Gorges de l'Ardèche - Cévennes - Southern Ardèche - Rhone Valley
The southern Ardeche is characterized by a Mediterranean climate hot and
dry, very sunny. The formely called "Bas-Vivarais" extends south
of the department between the Rhone Valley and the Cevennes. The Ardèche
River has carved spectacular gorges in the limestone, the Ardèche
Gorges are one of the most beautiful natural site in the south of France.
Water has also dug underground cavities in the karst massif, whose Aven
Orgnac is a magnificent example. Aubenas (sub-prefecture) is the main
city of southern Ardèche. Small towns contain architectural gems:
Viviers in the Rhone Valley, Happy in the foothills of the Cevennes. Two
villages of southern Ardèche are ranked among the most beautiful
villages in France: Balazuc and Vogue. Alba-la-Romaine, Saint-Montan,
Labeaume Vinezac, Banne, Naves are classified as "village character".