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.
Charming Bed and breakfast
La Grange de Mailhac
Four independent charming guest rooms in an old barn renovated in a Provencal style, open to the Mediterranean garden and pool, near the village of Barjac. Garden, Swimming pool.
Charming bed and breakfast
Le Mas d'Issoire
Four comfortable rooms in southern Ardèche, in the Mediterranean countryside, in a then abandoned hamlet. The farmhouse has now been restored in keeping with the spirit and authenticity of the place. Large garden, Dinner.
Charming Bed and breakfast
Mas de La Chadenède
Three beautiful guest rooms (two of which are duplexes) in a beautiful renovated traditional farmhouse in Lagorce, a village in the southern Ardèche, near the Ardèche gorges. Park, Table d'hôtes.
Charming guest rooms and unusual lodging
Tre Mas
Two spacious and comfortable rooms, complemented in summer by a unique treehouse room under the stars. Located in Saint-Marcel-lès-Sauzet, in the Provençal Drôme, near Montélimar. Panoramic views, garden and swimming pool.
Planning 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.