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When it comes to holiday destinations, very few can offer culture and history, majestic natural vistas, and adrenaline thrills at the same time. Places like that are unique and special; they are bound to be an attraction but need to be protected and respected.
So, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to The Gorges of The Ardeche River!
The Ardeche has its origin in the Massif Central in the south-central part of France and flows for more than a hundred kilometers until it reaches the Rhone river. From Vallon-Pont-d’Arc to Saint-Martin-d’Ardèche, it has carved its way through a limestone plateau, creating one of the biggest and seemingly most magnificent canyons in Europe.
The impressive gorges have a height of around three hundred meters. They are home not only to all kinds of diverse vegetation typical for the Mediterranean climate but also to all sorts of animals. This land is a haven for biological diversity, including some rare and protected species such as Bonelli’s eagle, Egyptian vulture, Peregrine falcon, European beaver, otter, and 17 types of bats.
Not only that, but the area has been the site of prehistoric human activity too. There are multiple caves that can be explored. The most famous one is the Grotte Chauvet which boasts some of the oldest and best-preserved figurative cave paintings in the world. Sadly, for the sake of conservation, this one is closed for visitors, but you can still experience its replica, the Caverne du Pont-d’Arc.
Recognizing the gorges’ immense natural and archeological wealth, the authorities have declared the area a natural reserve, but that doesn’t mean it cannot be enjoyed by the public. You can admire the majesty of the canyon in a myriad of ways: by taking a drive on the panoramic road, hiking, caving, climbing, biking. But probably the best way is to jump in the river’s rapids and straits in a kayak
Multiple rental services offer guided trips down the river and sailing gear to both beginners and whitewater aficionados. When you are choosing, it’s essential to ask and find out the specifics of the different trips offered. The course can be as short as 8 kilometers or as long as 32 kilometers and include overnight camping at a specially designated bivouac.
No matter if you are an adrenaline junkie or someone who is just looking to try something new, riding the straits of the Ardeche and being able to enjoy the grandeur of the gorge’s cliffs is not likely to be something you will ever forget. The starting point for most trips by kayak or canoe is the famous Pont d’Arc.
The name of the limestone rock formation translates to “the Arc Bridge.” As a result of years of erosion, the arc connects the two river banks and serves as an entrance to the canyon. It’s 60 meters high and 30 meters wide, making it the main point of attraction for hikers, groups of kayakers, and sunbathers.
Find the time to swim in the clear waters and jump from the cliffs! Then hop in your kayak, paddle till eventually, you will get to La Cathedrale.
There is no chance to miss it or not recognize it. Its distinctive spires resemble a Gothic temple that has given its name. It’s both a geological curiosity and a poetic testament to the divinity of Nature.
The Gorges of the Ardeche are an ideal destination for people who want to actively experience the majesty of the natural world and not only contemplate its magnificence from a far.
When it comes to holiday destinations, very few can offer culture and history, majestic natural vistas, and adrenaline thrills at the same time. Places like that are unique and special; they are bound to be an attraction but need to be protected and respected.
So, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to The Gorges of The Ardeche River!
The Ardeche has its origin in the Massif Central in the south-central part of France and flows for more than a hundred kilometers until it reaches the Rhone river. From Vallon-Pont-d’Arc to Saint-Martin-d’Ardèche, it has carved its way through a limestone plateau, creating one of the biggest and seemingly most magnificent canyons in Europe.
The impressive gorges have a height of around three hundred meters. They are home not only to all kinds of diverse vegetation typical for the Mediterranean climate but also to all sorts of animals. This land is a haven for biological diversity, including some rare and protected species such as Bonelli’s eagle, Egyptian vulture, Peregrine falcon, European beaver, otter, and 17 types of bats.
Not only that, but the area has been the site of prehistoric human activity too. There are multiple caves that can be explored. The most famous one is the Grotte Chauvet which boasts some of the oldest and best-preserved figurative cave paintings in the world. Sadly, for the sake of conservation, this one is closed for visitors, but you can still experience its replica, the Caverne du Pont-d’Arc.
