Ardeche

Ardèche Self-catering holiday rental homes, France

The Ardèche is a department in south-central France named after the Ardèche River. This stunning department is part of the Rhône-Alpes region. The Ardèche is known for its fast-flowing river that has carved narrow gorges into the valley creating one of the most breathtaking canyons in France. Be sure to visit Privas, the capital of the Ardèche, when staying in a self catering Ardeche holiday rental house or cottage.

It is a land of great contrasts: at the lowest it is 40 metres above sea level at the point at which the Ardèche river flows into the Rhône (in the south east of the department); and then soars up to 1,754 metres at Mont Mézenc (Centre-west). The Ardèche department is bordered to the east by the Rhône valley for 140 km and to the west by the high plateaus of the Massif Central.

With its rivers and streams, it’s no surprise that a visit to the Ardèche has become a priority for canoe and kayak enthusiasts from around the world. The gorges can also be explored on foot along the many tourist trails.

There are five distinct geographical regions within the department for you to explore during your stay in the Ardèche. Green Ardèche is located in the North and has the most relaxing atmosphere. The Ardèche Plateau is to be found in the West and has a pleasant climate - mostly covered with forests and mountains. The Pays de Privas is located in the East –it’s rich in culture and gastronomic delights. Rent Ardeche holiday accommodation and explore the Aubenas area comprising a number of fascinating villages, which have preserved their traditional way of life. Lastly, the South of the Ardèche is popular with tourists due to its dry and hot climate. It is here that you will find the Gorges de l'Ardèche and the Pont d'Arc.

Other Attractions worth visiting when on holiday in the Ardeche:

Prehistoric Caves at Chauvet

Discovered in 1994, the caves display magnificent paintings & engravings representing over 300 animals and 13 different species.

The Spa Town Vals-les-Bains

Over 140 springs in the town, which have a high bicarbonate of soda content making it a visit ideal to help digestive ailments, rheumatism & diabetes.

The Ardèche is France's leading producer of chestnuts; enjoyed in soups, ragouts and gratins and more commonly sampled under the guise of 'marron glace'.

Travelling to your Ardeche holiday rental home

By train: Train stations at the entrance to the Ardèche include - TGV Stations: Valence (Drôme), Montélimar (Drôme) and Avignon (Vaucluse). Other national stations include: Alès (Gard), Nîmes (Gard), Langogne (Lozère), La Bastide Puylaurent (Lozère), Villefort (Lozère). By road: The southern Ardèche is accessible via several main roads. Auto route A7 has six exits. The department is also accessible via the auto route A75. By Air: The nearest airports with direct UK flights are in Lyon, Nîmes, St Etienne and Grenoble. Low cost, charter and scheduled flights operate frequently out of the UK’s regional airports.