On the panoramic Ardèche gorge route
Gently wake up your other half, for an exceptional day in the heart of the Ardèche countryside.
An excellent coffee, generous breakfast, and the first rays of sunshine will put you in the best of moods, to travel the 29 kilometres which comprise the Ardèche gorge tourist route.
Here we go, you’re actually here! You drive steadily up to the first of the 11 panoramic viewpoints, which line the route between Vallon-Pont-d’Arc and Saint-Martin-d’Ardèche.
These spectacular viewpoints are laid out overlooking the canyon, to offer you an amazing view. The chance for you to take great souvenir photos and even a few selfies to share with your friends.
Stop at the famous Pont d’Arc, a natural mineral arch unique in the world, sculpted over thousands of years by the passage of the Ardèche river.
Dating back at least 124,000 years, 54 metres high and 60 metres wide, it is an impressive geological marvel.
A picnic stop at the Belvédère du Serre de Tourre panoramic viewpoint, one of the most iconic in the Ardèche gorge.
Perched 200 metres above the river, at the top of breathtakingly high cliffs, you’ll observe the first rapid on the kayak descent and, in the distance, the small village of Chames.
After a seasonal lunch in the shade, you’ll enjoy taking the short footpath which will lead you to the Belvédère de la Madeleine panoramic viewpoint.
The view over the remarkable “Cathédrale” rock (so named locally for its cathedral shape) on the left bank of the Ardèche river is genuinely impressive. An idea for a simple game, being the first to drive the wild goats perched on the rocks out from cover! You’ll most certainly come across them, whilst getting a suntan or trekking in this exceptional natural setting.
Continue your tour as a couple up to the Balcon des Templiers vista, which offers the loveliest viewpoint over the gorge, then the Balcon de la Maladrerie viewpoint with its medieval ruins. Next you can even go to the Balcon de la Rouvière and end with a flourish at the Belvédère du Ranc Pointu panoramic viewpoint.
Laid out on a rocky peak, it enables you to observe the various erosion phenomena having cave openings and cliffs with rock striations. Once you’ve arrived in Saint-Martin-d’Ardèche, treat yourself to a well deserved swimming stop on one of the two landscaped beaches: the Sauze and Le Grain de Sel beaches.
