Southern Ardèche: gorges, Pont d’Arc, Chauvet and villages
Southern Ardèche between Rhône, Cévennes and gorges
Southern Ardèche, formerly Bas-Vivarais, lies between the Rhône Valley, Ardèche plateaus and the Cévennes. Mediterranean climate, limestone reliefs, rivers and stone villages give the area a different character from the north of the department.
Ardèche Gorges and Pont d’Arc
The Ardèche Gorges stretch between Vallon-Pont-d’Arc and Saint-Martin-d’Ardèche. Pont d’Arc marks the upstream entrance to the canyon. Canoeing, hiking, viewpoints and bathing in selected areas reveal this narrow valley, depending on season and visitor numbers.
Caves and Chauvet 2
The karst relief explains the many caves. Aven d’Orgnac includes large underground chambers and an interpretation area. Chauvet 2 recreates the Chauvet cave, listed by UNESCO, and explains the importance of the Palaeolithic paintings discovered near Pont d’Arc.
Towns, villages and produce
Aubenas, Viviers, Joyeuse, Les Vans, Balazuc, Vogüé, Labeaume, Alba-la-Romaine and Saint-Montan offer several approaches to built heritage. Markets feature chestnuts, goat cheeses, honey, Côtes-du-Vivarais wines, fruit and products linked to the valleys.
Bed and breakfast in Southern Ardèche
Here is a selection of guest houses, gites and charming places to stay in Southern Ardèche, near the gorges, the Pont d’Arc and its villages, with direct access to each owner’s website.
- Garden
- Table d’hôtes (guest meals)
- Swimming pool
Charming Bed and breakfast
La Grange de Mailhac
Close to Barjac, four spacious rooms with their own entrances bring new life to a stone barn. Provençal décor, with touches recalling the Camargue, preserves the warmth of the house. Walk into the village before setting out for the Ardèche gorges, the Cèze valley and the markets of the Gard provençal.
This address is located in Barjac and associated with a stay near Ardèche méridionaleGorges de l'ArdècheGorges de la Cèze
Barjac 30430
Charming bed and breakfast
Le Mas d'Issoire
In Vagnas, four comfortable rooms open onto the terraces of an old stone hamlet patiently restored. Le Mas d’Issoire is above all a lived-in home, where hospitality centres on meeting and sharing. An informal address for enjoying the Ardèche countryside, convivial meals and outings towards Vallon-Pont-d’Arc.
This address is located in Vagnas and associated with a stay near Ardèche méridionaleGorges de l'ArdècheGorges de la CèzeBarjac
Vagnas 07150
Charming Bed and breakfast
Mas de La Chadenède
In Lagorce, five comfortable rooms, including family rooms, occupy an old farmhouse restored with respect for its stonework. Private entrances and individual décor help guests feel at home. A rural base for exploring the villages and paths of southern Ardèche, near Vallon-Pont-d’Arc and the gorges.
This address is located in Lagorce and associated with a stay near Ardèche méridionaleGorges de l'ArdècheCévennesGorges de la Cèze
Lagorce 07150
Charming guest rooms and unusual lodging
Tre Mas
Above Saint-Marcel-lès-Sauzet, two air-conditioned rooms with individual décor open onto the garden and the landscapes of the Drôme provençale. Comfort and attentive hospitality give the house a restful atmosphere. In the warmer months, an unusual room perched in a tree offers a stay closer to the sky.
This address is located in St Marcel-lès-Sauzet and associated with a stay near Ardèche méridionaleMontélimarDrôme ProvençaleVallée du Rhône
St Marcel-lès-Sauzet 26740Planning your stay in Southern Ardèche
When is the best time to stay in Southern Ardèche?
Spring and autumn suit villages, caves and hiking. Summer is good for canoeing and bathing, with high visitor numbers around the gorges.
Where should you choose a bed and breakfast in Southern Ardèche?
You can choose Vallon-Pont-d’Arc, Les Vans, Joyeuse, Aubenas, Viviers or villages near the gorges depending on access to rivers, markets and cultural sites.
What can you do in Southern Ardèche?
You can explore the Ardèche Gorges, visit Chauvet 2, Aven d’Orgnac, character villages, markets and valleys close to the Cévennes.