France impressions
The Ardèche is a rocky and unique landscape. The breathtaking gorge, the Gorges de l'Ardèche, should be seen. Lots of quaint and picturesque villages and beautiful banks on the rivers Ardèche, Baume or Lignon. The Ardèche is a culinary highlight for me, you can simply eat great here.
The places and surroundings:
Aiguèze
Right at the beginning of the Gorges de l'Ardèche, Aiguèze lies high above the river. Beautiful squares lined with plane trees, old stone houses and quaint alleys. A beautiful view of the river and the opposite town of Saint Martin d'Ardèche, which Mr personally too touristy and therefore not very charming.
Banne
quiet and secluded very beautiful village. In the center you sit in the beer garden of the Auberge de Banne under plane trees. A castle ruin with a beautiful view of the Bois de Paiolive. Largely spared from tourism, that's why it's still an insider tip.
Balazuc
Located directly on the Ardèche with many sandy bays. Many canoeists leave here. A beautiful village, but like Vogüé, quite crowded in summer. A hike along the Ardèche to Lanas (also a very quaint and quiet village) is highly recommended, especially in spring. From the opposite bank of the river you have a great view of Balazuc. A hike along the Ardèche to the ferme du Viel Audon, where you can try and buy homemade goat cheese. Especially interesting for children.
Jaujac
one of my favorite villages on the Lignon river. Quaint streets and beautiful stone houses. If you climb up in the old town center, you have a wonderful view. At the bridge there is a footpath to the left of the river to great spots on the river where you can swim. An old stone bridge and the typical basalt rocks complete the picture. The water is crystal clear and shimmers green. The visitor center of the Parc Regional des Monts d'Ardèche is well worth seeing and is idyllically situated on a hill above the village.
Several hiking trails go from here into the surrounding mountains and forests
Lagorce
small, original village with old stone alleys located on a hill, largely spared from tourism. We recommend the sentir botanique, a themed hiking trail that explains the flora and fauna. In the restaurant les Tilleuls you can sit on a beautiful panoramic terrace and eat really delicious.
Labeaume
beautiful village on the river Baume. Sandy bays on the river bank, the water shimmering in all shades of green. In the village a nice place with small bistros under plane trees. A short hike to the jardin suspendus is a must. The path leads along the river (including bathing spots) and then leads up to the rock. The view is terrific. Labeaume is definitely one of the most beautiful places in the Ardèche.
Largentiére
nice little town with a nice center and a nice weekly market. A beautiful chateau right in town. All in all, a beautiful cityscape and a good starting point for activities in the Cevennes.
Mirabel
The village of Mirabel, surrounded by basalt rocks, is in a great location. The houses are made of dark basalt and it gives the village something very special. Mirabel has been largely spared from tourism, it is quiet and idyllic with a wonderful view from its castle ruins above the village. Many signposted hiking trails start from the village.
Navès
idyllic little village known for the Cirque de Navancelles, a canyon-like canyon that can be hiked from the village. The village is in the middle of the mountains and is decorated with flowers. Small bistrots invite you to linger. Medieval streets and stone houses characterize the town center.
Ruoms
I wouldn't exactly describe it as rustic or beautiful, but it has one of the most beautiful weekly markets in the region that you should definitely visit. A hike in the defiles de Ruoms is particularly beautiful, great sandy beaches on the shimmering green Ardèche. A meal in the Auberge de la Pommeraie restaurant just outside of town is an absolute must for rose fans. 3000 different types of roses in the huge garden. On the terrace you sit in the middle of the rose garden and the food is also excellent. The scent of the roses is indescribable
Rochecolombe
It couldn't be more original. The old stone bridge on the creek and the ascent through the old cobblestone streets up to the castle ruins is terrific. Time seems to have stood still. Far away from mass tourism in an idyllic valley. At the end of the valley a waterfall that falls from a huge rock face (although it dries out in summer ... probably only water-bearing in winter and early spring). One of the most rustic and beautiful villages in the Ardèche!
