The Ardèche is the place to be for holidaymakers in search of nature and spectacular scenery. Between the near-constant sunshine, the wild rivers, the scent of roasting chestnuts, the mountains and the lavender fields, take the time to stop and explore the villages of character of this charming département, whether as a family or as a couple.
Did you know? The Ardèche has 21 municipalities awarded the “Most Beautiful Villages of France” label. No less! You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to villages to visit in the Ardèche…
What is a village of character in the Ardèche?
Before it can be awarded the “Village of Character” or “Most Beautiful Villages of France” label, a village must follow a quality charter that includes a commitment to welcoming visitors and looking after its heritage. As a result, 21 villages in the Ardèche have stood out from the crowd and earned these labels!
What’s more, when you take the time to look at these Ardèche villages perched on rocky outcrops, built from local stone with the river flowing below, you quickly understand why they have earned the honour of bearing these titles.
The must-sees of the southern Ardèche
Vogüé: the picture-postcard village on the banks of the Ardèche
Listed among the most beautiful villages of France, with its château and stone lanes, Vogüé will leave you speechless with its stone houses clinging to the cliff high above the river. You’ll fall for the authenticity of this village and its exceptional natural setting…
Stroll along the cobbled lanes of this charming village on the banks of the Ardèche, with a medieval château towering over it. Children can play at being knights for a day out. Active holidaymakers can spend a day canoeing or kayaking down the Ardèche Gorges. For a panoramic view of the village and the river, head to the viaduct. On your way back, if you still have time to spare, why not stop off at the Baumes de Vogüé, the Grotte du Chemin de Fer or the Grotte Chauvet.
Balazuc: a medieval labyrinth perched on its cliff
Step back into the medieval past of the village of Balazuc with your family or a group of friends. With its maze of lanes, vaulted passageways and Romanesque remains, how could you not fall under the spell of this village?
Overlooking the Ardèche river, Balazuc invites you to slow down and enjoy the gentle pace of life all around… You can explore the historic heart of the village entirely on foot, discovering a medieval labyrinth and the Romanesque Sainte-Madeleine church, an iconic monument of Balazuc. From the top of the Tour Carrée or from the Pont de Balazuc, take in the panorama stretching from the village to the Ardèche valley.
And if your children love stories and dinosaurs, stop off at the Muséum de l’Ardèche – fossils and dinosaurs!
Labeaume: where three rivers meet
Nestled along the river at the foot of limestone cliffs thousands of years old, Labeaume is a picturesque village dotted with stone façades that won’t leave you indifferent. Nearby, you’ll discover the remains of the old château and the mill. A must-see when you stop off at Labeaume in the Ardèche: the Récatadou hanging gardens, a symbol of the village. Lovely walks lie in store with your loved ones!
As you leave Labeaume, set off to explore troglodyte caves, dolmens and other equally remarkable natural sites:
- Rocher des Curés
- Tour de la Vierge
When it comes to outdoor activities, the village invites you to go canoeing and kayaking, hiking and canyoning to cool off and try out new thrills!
Villages to explore in the rest of the département
Alba-la-Romaine: 2,000 years of history in a chequerboard of basalt and limestone
An unusual village thanks to its houses with chequerboard façades, Alba-la-Romaine invites you to wander through its medieval lanes and discover its history. History and art lovers will want to visit the Château d’Alba at all costs for its panoramic view over the Rhône valley and its art exhibitions and summer events. Good to know during your holiday in the Ardèche: Alba-la-Romaine is renowned for the quality of its wines. As a family, enjoy the village festival celebrating the circus, with acrobats, clowns and storytellers!
Antraigues-sur-Volane: the artists’ village
A Cévennes-style village overlooking the Volane and Mas valleys, Antraigues-sur-Volane will surprise you with its cobbled lanes hiding an artistic treasure: heads carved in lava stone, scattered across the walls of the old château and the traditional houses. The southern atmosphere of this village welcomes you among chestnut trees and basalt flows for a peaceful holiday…
Do you love nature outings? By bike or on foot, discover volcanic landscapes and other sculpted Cévennes treasures just outside the village.
Banne: where the Ardèche meets the Gard
Banne will leave you speechless with its 27 ancient dolmens! On the border between the Ardèche and the Gard, this little village offers you the backdrop of the Païolive woods. With its sculpted limestone, oak forests and hanging terraces, your getaway as a couple or with the family can only be perfect.
After a morning’s hike along one of the many waymarked trails, settle down in one of the village restaurants or inns to sample Ardèche cuisine.
Food and drink: what to eat and drink in the Ardèche villages
What would a holiday be without discovering the local food? On holiday in the Ardèche, try the regional specialities and sweet treats:
- the Ardèche chestnut, the undisputed local emblem, which comes as chestnut spread, marrons glacés, flour or biscuits
- charcuterie such as Ardèche gratton, Ardèche ham or saucisson
- cheeses such as Picodon, a small PDO goat’s cheese
- honey
- nougat
- Côtes du Vivarais wines
For tastings, head to the local bistrots de pays or to the farmers’ markets in summer.
You know what they say: “A holiday is also about what’s on your plate”! The people of the Ardèche have understood this well, serving up dishes that will make your mouth water…
How to plan your visit to the Ardèche villages
Now it’s time to plan your holiday in the Ardèche! Where to start, what to do and when?
From your holiday accommodation in the Ardèche, start your outing by visiting one of the département’s “Most Beautiful Villages of France” and take the time to admire the lush green nature all around you… In the afternoon, after tasting an Ardèche speciality in a bistro, either laze about on the riverbank or go canoeing or kayaking to cool off in the height of summer!
With your family, as a couple or with a group of friends, the villages to visit in the Ardèche have plenty of surprises in store. On holiday, adopt the gentle pace of the Ardèche…
