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The best activities in the Ardèche for an unforgettable vacation

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The best activities in the Ardèche for an unforgettable vacation

Why not make the Ardèche your vacation destination this year? This département in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region has everything you need for an incredible stay. From its magnificent landscapes to its remarkable terroir and exceptional heritage, you won’t regret setting foot here. However, you may have trouble finding what to do in the Ardèche. Not for lack of activities! Quite the opposite, in fact. That’s why we’ve decided to help you in your search with this article. Discover our list of the best activities in the Ardèche.

Aquatic activities in the Ardèche, for relaxation or sport

Whether you come from the four corners of France, there’s one place everyone has heard of: the Gorges de l’Ardèche. This 32-kilometer canyon, classified as a protected nature reserve, is reputed to be one of the most beautiful in Europe. The river that winds its way between the cliffs (some of which are 250 metres high) offers a wide range of bathing, fishing and water sports activities. Not to mention the many other watering holes dotted around the department. Here are the water activities we’ve selected for you.

Swimming in the Ardèche

Here are 3 of the most popular swimming spots in the Ardèche:

  • the Pont d’Arc beach at Vallon-Pont-d’Arc. Because cooling off in the middle of summer is all well and good, but cooling off in a fabulous setting is even better. The Pont d’Arc is an arch carved out of the rock by the erosion of the River Ardèche. It stands at the gateway to the Gorges and measures 54 metres high and 60 metres wide. A geological phenomenon not to be missed!
  • Sauze beach, facing the cliffs of the Gard. It is located downstream from the descent of the Gorges de l’Ardèche and has been awarded the Blue Flag.
  • leisure parks, a good compromise for nature lovers who don’t like spending hours sunbathing.

Fishing in the Ardèche

Between the river that gives the département its name, the surrounding streams and the many lakes in the area, it’s fair to say that there’s plenty to do in terms of fishing. For beginners, there are plenty of places to learn. For the more experienced, you can fish for carp at night on the Rhône. There are also several no-kill courses, for more environmentally-friendly fishing.

Water sports in the Ardèche

When you think of a river, you think of numerous water sports, such as :

  • canoeing ;
  • paddle-boarding ;
  • sailing
  • pedal boats, etc.

And for a more unusual river activity, don’t hesitate to take a trip down the Gorges de l’Ardèche, including a bivouac.

Rafting and canyoning in the Ardèche

You asked for thrills? You’re in for a treat. The Ardèche Gorges are a veritable playground for white-water enthusiasts. Rafting and canyoning can be practised in a variety of locations and on routes of varying degrees of difficulty. It’s up to you to choose your guide according to your experience.

📌 If you’ve decided on your destination, now you just need to find somewhere to stay in the Ardèche! Discover our campsite in Lussas and book your next stay with us.

Fun and sporting activities in the Ardèche

Water sports may be one of the best activities in the Ardèche, but they’re not the only one. What’s more, by offering you a range of fun and sporting activities, our aim is to help you discover the region in a different way. We guarantee you’ll love it here.

What are the fun things to do in the Ardèche?

Treasure hunts and escape games

Our region abounds in interactive treasure hunts, escape games and geocaching courses. Activities you might think are primarily for children, but they’re sure to delight young and old alike. An original way to discover the Ardèche and its cultural heritage.

Velorail

What an unusual activity! You can visit the Gorges du Doux on board a vélorail, a small 4-seater pedal-powered vehicle. As the name suggests, it allows you to cover the 12 kilometers of the historic railway line. For the less sporty, there’s a shorter circuit near Aubenas.

Tree climbing and adventure parks

Why not take to the heights to discover the Ardèche countryside? Thanks to the various accrobranches (tree climbing) and via ferrata (via ferrata) sites, you can enjoy the beauty of the panorama, while having fun at the same time.

What sporting activities are available in the Ardèche?

Aerial sports

How about getting even higher? The Ardèche Gorges from the air are well worth the detour. You have several options for this:

  • airplane ;
  • helicopter ;
  • ULM ;
  • paragliding ;
  • and even hot-air ballooning!

Motor sports

If you’re wondering what else to do in the Gorges de l’Ardèche, apart from water sports, we recommend motor sports. Quad bikes, motorcycles, buggies or, more unusually, mopeds are all great ways to explore the region and take in the breathtaking scenery.

Hiking

We’re there! You can’t describe the cliffs of the Gorges without thinking of hiking in the Ardèche. From nature walks to real sports training, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Just as you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to your mount. In fact, in the Ardèche, you can go hiking :

  • hiking ;
  • mountain biking ;
  • on horseback ;
  • or on a donkey.

Climbing

More challenging and more technical than accrobranche, climbing is one of the best activities to be enjoyed in the region. The geological wealth of the Ardèche means you can climb in gorges, but also on granite cliffs or volcanic slopes. A pleasure for climbing enthusiasts.

📌 If you play golf and spend your vacations in the Ardèche, let yourself be tempted by the different courses in the department.

The best activities in the Ardèche, linked to heritage and terroir

As mentioned above, our campsite is located in Lussas, a charming village typical of the region. And if you come here on vacation in August, you’ll have the chance to discover it in full swing, thanks to the Lussas Documentary Film Festival. In the meantime, we’d like to introduce you to the cultural activities available around the campsite.

Gourmet activities in the Ardèche

The Ardèche is a land of expertise. Between the Ardèche wine, which deserves to be known (but in moderation), and the farms that produce tasty charcuterie and cheeses, your taste buds will also be solicited during your stay. The farms often offer a tour that ends with a tasting session. Bon appétit!

Ardèche spa towns

There are three spa resorts in the Ardèche. And while most of them are dedicated to cures, they also offer wellness treatments such as massages and thermal showers. Perfect for relaxing after a hard day’s hiking, for example.

Sightseeing not to be missed

Between museums, caves and wildlife parks, you’ll never be bored on your vacation in the Ardèche. Among the must-see sites are:

  • Chauvet 2 cave;
  • the Peaugres safari ;
  • and the village animal park, to name but a few of the things to do in Lussas.

Villages to explore

It’s hard to choose from the long list of emblematic villages in the region. Nevertheless, we’ve tried our hand at the exercise and suggest that you discover :

  • the mysterious abbey church of Sainte-Marie de Cruas, an architectural treasure known for the quality and rarity of its sculptures;
  • Alba-la-Romaine, a two-thousand-year-old village with a castle built on a volcanic dyke;
  • the village of Vogüé, one of France’s most beautiful villages, with a castle that is a showcase for the plastic arts;
  • Finally, if you’re wondering what to do in Aubenas at the weekend, don’t miss out on its château, now a Centre d’art contemporain et du patrimoine.

We warned you: the list of the best things to do in the Ardèche is long… and yet not exhaustive. There’s so much to see and do in the Ardèche that you can’t really appreciate it until you’re actually there. So book your next stay in the Ardèche now!