The hills of the Ardeche region are a watershed for some of France’s great rivers, a land of steeply terraced slopes, half-hidden valleys and tumbling streams. This is a place for the walking connoisseur; thankfully absent from many a guidebook.

The walkers’ paradise of the Ardeche faces the French Alps across the broad valley of the Rhone River and meets the Loire and Haute Loire regions. Rugged hills and volcanic mountains stand watch over forested valleys dotted with wildflowers, stone bridges, medieval villages and ruined farmhouses. The bleat of goats and call of a wild bird are often the only sounds you will hear.

Hiking through this secret pocket of France, you’ll come across typical French market towns such as Lamastre. Which is set amongst rugged hills covered with ancient chestnut trees of enormous girth. Then there is the old spa-town of Lalouvesc, perched at 1100m above the Rhone valley, with views, on a clear day, to the east as far as the snow-covered peaks of the Alps. Stumble upon tiny red-roofed hamlets clinging to steep grassy slopes, spend time in lively St. Agreve, and discover the little picturesque village of St. Bonnet le Froid.

Breath-taking views are waving their way throughout the region. From Le Crestet look out over the stunning Doux Valley and take in splendid views across the Rhone valley to the distant Alps from Lalouvesc. Hike an ancient mule road, the Voie des Marchands, with breathtaking views of the meticulously terraced slopes of the Haut Vivarais.

Join us as we explore on foot this little-visited pocket of France.

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Find your Ardeche trip

Ardeche highlights

 

Why travel with us

Local Connections in the Ardeche

We place great emphasis on researching, planning and crafting innovative itineraries to ensure you get the very best experience out of your trip in the Ardeche. We believe relationships are important and have been working with many of our hoteliers and local suppliers for years. This means that they know exactly what our travellers expect.

Great Value & Quality Holidays in the Ardeche

Our walking holidays in the Ardeche are well priced offering great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. When you book, your trip will be fully organised by a dedicated member of our in-house team, so you will always know who you are dealing with. We take the stress out of organising your trip in the Ardeche.

Personal Experience in the Ardeche

Our team have been walking in France's Ardeche region for over 4 decades. We are passionate about France, active holidays and delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of the UK & Europe and bring a multi-disciplined, multicultural and whole-hearted love of all things travel.

Accommodation

Characterful Local Hotels

In the Ardeche, we use a range of 1-3 star hotels, often family run or part of the Logis group (voluntary chain of independent hotel restaurateurs). Some have a swimming pool. These charming hotels provide access to local living thanks to your hosts. The hospitality is generous and their knowledge of the Ardeche is invaluable. Where possible, we choose hotel locations that add to your experience.

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Essential information

Currency

Euro

International Dialing Code

+33

Electricity
Type C plug

Electricity in France is 230 Volts, at 50 hertz. The most common pin type is C. (2 round prong).

Visas

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.

Safety

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.