Summer Camp in Ardèche, France
Overview
The Ardèche is an unspoiled area of the Rhône Alpes region of France. It has an impressive landscape that includes forests, rolling hills, open moorland, rivers, valleys, cliffs and waterfalls. Ardèche’s most famous natural attraction is the Gorges de l’Ardèche, a 32km spectacular gorge located in the southern part of the area. The gateway to the gorge is the Pont d’Arc natural arch, at the foot of which lies a sandy beach, where visitors can lounge and bathe.
The most populous towns of the department of Ardèche are Annonay, known for its annual hot air balloon festival, followed by Aubenas, Guilherand-Granges, and Tournon-sur-Rhône. Ardèche has also designated selected villages as “villages of character” based on their appeal and preservation of its historic setting. Some of these include Ailhon, Desaignes, Jaujac, Saint Montan, Vinezac, and Vogue.
Language Schools and Camps in this Destination
Things to Do and See During a Vacation Study
THINGS TO DO IN ARDÈCHE
Explore the French caverns
Near the Pont d’Arc are three of the most interesting cave systems in France. One is the Aven d’Orgnac, with its three large caverns that are open to the public and the second is the Grotte de la Madeleine with its impressive rock formations. The third, the Chauvet caves, contain some of the oldest prehistoric cave paintings in Europe, but are closed to the public in order to preserve the paintings.
Hike at Mont Gerbier-de-Jonc
The Mont Gerbier-de-Jonc is an extinct volcano with a dramatic shape located in the west of Ardèche. From the summit, the majestic scenes of beautiful mountain ranges and the river Loire welcome the visitor.
Visit the Caverne du Pont d’Arc
The Caverne du Pont d’Arc is a replica of the astonishing Grotte Chauvet caves located a few kilometres away. The Grotte Chauvet caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site, were discovered in 1994 and contain prehistoric cave paintings dating as far back as 36,000 years ago. The site also contains museum of prehistory.
Enjoy outdoor activities
Ardèche’s varied landscape attracts many outdoor sports enthusiasts. Canoe or kayak down the Ardèche River or the Gorges du Chassezac for a smaller crowd. Rock climb at Cirque Des Gens, one of the largest rock climbing areas in Ardèche or mountain bike over the rolling hills of Monts d’Ardèche Regional Natural Park.
THINGS TO SEE IN ARDÈCHE
Museums
Natural History Museum of Ardèche
Musée de l’Alambic
Musée de la Lavande
Musée du monde Souterrain
Chestnut Grove Museum
Parks
Indian Forest Ardèche
Crocodile Farm
Castles
Château d’Aubenas
Château des Roure
Château de Charmes
Château de Tournon sur Rhône
Château de Saint-Montan
How to Arrive at your Language Course
By Plane
The nearest airport to Ardèche is Le Puy Airport, which is 64 km away. Other nearby airports include Montpellier Airport (124 km), Lyon Airport (130 km), Marseille Airport (150 km) and Clermont-Ferrand Airport (155km). A bus ride from Le Puy to Ardèche takes around 3h 20m.
By Train
The two closest stations to Ardèche are Montélimar and Valence TGV on the SNCF networks TGV (high speed) trains take 2h12 mins from Paris, 4h 17mins from Brussels, 3h 30 mins from Lille, 1h from Marseilles, 34 mins from Lyon and 5h from London. Buses run regularly from both train stations to Ardèche.