Natural curiosities and tourist sites :

What should I wear to go up Mont Gerbier de Jonc?
Too often, we see people climbing in sandals or flexible shoes. However, it is necessary, for safety reasons
to wear a pair of trainers or walking shoes. In addition, being in the Ardeche mountains, temperatures are cooler and the weather changes rapidly, so we advise you to take a pullover, or windcheater with you…


What is the best season to come to Ardèche?
Refreshing yourself in Ardèche is to discover the beauty and diversity of the department through the seasons: the hatching of life in the spring, the richness of summer, the abundance of autumn and the beauty of winter. You will discover a landscape with many faces.

When can we see the lavender?
Lavender flowering is from the end of June to the month
of August, for "true" and "spike" lavenders and lavandins.
Through a guided visit, you will learn all about the culture
and virtues of this ancient plant. You will discover a collection
of old stills and their use.

Contact :
The Lavender Museum ()
Saint Remèze.
Tel: +33 (0)4 75 04 37 26.

Descent of the Ardèche Gorges in a canoe:

I cannot swim, can I descend the Ardèche gorges in a canoe?
It is compulsory to be able to swim and wear the lifejackets supplied.

I have a 2-year-old child, can I take them with me in the canoe?
Children under 7 years old are not permitted.

Is it possible to have our 10-year-old daughter aboard
the canoe with us?
It is possible to take a child between 7 and 12 years old
in the canoe as third passenger.

Is it compulsory to be accompanied by an instructor
in the Ardèche Gorges?
Some renters organise descents of the Ardèche accompanied by a state certified instructor, but it is not compulsory to be accompanied, you can make the descent of the Ardèche completely alone, as a family, or with a group of friends!

I want to descend the Ardèche over 2 days, must I take my own tent and meals?
Two bivouacs welcome you at Gaud and at Gournier. (Reservation: Tel: +33 (0)4 75 88 00 41 or on the Gaud and Gournier reservation website).  It is advisable to take a tent and a sleeping bag, and it is necessary to take meals because there is no possibility of supplies in the Gorges.

Is it possible to make a shorter tour?
If you only have 3 hours, you can make the 6 kilometres mini-descent from Vallon to Chames, passing under the Pont-d'Arc. This descent can be done at any time of day.

When is it possible to descend the gorges by canoe?
The descent can be done from Easter to October subject
to favourable water conditions and water level. Find out
at tourist offices.

Is canoeing difficult?
Descending the Ardèche gorges in a canoe does not present great difficulties. This route is open to everyone, it is sufficient to be able to swim.

Ardèche specialities and markets:

Where can I visit markets?
Ah, what a delight it is to go to the market! Hearty eaters
or gourmets, local products will delight your taste buds,
with several recognised by an AOC controlled name.
Here is the list of weekly markets ( PDF)

Where can we gather chestnuts?
Chestnut trees are generally found on private property,
so gathering chestnuts is not allowed. You can nevertheless find chestnuts on the markets, at the producers, and during
the Castagnades (Chestnut festivals) that take place every year.

Access to the department and internal travel:

Where is the nearest station?
The nearest railway stations are Valence, Montélimar
and Langogne. There are also TER bus links serving the main communes of Privas, Aubenas and Vallon Pont d'Arc. Bus tickets can be bought at the SNCF ticket window.

How do we travel around the department if we arrive
by train?
We advise you to rent a car on arrival at the station. From some communes there are also bus links serving the main communes of Privas, Aubenas, Vallon Pont d'Arc, Valence and Montélimar. Get information directly from the Tourist Offices to obtain the timetable or go to the departmental council.

Accommodation:

Are there naturist campsites?
There is no naturist campsite in Ardéche.

How do I get the list of private furnished accommodation and find out if it is available?
You must contact the Tourist Office for the area
in which you want to spend your holidays.
You can also find out on Ardèche-Resa website.