The Ardèche is a wild, romantic river in the south of France. It rises in the Massif Central and, after about 120 km, flows into the Rhône north of Avignon, near Pont-Saint-Esprit. It gives its name to the Ardèche département. The middle third, between Vallon-Pont-d’Arc and Saint-Martin-d’Ardèche, is particularly picturesque: here the river breaks through from the high plateau of the French Massif Central into the Rhône plain, forming a gorge about 30 km long (the Gorges de l’Ardèche).
Video of the Ardèche and the Pont d’Arc further down on this page
Terrain view of the Ardèche gorge (Google Maps)
View of the Pont d’Arc in Google Street View (from the viewpoint by the road):
View larger map
The gorge winds through enchanting river landscapes with rapids, caves, gravel and sand beaches and rock plateaus that invite you to sunbathe. It is a popular destination for canoeists and anglers. A canoe trip through the gorge is naturally part of any holiday on the Ardèche; many canoe rental companies offer it, but it can of course also be done on your own. The best starting point for the paddling trip is Vallon-Pont-d’Arc.
Canoe trip through the Ardèche gorge
A highlight of a holiday in the south of France is the one-day canoe trip through the Ardèche gorge. The route is about 30 km long. I have done this trip three times, always in high summer. It is busy on the water, sometimes whole groups of scouts are out and you are not exactly on your own, but the view from the boat up to the vertical rock walls makes the trip a pleasure every time.
The best plan is to start at 9 a.m. in Vallon-Pont-d’Arc; you will then easily manage the wild and romantic stretch downstream to Sauze, just before Saint-Martin-d’Ardèche. The canoe rental company picks you up there between 6 and 7 p.m. Alternatively there is a short trip of about 7 km, perhaps worth trying out. Paddling trips in high summer need to be chosen with care, as smaller rivers such as the Cèze have low water levels and canoes often have to be dragged over gravel banks. On the Ardèche you are on the safe side.
For the beautiful and romantic 30-kilometre trip through the Ardèche gorge, take enough sun protection, food and above all water. Valuables and cameras are packed safely in waterproof barrels (provided by the boat rental company). Do not forget shoes suitable for the water either (sneakers or sandals with a Velcro strap are good; simple flip-flops are easily lost). Depending on your skill, you should choose a canoe rather than a kayak. On slow-flowing water with only occasional rapids, a canoe is more forgiving because it tracks straighter. In a kayak you tend to make unnecessary zigzags. Do not start too late in the morning in Vallon, as you will want to take breaks along the way. If you are running late, the boat rental company will take you by bus, with the equipment, a few kilometres downstream to the start. That is a pity, however, because you then do not paddle through the Pont d’Arc, the emblem of the Ardèche, a 64-metre-high rock arch spanning the river. In strong wind in the gorge, paddling against the wind can be quite strenuous, as the current in high summer is rather sluggish (apart from the occasional rapids). About halfway along the route there is a place to stay overnight (bring a tent and sleeping bag) if you want to do the trip in two days.
Along the route you pass several rapids, the so-called “rapides”, and enjoy spectacular views:
- Le rapide de Charlemagne, just before the Pont d’Arc
- Le Pont d’Arc, a rock through which the river flows under a 64-metre-high “gateway”
- Le rapide des trois eaux
- Le rapide du Gué de Guitard
- La Cathédrale, an imposing rock formation shaped like a Gothic cathedral
- Le rapide de la Pastière
- Le Cirque de la Madeleine, a tight river bend of almost 360 degrees
At the end of the gorge, near Saint-Martin, the boat rental companies’ buses are waiting (look for the name and logo).
Current water level of the Ardèche:
at Vogüé: http://www.rdbrmc.com/hydroreel2/station.php?codestation=245
at Vallon-Pont-d’Arc: http://www.rdbrmc.com/hydroreel2/station.php?codestation=511
Water levels of other rivers:
Cèze (at Tharaux): http://www.rdbrmc.com/hydroreel2/station.php?codestation=269
Chassezac (at Gravières): http://www.rdbrmc.com/hydroreel2/station.php?codestation=514
Ardèche, the wild heart of France
France is without doubt a wonderful country for holidays, but those who want a truly individual holiday far from mass tourism will be in good hands in the Massif Central, or more precisely in the Ardèche.
Wild gorges with thundering waterfalls, majestic cliffs and rocks, orchards and small rustic villages: you find all of this in the Ardèche region.
Everyone knows that the two brave Gauls Asterix and Obelix never lived, but anyone who comes to Vogüé or Balazuc might think they were in the home village of the two heroes. The old rubble-stone houses with their tiny windows and crooked roofs are strongly reminiscent of the little Gaulish village. Balazuc was founded by the Moors in the 13th century and is today a beautiful place to find peace and relaxation. Vogüé is even older: the noble family, which still counts among the most powerful in the region today, built its ancestral seat, a magnificent castle, as early as the 12th century.
The stalactite caves of the Ardèche are especially fascinating. Deep in the mountains of the Ardèche lies a beautiful magical world of stalactites and crystal-clear, deep blue underground lakes.
The Ardèche region is the perfect holiday destination for all romantics, and for those who would like to become one.
Author: http://www.contentworld.com/authors/profile/421/
Ardèche: a must for nature lovers and outdoor fans!
The Ardèche in south-eastern France is named after the river of the same name and lies in the Rhône-Alpes region.
Above all, nature lovers and holidaymakers looking for peace and quiet get their money’s worth here.
The Ardèche landscape is divided in two. In the north, in one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world with large fir forests, there are impressive gorges through which the river winds. A highlight is the Pont d’Arc, a natural arch bridge that spans the river. Experienced canoeists and white-water enthusiasts will find a new challenge in the rapids. Numerous splendid beaches invite you to relax. Accommodation is available in hotels and apartments, but also on numerous campsites.
In the south, instead of high mountains, nature lovers find grassy hills and oak forests. The many large and small stalactite caves are well worth seeing.
Because of the Mediterranean climate, olives, peaches and cherries are grown in the southern Ardèche.
A walk through the wine-growing area is also worthwhile; at a small wine tasting you can try the excellent high-quality wines of recent years.
The former largest silk production in Europe is also worth a visit. Numerous mulberry trees were planted at the time. Today, silk is mostly produced in China.
For visitors interested in culture, a round trip through the Ardèche is recommended. The numerous old churches, castles and ruins in the Romanesque style offer a journey through history.
Author: http://www.contentworld.com/authors/profile/5869/
Information on Wikipedia about the Gorges de l’Ardèche (in French) »