📍 France

ARDÈCHE: WILD GORGES AND CHARACTER VILLAGES COMPLETE JOURNEY

Gorge walls rise dizzying high, the river rushes white-water through canyons, stone arches span the void. Ardèche is wild and unspoiled.

≈ 10
Days
171
Km
9
Stops
📖 5 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Pont d'Arc and Ardèche gorges, Barjac, Les Vans, Joyeuse, Aubenas, character village Balazuc. Ardèche, wild gorges and perched villages.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Vallon Pont D Arc

stone arch gorge majesty

Vallon Pont D Arc - Photo 1Vallon Pont D Arc - Photo 2Vallon Pont D Arc - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Pont d'Arc.
2
Chauvet Cave 2 replica.
3
Village.
🎯

Activities

→
Canoeing in the Ardèche gorges.
→
Canoe-kayak.
→
Swimming in the Ardèche.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 23.2 km
Travel time: 46min
2
Day

Saint Martin D Ardeche

river canyon adventure flow

Saint Martin D Ardeche - Photo 1Saint Martin D Ardeche - Photo 2Saint Martin D Ardeche - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
End of the gorges.
2
Panoramic viewpoints.
🎯

Activities

→
Second-hand market.
→
Walk through the old village.
→
Hiking in the Païolive woods.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 22.4 km
Travel time: 45min
3
Day

Barjac

hilltop village beauty tower

Barjac - Photo 1Barjac - Photo 2Barjac - Photo 3Barjac - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Renaissance village.
2
Flea market (Easter).
3
Old village.
🎯

Activities

→
Swimming in the Chassezac.
→
Traditional market (Wednesday).
→
Chestnut groves.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 26.5 km
Travel time: 53min
4
Day

Les Vans

village charm mountain heart

Les Vans - Photo 1Les Vans - Photo 2Les Vans - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Market square.
2
Notre-Dame Chapel.
3
Medieval old town.
🎯

Activities

→
Colorful market.
→
Gastronomy.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 15.5 km
Travel time: 31min
5
Day

Joyeuse

river valley crown town

Joyeuse - Photo 1Joyeuse - Photo 2
2 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Aubenas Castle.
2
Saint-Benoît Dome.
3
Jean Ferrat Village.
🎯

Activities

→
Hike to volcanic springs.
→
Musical discovery.
→
Geological hike.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 25.6 km
Travel time: 51min
6
Day

Aubenas

castle town tower stone

Aubenas - Photo 1Aubenas - Photo 2Aubenas - Photo 3Aubenas - Photo 4Aubenas - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Cobblestone streets.
2
King's Ladder.
3
Basalt flow.
🎯

Activities

→
Canoe.
→
Walk through the medieval village.
→
Gastronomy.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 15.2 km
Travel time: 30min
7
Day

Antraigues Sur Volane

thermal tradition mountain spring

Antraigues Sur Volane - Photo 1Antraigues Sur Volane - Photo 2Antraigues Sur Volane - Photo 3Antraigues Sur Volane - Photo 4Antraigues Sur Volane - Photo 5Antraigues Sur Volane - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Devil's Bridge.
2
Hilltop village Most Beautiful Villages of France.
3
Streets.
🎯

Activities

→
Hike to volcanic springs.
→
Musical discovery.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 16 km
Travel time: 32min
8
Day

Thueyts

lava landscape volcanic glow

Thueyts - Photo 1Thueyts - Photo 2Thueyts - Photo 3Thueyts - Photo 4Thueyts - Photo 5Thueyts - Photo 6Thueyts - Photo 7Thueyts - Photo 8Thueyts - Photo 9
9 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
King's Ladder.
2
Basalt flow.
3
Devil's Bridge.
🎯

Activities

→
Geological hike.
→
Swimming in the Ardèche.
→
Via ferrata.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 26.9 km
Travel time: 54min
9
Day

Balazuc

clifftop medieval crown high

Balazuc - Photo 1Balazuc - Photo 2Balazuc - Photo 3Balazuc - Photo 4Balazuc - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 9
🔍

Discover

1
Hilltop village Most Beautiful Villages of France.
2
Castle.
3
Streets.
🎯

Activities

→
Canoe.
→
Swimming.
→
Walk through the medieval village.

🗺️ Itinerary map

🗺️ Nearby itineraries

ALPILLES, PAYS D'AIX & CAMARGUE: 25 VILLAGES

📅 26 days 🛣️ 302 Km

AUTHENTIC ARDÈCHE: 18 VILLAGES OF CHARACTER

📅 19 days 🛣️ 279 Km

CÈZE VALLEY & ARDÈCHE GORGES: PERCHED VILLAGES AND ANCIENT SITES

📅 14 days 🛣️ 244 Km

🛡️ Travel advice - France

Check official recommendations

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming countryside, ideal for all regions, moderate crowds, excellent value, romantic atmosphere.

Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, perfect for Mediterranean coast, festival season.

Fall (September-October): Harvest season, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, wine regions spectacular, excellent photography, good value.

Winter (November-March): Christmas markets, ski season Alps, fewer crowds, lowest prices, cozy indoor attractions, cultural experiences.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 8 and 12 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in France?

Cultural capital with incredible cuisine, world-famous attractions, and diverse regions from Paris to Provence. Experience artistic heritage, wine culture, and sophisticated lifestyle. The country offers excellent infrastructure with cultural depth and culinary excellence. France provides complete cultural experiences with historical significance and modern sophistication in easily accessible destination.