Visiting The Ardeche – A Suggested Tour
March 22nd, 2010 | 
Author: Visiting The Ardeche – A Suggested Tour
Between the Alps to the east and the mountains of the massif Central to the west lies the Ardeche department of southern France.
Most visitors to the region pass by on the autoroute without giving the region a second thought but this is a mistake because the Ardeche has some of the most attractive scenery in the south of France and ancient villages that are a match for those in Provence or the Dordogne the better known of the departments of southern France.
A suggested tour route for a visit to the region follows. This would make for a very long day out or for a two or three day exploration.
Start at Vallon Pont d’Arc in the south of the Ardeche. This town is lively has a good selection of cheap restaurants and is a gateway to the stunning canyon known as the Gorges of the Ardeche a little way west of the town.
For 40 kilometres the Ardeche river passes through canyons several hundred metres deep while a road along the top of the gorge permits some extremely impressive views and photo opportunities.
The gorges start at Pont d’Arc a natural stone arch some 60 metres high and with a popular river beach and runs as far as the Belvedere de Madeleine one of the finest viewpoints in the gorges.
Head north towards SaintMontan an ancient village with the ruins of a castle poised high above the steep cobbled streets of the town. With a few restaurants this would be a good place to stop for lunch.
Refreshed you can continue on to AlbalaRomaine another town around a castle but this time dating from the 17th century the original defensive castle having been ‘swallowed’ by the newer construction.
Head a little way west to the village called Vogu. This is classified as a ‘most beautiful village in France’ and is a very attractive village on the river Ardeche. There are numerous tiny alleys to explore among the ancient houses and if time permits you can hire a canoe on the river.
Next stop is Balazuc a little way downstream. This village is also a ‘beautiful village’ and is unusual in that it is set within the gorges rather than on a hilltop! Be sure to see the little church and courtyard and the bridge across the river below.
Final stop on our little tour is Labeaume. Another very attractive little village it makes the perfect stopping place especially if you have children in the car because there is a very popular river beach here in a lovely setting below the cliffs. If you have the energy be sure to walk up the track behind the village as well for a lovely view across the village and cliffs.
Your day out is nearly complete you are just ten kilometres from your starting point where an evening in a great value restaurant is waiting for you. Bonne Voyage!
About the writer:nbsp;nbsp;Before you visit see some photos of the Ardeche villages or learn more about the highlights to be discovered elsewhere in the Ardeche department.The author lives in France and promotes tourism in the country.
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