE HEART OF THE ARDÈCHE GORGES

Located in France mainly in the Auvergne Rhône Alpes Region and situated on the borders of the Gard department in the Occitanie Region,the Ardèche Gorges form a radiant and great territory which enchants with the beauty and diversity of its landscapes enhanced by large wild spaces alongside a rich heritage that nature sports and culture enthusiasts never tire of discovering.

Running along an axis that goes from Vallon Pont D'Arc to Saint Martin D'Ardèche, while forming a canyon covering a

32 kilometers long , considered the most majestic in Europe , incorporating cliffs up to 250 meters high the Ardèche

Gorges have also been certified since January 14, 1980 as national nature reserve extends over 2 departments such as

Ardèche and Gard, in parallel with being an active member of the 350 nature reserves of the France and endowed with

radiant landscapes where magical and enchanting colors shine as if at sunrise, the Ardèche Gorges region is also very

enhanced by numerous natural spaces which are also the great privileged domain of fauna and a rich and diverse flora

characterized by the presence of plant and animal species that one encounters and spots during sporting excursions or hikes, such as Bonelli's eagles, peregrine falcons, and crag martins, as well as beavers and otters, which are a pleasure to observe in the waters of the Ardèche and delight young and old alike before exploring the woods adjacent to the gorges

such as those of Bouchas Saleyron or Laval where one encounters amphibians such as the spotted salamander and also

the ocellated lizard, as well as smelling the sweet and harmonious lavender scents that one encounters on the limestone plateaus. The particular configuration of the Ardèche Gorges offer ideal conditions for active sports enthusiasts such as

the practice of canyoning or rock climbing are offered in addition to other sporting activities such as hiking or mountain

biking well suited to all these places where nature reigns supreme,which can be found along its long marked hiking trail

a 24-kilometer route that allows you to appreciate the beauty of these Gorges , whether along the Haute Corniche or at

the edge river excursions alongside the discovery tours of Gorges with a pack donkey , lasting one or more days with

options for overnight stays in bed and breakfasts or in rural cottages such as yurts or campsites offering possibilities

original stays that go off the beaten track in often unusual and unforgettable conditions expressing all the charm and beauty of these enchanting places.

The Wildlife Preservation

Exploring the Ardèche Gorges is an unforgettable getaway , as you will discover numerous natural landscapes often shrouded in morning mists that blanket the foothills of the canyon and its surrounding areas like a cloud reminiscent

of an Impressionist painting, with a particularity that makes it pleasant to contemplate these places,expressing the full diversity of our territories while incorporating best practices in respectful ecotourism of the environment in parallel

of the environment,in parallel with the fact that they benefit from a climate including development and preservation

wildlife that is pleasant to appreciate in unique places such as the Pont d'Arc located 5 kilometers from Vallon Pont

d'Arc, an iconic natural arch of the Ardèche, 54 meters high which spans the river and this shimmering territory which

one never tires of discovering, boasts a magnificently preserved architectural and cultural heritage that bears witness our history, which can be encountered in charming villages near the Gorges, such as Balazuc, Labeaume,Saint Montan

Viviers or Bourg Saint Andéol are all delightful with their architecture adorned with narrow streets dotted with brightly

colored flowers, complemented by typical artisan boutiques, a stay in the Ardèche Gorges also means discovering its gastronomic heritage and enjoying the pleasures of the table in addition to the fact that we are in a region renowned

for its gastronomy which can be enjoyed in good restaurants as well as local producers of good regional products that

we encounter in their shops or markets that are happy to introduce you to and let you taste local specialities like the

Picodon, a raw goat's milk cheese with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), just like the Crique, a delicious apple

pancake pan-fried grated potatoes and, of course, its legendary pork meat products, accompanied by good local pink

and red wines .In total harmony with its geological and ecological configuration in a setting and an environment that

often offers surprises at every turn, the Ardèche Gorges are both beautiful and rebels in this region which in addition

to its shimmering territories, incorporates the particularity of maintaining spaces natural areas far removed from the

excessive human presence that are exciting to discover and which are an expression of the environmental richness of our beautiful country the France and of the men and women who bring it to life.

Report by: Gabriel PAGE

Photos credit: Gabriel PAGE / Getty Images

EARTH AND TRADITIONS

Between local produce and traditions, discover this majestic and radiant territory that is the ARDECHE by clicking on the URL link of our website.