Recognizing the gorges’ immense natural and archeological wealth, the authorities have declared the area a natural reserve, but that doesn’t mean it cannot be enjoyed by the public. You can admire the majesty of the canyon in a myriad of ways: by taking a drive on the panoramic road, hiking, caving, climbing, biking. But probably the best way is to jump in the river’s rapids and straits in a kayak
Multiple rental services offer guided trips down the river and sailing gear to both beginners and whitewater aficionados. When you are choosing, it’s essential to ask and find out the specifics of the different trips offered. The course can be as short as 8 kilometers or as long as 32 kilometers and include overnight camping at a specially designated bivouac.
No matter if you are an adrenaline junkie or someone who is just looking to try something new, riding the straits of the Ardeche and being able to enjoy the grandeur of the gorge’s cliffs is not likely to be something you will ever forget. The starting point for most trips by kayak or canoe is the famous Pont d’Arc.
The name of the limestone rock formation translates to “the Arc Bridge.” As a result of years of erosion, the arc connects the two river banks and serves as an entrance to the canyon. It’s 60 meters high and 30 meters wide, making it the main point of attraction for hikers, groups of kayakers, and sunbathers.
Find the time to swim in the clear waters and jump from the cliffs! Then hop in your kayak, paddle till eventually, you will get to La Cathedrale.
There is no chance to miss it or not recognize it. Its distinctive spires resemble a Gothic temple that has given its name. It’s both a geological curiosity and a poetic testament to the divinity of Nature.
The Gorges of the Ardeche are an ideal destination for people who want to actively experience the majesty of the natural world and not only contemplate its magnificence from a far.
When it comes to holiday destinations, very few can offer culture and history, majestic natural vistas, and adrenaline thrills at the same time. Places like that are unique and special; they are bound to be an attraction but need to be protected and respected.
So, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to The Gorges of The Ardeche River!
The Ardeche has its origin in the Massif Central in the south-central part of France and flows for more than a hundred kilometers until it reaches the Rhone river. From Vallon-Pont-d’Arc to Saint-Martin-d’Ardèche, it has carved its way through a limestone plateau, creating one of the biggest and seemingly most magnificent canyons in Europe.
The impressive gorges have a height of around three hundred meters. They are home not only to all kinds of diverse vegetation typical for the Mediterranean climate but also to all sorts of animals. This land is a haven for biological diversity, including some rare and protected species such as Bonelli’s eagle, Egyptian vulture, Peregrine falcon, European beaver, otter, and 17 types of bats.
Not only that, but the area has been the site of prehistoric human activity too. There are multiple caves that can be explored. The most famous one is the Grotte Chauvet which boasts some of the oldest and best-preserved figurative cave paintings in the world. Sadly, for the sake of conservation, this one is closed for visitors, but you can still experience its replica, the Caverne du Pont-d’Arc.
Recognizing the gorges’ immense natural and archeological wealth, the authorities have declared the area a natural reserve, but that doesn’t mean it cannot be enjoyed by the public. You can admire the majesty of the canyon in a myriad of ways: by taking a drive on the panoramic road, hiking, caving, climbing, biking. But probably the best way is to jump in the river’s rapids and straits in a kayak
Multiple rental services offer guided trips down the river and sailing gear to both beginners and whitewater aficionados. When you are choosing, it’s essential to ask and find out the specifics of the different trips offered. The course can be as short as 8 kilometers or as long as 32 kilometers and include overnight camping at a specially designated bivouac.
No matter if you are an adrenaline junkie or someone who is just looking to try something new, riding the straits of the Ardeche and being able to enjoy the grandeur of the gorge’s cliffs is not likely to be something you will ever forget. The starting point for most trips by kayak or canoe is the famous Pont d’Arc.
The name of the limestone rock formation translates to “the Arc Bridge.” As a result of years of erosion, the arc connects the two river banks and serves as an entrance to the canyon. It’s 60 meters high and 30 meters wide, making it the main point of attraction for hikers, groups of kayakers, and sunbathers.
Find the time to swim in the clear waters and jump from the cliffs! Then hop in your kayak, paddle till eventually, you will get to La Cathedrale.
There is no chance to miss it or not recognize it. Its distinctive spires resemble a Gothic temple that has given its name. It’s both a geological curiosity and a poetic testament to the divinity of Nature.
The Gorges of the Ardeche are an ideal destination for people who want to actively experience the majesty of the natural world and not only contemplate its magnificence from a far.
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