DISCOVER

The Gorges d’Ardèche

An exceptional natural heritage

THE GORGES D’ARDECHE

A NATURE PRESERVE

The Gorges de l'Ardèche stretch between Vallon Pont d'Arc and Saint Martin d'Ardèche. These two municipalities are 35 kilometers apart and are connected by a road along the impressive valley.

The Syndicate of the Gorges de l'Ardèche protects the canyon and ensures compliance with the regulations in order to preserve this nature preserve.

The Gorges de l'Ardèche nature reserve is also known as the Valley of the Ardèche and extends over a region of more than 1,500 hectares. The area was recognized as a National Nature Reserve in 1980.

This nature reserve provides an ideal environment for the development of many plant and animal species, including the Egyptian vulture, peregrine falcon, hawk eagle, snake eagle, rock martin, beaver, otter, genet, various bat species, reptiles and amphibians including the spotted salamander , the aspis viper, the Girondian smooth snake, the guinea lizard, the fin-legged newt, as well as trees such as the juniper and various other plant species.

THE PONT D'ARC

An emblem of the Ardèche

The Pont d'Arc is a highlightof the Ardèche and is a natural rock bridge that crosses the Ardèche. The rock has a bridge about 60 meters long and 55 meters high.

This natural monument is accessible by car. It is visible from the road and is 5 kilometers from the town of Vallon Pont d'Arc.

The Pont d'Arc is considered the starting point of the Gorges de l’Ardèche which officially ends in Saint Martin d'Ardèche. It is also called "the natural gateway to the Gorges de l'Ardèche".

The Pont d'Arc is a testament to the geological formations of the area.

It is one of the emblems of the Ardèche.

THE CAVE OF THE PONT D'ARC

A WITNES TO A PREHISTORICAL ERA

The cave of the Pont d'Arc Also called the Cave of the Combe d'Arc (after the name of the place), is a Paleolithic cave and its formation is estimated to be from 30,000 BC. The cave has preserved a large number of animal drawings (petroglyphs), sculptures and painted forms. It is one of the oldest caves, known thus far, where man has survived

The finesse of these paintings reveals the creative and artistic nature of our ancestors, raising questions and the idea that art evolved gradually in prehistoric times.

ACTIVITIES & TOURISM

An exceptional geological site

The geological limestone formations make the Gorges de l'Ardèche an exceptional area, both for summer tourist activities such as water sports (canyoning, canoeing, kayaking), as well as for caving and tourist excursions in the canyon.

For more information about the geological features of the Gorges de l'Ardèche and the Ruoms area of Vallon Pont d'Arc, visit the website of the Geological Society of the Ardèche.