Traveller Tale: Walking in the Ardeche

Guided walking tour of the Ardeche in France | Jennifer Pryke
Guided walking tour of the Ardeche in France | Jennifer Pryke

Traveller Tale: Walking in the Ardeche

Read Grahame's experiences of walking in the central French region of Ardeche. Considered an 'off the beaten track' destination within France, travellers are often thrilled by the warm hospitality of the locals and the hidden gems to be found in the French countryside.
 
The Walking in the Ardeche is a guided tour that is centre-based, with a professional guide leading walkers on different daily itineraries.
 
Over to you, Grahame, and thanks for providing insight into your trip!
 
Ruins of Chateau de Rochebonne, Ardeche |  <i>Keith Starr</i>
 

Why did you choose to walk in the Ardeche?

We have previously travelled and walked in France however wanted to experience a different area that was off the main tourist route.

_DSC01912 |  <i>Keith Starr</i>
 

How did you prepare for your walk?

We do a lot of walking and, fortunately, maintain a good level of fitness so we didn't need any extra preparations.
 
Rolling grassy scenery of the French countryside |  <i>Jennifer Pryke</i> Gaze into lakes in the Ardeche, France |  <i>Jennifer Pryke</i> Endless views of the French countryside in the Ardeche |  <i>Jennifer Pryke</i>

What was the overall highlight of walking in the Ardeche?

Hard to pick one!  A different walk every day was a highlight.

 

What was your favourite town in the Ardeche?

Le Puy en Velay. Historic, picturesque, friendly, and beautiful! 😍

The beautiful town of Le Puy en Velay in the Haute Loire region of France |  <i>Kate Baker</i>
 

What was the scenery you walked through like? 

Standout views every day whilst walking. Fields of flowers, amazing trees. Historic churches, villages, farms, cuckoos that you could hear but never see. It had it all.

Overlooking Le Puy
 

What was the local French cuisine like? 

Fondue night, yum. Different salads every day, not to mention crusty breads, jams and the cheese!!!

Cheese market in France |  <i>Rachel Imber</i>
 

How challenging did you find the trail?

Moderate.
 
[Daily walks are between 5-6 hours on undulating and sometimes mountainous terrain. Flexibility is the key to the walking, where you can choose to walk a full or half day, take on a challenging hike or an easy hike (dependant on number of hikers participating). The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a reasonable level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure.]
 
A walker follows the path to Chateau de Rochebonne |  <i>Keith Starr</i>
 

What surprised you the most about your trip?

The high quality of everything.
 
Picnic break above St Martin de Valamas |  <i>Keith Starr</i>
 

Can you share advice for other travellers thinking about walking in the Ardeche?

Be reasonably fit, relax and go with the flow. The French love you to enjoy their country.
 
 

 
 
 

 
The Ardeche is a hidden gem in France. Do you have any hidden gems to share? Let us know in the comment section below.
 
  
 
 
 
 
Ardeche, Ardeche Walking Tour, France, France Walking Holiday, Walking in the Ardeche, Traveller Tale

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