From
From IntroductoryTo Challenging
Facing the French Alps across the broad valley of the Rhone lies a walker’s paradise of hills where the Ardèche, Loire and Haute Loire regions meet.
Largely absent from the guidebooks, the Ardèche region is a watershed for some of France’s great rivers, where steep gorges, limestone arches and dazzling vistas line the banks of the serpentine River Ardèche.
Rugged hills and volcanic mountains stand watch over forested valleys dotted with wildflowers, stone bridges, medieval villages and ruined farmhouses that seem to have grown from the landscape.
Join us as we explore this little-visited pocket of France.
7Days
Introductory to Moderate
8Days
Moderate
Trips only include what you need like accommodation, meals, bikes on cycle trips, luggage transfers, maps and route directions on self guided trips and an experienced local guide for group trips, as well as the peace of mind that comes with complete backup and support.
On self guided trips you can expect to receive up-to-date and well researched route notes and maps, seamless luggage transfers and competitive pricing on all essential services. Many self guided trips also have daily departure dates, allowing you to enjoy the convenience and flexibility a self guided trip offers.
Cycling or walking, 2 star or 4 star, small groups or self guided, land or sea - we can help you explore Europe exactly the way you want.
In the Ardeche, we use a range of 2-3 star hotels, often family run. These charming hotels provide access to local living thanks to your hosts. The hospitality is generous and their local knowledge is invaluable. Where possible, we choose hotel locations that add to your experience.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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Explore St Agreve, a town with a narrow main street crammed with old-fashioned shops, selling Le Puy lentils and Rhone wine from the barrel. Set against the backdrop of Mt Mezenc, and Mt.Gerbier de Jonc, the source of the mighty Loire River, this small market town is a centre for cross-country skiing in winter.
Admire the Chateau de Rochebonne, an incredible ruined chateau overlooking the Eyrieux river and needs to be seen to be believed.
This mountain is the giant of the Cévennes at 1725m and is surrounded by ancient volcanoes.
The town of Lamastre is a hub for fine gourmet food in the Ardeche region and offers a glimpse into the local culture.
The months of June to August are the busiest times, with temperatures ranging between 20 - 25 degrees Celsius (68 - 77 degrees Fahrenheit) and sometimes higher.
Generally you will find fresh and mild temperatures in spring and autumn, with a low probability of rain.
France is +2 hours ahead of GMT/UTC
French (official)
In most areas some English will be spoken
Euro
+33
Electricity in France is 230 Volts, at 50 hertz. The most common pin type is C. (2 round prong).
Visas not required for citizens of Australia, Canada, USA and New Zealand for up to 90 days in a period of 180 days for all Schengen countries (see www.schengenvisainfo.com/schengen-visa-countries-list/ for countries part of the Schengen). Please ensure your passport is stamped on arrival in the Schengen area. For all other nationalities and for longer stays in countries covered by the Schengen Agreement (Australian New Zealand, Canadian and US passport holders), please contact the relevant embassy. Stays of longer than 90 days in the Schengen area require a long stay visa for the country you are spending most time in. However long stay visas are unlikely to be issued unless there is a valid reason (eg. studying in country). Unfortunately we cannot assist in obtaining visas for long stays due to individual country visa requirements.
Your safety is our number one concern. Our safety track record is exemplary thanks to careful management and thorough consultation with local partners. Our industry leading risk management procedures have become a skill that we continue to refine. Our leaders in the field are highly trained and have safety as their number one priority. Expert leaders, risk assessments, quality inclusions and your financial security all come standard when you travel with us.
Please refer to our Travel Advisory page for updates on recent events, travel warnings and advice.
We strongly recommend that all clients take out travel insurance at the time of booking to cover against sickness, accident, loss of baggage, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements and travel disruption, emergency evacuation, cancellations, etc. Insurance information is enclosed with your pre-departure information. Please contact us if you would like to obtain a quote for your trip duration.
We suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.
Money and valuables should always be stored safely when travelling. Keep your passport with you at all times and do not leave it in your main luggage. You will need it to change money and check into hotels. Where safety deposit boxes are available, we recommend that you use them. Keep jewellery and valuables to a minimum.