Gorges de l'Ardèche

The Gorges de l'Ardèche form a 30-kilometre canyon cut by the Ardèche river through the limestone Cévennes plateau in the Ardèche department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Designated a Réserve Naturelle Nationale, the gorge features sheer white limestone cliffs rising up to 300 metres from the river, dense garrigue scrubland on the canyon rim, and clear green water that is ideal for swimming and canoeing from late May to September. The D290 scenic road runs along the northern rim of the gorge for approximately 30 kilometres from Vallon-Pont-d'Arc to Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche, with a series of signed viewpoints — including Belvédère de la Cathédrale and Belvédère du Gournier — offering panoramas across the canyon. The most accessible highlight is the Pont d'Arc, a natural limestone arch spanning 60 metres across the river at the gorge entrance, formed by river erosion. Canoeing the full gorge from Vallon-Pont-d'Arc to Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche takes one to two days with an overnight bivouac at one of four designated riverside campsites. Day canoe hire from Vallon-Pont-d'Arc covers the upper section, including the Pont d'Arc, in approximately five to six hours. Swimming is permitted in designated zones; the water is at its warmest in July and August. The nearby Caverne du Pont d'Arc, a replica of the Grotte Chauvet (36,000-year-old prehistoric cave paintings), is located 3 km from Vallon-Pont-d'Arc and is the most complete replica of a prehistoric decorated cave in the world.