Unusual Places Not to Miss!
Ardèche is a wild land in the south of France. We all know the famous Ardèche Gorges, but did you know that there are many unusual places to visit? In this article, you’ll discover corners of Ardèche that you’ve probably heard very little about! Here’s a top 5 list of unusual places to visit in the department.
1. The Hanging Gardens, a Unique Panorama of the Labeaume Gorges
Established during the 18th century, these unusual gardens offer breathtaking views of the Labeaume Gorges.
Labeaume’s hanging gardens are small terraces clinging to the cliff. They were created during the 18th century and cultivated until the mid-20th century. Farmers of the time chose this unusual location for their gardens because cultivable land was very scarce at that time. Today, many travelers come to discover these gardens and admire the incredible panorama of the Labeaume Gorges.
🚗 34 minutes from the campsite
2. The Bois de Païolive, Rocks with Surprising Shapes
Shaped by rainwater during the Jurassic period, the white rocks of Bois de Païolive, also called the “Wood of the Fairies,” offer mysterious shapes to visitors of the forest. . One of the most unusual places in the Ardèche, where magic floats in the air…
Bois de Païolive is a forest of evergreen oaks that stretches for 15 kilometers in Ardèche. It is a remarkable natural area with exceptional biodiversity. If you want the chance to spot its inhabitants, we recommend remaining rather discreet. For nature enthusiasts, a local association offers themed outings from late May to late October to discover the species that inhabit this forest. Moreover, this forest, dating back to the Jurassic period, offers numerous landscapes with astonishing stone formations.
🚗 55 minutes from the campsite
3. The Ardèche Steam Train, Authentic Mallet Locomotives
A historic train that will take you back in time with its authentic steam locomotives! A family-friendly activity!
Connecting Saint-Jean-de-Muzols to Lamastre over 33 kilometers, the Vivarias railway is a tourist railway that is among the must-do activities in Ardèche. Its particularity? It is operated with steam traction by authentic Mallet locomotives! Numerous routes are offered depending on the season: Mastrou, Train des Gorges… so you can admire the beauty of the Ardèche nature. Indeed, the railway line, carved into the cliff, offers a spectacle of the Gorges du Doux that is inaccessible otherwise than by train.
🚗 1 hour 30 minutes from the campsite
4. The Dry Cabins of Quintenas
Built with granite stones, these shelters served partly as shelters for the owner in case of bad weather.
The Dry Cabins of Quintenas are constructions made of granite stones, assembled without mortar. These cabins were generally built far from the owner’s residence and served as shelter in case of bad weather or as storage for agricultural tools or small equipment. Quintenas has 12 dry cabins. If you want to learn more about these cabins, a guided tour is offered by the Families of Quintenas. During a walk, the guide discusses the history of the cabins and their secrets.
🚗 2 hours from the campsite
5. The Hot Air Balloons of Annonay: Immersing Yourself in the City’s History
Annonay hosts a multitude of hot air balloons for memorable flights throughout the year in the land of its inventors.
Annonay and the hot air balloon, it’s a whole story! Indeed, the first prototype of a hot air balloon, invented by the brothers with the eponymous name, flew over the Place des Cordeliers in Annonay in 1783. Even today, you can take a hot air balloon flight over these places. Thanks to this special history with hot air balloons, the city hosts a multitude of aeronautical events that allow you to enjoy memorable flights throughout the year.
🚗 2 hours from the campsite
As you can see, these unusual places in the Ardèche will quickly become unforgettable memories of your vacation at Ludo Camping. Our team will be delighted to give you more tips on what not to miss!