St. Thomé
rustic mini village in a beautiful location. In spring it blooms everywhere, lilacs everywhere you look. Just walk through the small alleys and look. Rather unaffected by tourism. If you are looking for peace and quiet and pure idyll, this is the right place for you.
Thuyets and the Pont de Diable
Nice place with a small center in the middle of the Monts d'Ardèche. Known for its Pont de Diable, the old stone bridge over the river below the village. A great hike starts at the parking lot in the center and is signposted. (approx. 5 km, easy) This leads to the beautiful spots on the river and along the steep cliffs. You can refresh yourself in the river.
Saint Montan
It couldn't be more medieval. Stone streets and houses throughout the place. An ancient castle that can be visited. Saint Montan is just amazing! A hike to Larnas is signposted and highly recommended.
Vogüé
is located directly on the Ardèche. Beautiful river banks with sandy bays and a castle in the center. Cute streets and the view from the Chapelle Saint Cerice should not be missed. Unfortunately, it's busy in summer.
Other tips for excursions:
Die Quelle Font Vive bei Grospierres
This beautiful spring is idyllically situated in the forest and can be hiked from the village. The water shines in all shades of green and the silence of the forest and the small babbling brook make the idyll perfect. An absolute favorite!
The Mont Sampzon
You can reach it on foot or by car, the summit of Mont Sampzon and the mini village on the summit. Views of the entire area are impressive and a sunrise or sunset is particularly beautiful.
Das Plateau des Jastres
Above St. Didier sous Aubenas you can hike this beautiful and panoramic plateau.
Park at the car park on the D259 a few kilometers before Eyriac and follow the hike to the oppodium des jastres and the plateau des jastres. At the edge of the rock you have a magnificent view over the Cevennes and Aubenas. Herbs of Provence grow along the entire route, especially thyme.
The Cascades du Ray Pic and the Mont Gerbier de Jonc
The Mont Gerbier de Jonc stands out on a plateau in the middle of the loneliness. An ascent is definitely manageable and the view is of course breathtaking. The source of the Loire rises here. Nearby are the beautiful Cascades de Ray Pic, which can be reached on a fairly easy hiking trail. The Auberge de Bachasson is located on the D116 south of Gergier de Jonc. Definitely go to eat there! The parlor is so quaint and cozy and the food is wonderful, everything from our own production. A menu du jour very inexpensive.
Mont Brison viewpoint
beautiful viewpoint in the Cevennes. The view of the surrounding mountains is breathtaking. On the way, stop at the Auberge de Brison and eat a menu du jour ... The head chef is a patissier, the food is a dream (especially the dessert). The portions huge ...
A great auberge with a wonderful mountain view from the beer garden and restaurant.
Die Gorges de l'Ardèche
of course a must if you are in the Ardèche. Simply drive through the gorge from Saint Martin d'Ardéche to Vallon Pont d'Arc. There are many viewpoints with magnificent views of this beautiful gorge. The Pont d'Arc just before Vallon Pont d'Arc is particularly beautiful.
Die Pourcheyrolles waterfall
a beautiful waterfall is hidden in Montpezat sous Bouzon. A small path leads between the gardens of some stone houses on the Le Claux Suchon road down to the waterfall (possibly overgrown in summer, more recommended in spring or autumn). The waterfall is very impressive and little known, a real insider tip.
My restaurant tips:
The Tilleuls - Lagorce
Auberge de Banne - Banne
La Granja delh Gourmandas - Balazuc
L'Esparat, Vogüe
Auberge De Bachasson - St. Eulalie
Les Pavés Gourmandes, Thuyets
Auberge de la Tour de Brison - Sanhilac (beautifully situated and an amazing menu)
Auberge de la Pommeraie - Ruoms (roses ... roses everywhere, just great)
The Paiolive olive tree - Le Vans (Pure Idyll)
My calendars:
My holiday home tips:
https://www.homelidays.com/hebergement/p1658763a
https://www.homelidays.com/hebergement/p1265959a
https://www.villa-elilea.com/la-villa/
https://www.gites.fr/gites_villas-neuves-tout-confort-a-24-km-de-vallon-pont-d-arc_tauriers_52082.htm
