Are you planning a peaceful vacation in the charming Ardèche department? Then check out our guide to the best villages to stay in when visiting the Ardèche!
Located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, Ardèche is a French department named after the famous river that runs through it from west to east. Formerly known as Vivarais, a province of south-eastern France under the control of the Comte de Province, the Ardèche is still a very rural area.
The former Occitan province is doubly spoiled: by nature and by the hand of man. Untouched by major metropolises, it is home to many of France’s most beautiful villages. Its picturesque heritage is accompanied by natural wonders. So, whether you’re looking for a sporting vacation, a family break or a quiet weekend away, the Ardèche is sure to please. There’s plenty to do in the Ardèche: mountain biking in the Monts de l’Ardèche, canyoning down the Gorges de l’Ardèche or even horse riding! So where to stay to visit the Ardèche?
To make the most of your stay, it’s important to choose the right accommodation for your visit to the Ardèche! To help you prepare for your trip, we’ve listed the best villages to stay in when visiting the Ardèche:
Vallon Pont d’Arc
Photo credit: Flickr – Tristan Schmurr
Vallon Pont d’Arc is definitely one of the best villages to stay in when visiting the Ardèche! Three things make this picturesque village a must-see in the department.
Firstly, it’s perfectly situated for canoeing down the Ardèche gorges. You can start a short or long descent from the nearby village of Sampzon, or from Vallon Pont d’Arc or Salavas, also nearby. Secondly, it’s a mecca for prehistory: there are numerous caves nearby, not least the Chauvet cave, a UNESCO World Heritage site. And thirdly, this is where you’ll find the famous Pont d’Arc, a superb canyon carved out of the limestone by the river! Don’t hesitate to choose your accommodation to visit the Ardèche in this charming village, one of the region’s cultural and tourist hotspots.
Find a hotel in Vallon Pont d’Arc
Find a bed & breakfast in Vallon Pont d’Arc
Find an Airbnb in Vallon Pont d’Arc
Vogüé
Photo credit: Flickr – Maayan Windmuller
Ranked among the most beautiful villages in France, Vogüé is a village of undeniable charm. Embedded in the mountain, as if it were its natural extension, Vogüé is one of the best villages to visit in the Ardèche. In addition to its proximity to the river, the village is close to the Parc Naturel des Monts de l’Ardèche and is home to a charming 12th-century château!
Find a hotel in Vogüé
Find a bed & breakfast in Vogüé
Find an Airbnb in Vogüé
Labeaume
Photo credit: Flickr – jean-marie clausse
Still wondering where to stay when visiting the Ardèche? Then don’t hesitate to discover the magnificent village of Labeaume. It’s one of the most charming villages in the department.
A city of music, as it hosts a classical music festival every summer, it nestles against the cliffs and is home to picturesque cobbled houses clad in Virginia creeper! The famous Labeaume bridge is also a must-see, as is the village’s charming beach. The less rural neighboring village of Ruoms is also a great place to stay when visiting the Ardèche!
Find a hotel in Labeaume
Find an Airbnb in Labeaume
Balazuc
Photo credit: Flickr – Brigitte Djajasasmita
Between Voguë and Ruoms lies the picturesque village of Balazuc !
Built into the side of a cliff, it overlooks the Ardèche river. From the heights, you’ll enjoy superb panoramic views of the surrounding area. The village is also home to the Muséum de l’Ardèche, an interesting natural history museum! From Balazuc, there’s plenty of hiking along the river or in the nearby Monts de l’Ardèche.
Find a hotel in Balazuc
Find an Airbnb in Balazuc
Saint-Montan
Photo credit: Flickr -Brigitte Djajasasmita
We leave the river Ardèche for this charming village, where we can spend the night and see the Ardèche from a different angle. Situated on the border with the Drôme, the medieval town of Saint-Montan is famous for its imposing castle perched on a rocky outcrop. Set in verdant surroundings, it towers above the houses, some of which date back to the 12th century!