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Ardèche Gorges: the must-see hiking spot this winter
What if we took advantage of the winter calm to go hiking in the Ardèche gorges? Well-known for its attractiveness in summer, the Ardèche is not lacking in charm when the cold sets in. It's also the perfect opportunity to visit a winery, far from the hustle and bustle of summer. Follow the guide!
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A breath of fresh air high above the Ardèche gorges
Our hike begins in the Gard region, in the village of Aiguèze, listed as one of the most beautiful in France (no less!). This medieval village, perched on a cliff, overlooks the mouth of the Ardèche Gorge. We invite you to park your car north of Aiguèze to start this hiking adventure. The first few kilometers run along the ridge overlooking the Ardèche before branching off into a field of vines. At this time of year, the trail is quiet and the winter chill accompanies your ascent. After a little extra effort, you reach the famous Rocher de Castelviel, the high point of the trail. From here, a breathtaking view of the Ardèche Gorge and its surrounding area awaits you. Take your time to savour this moment of suspension before embarking on the leisurely return journey. This takes you along paths and tracks to the village of Aiguèze. After almost 8 kilometers of walking, you've finally come full circle... And you've seen it all!
Practical info: hike n°77358 “Les Rochers de Castelviel à Aiguèze” on the free Visorando app - 7.60 km in 3h10 - Difficulty medium
A gourmet stopover at the end of the trail
If you feel like it and have a bit of strength left in your legs, we invite you to finish this hike in Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche, on the other side of the gorges, at the wine estate la Croix Blanche. A further twenty minutes' walk will take you to this 29-hectare organic estate, where the Archambault family is delighted to welcome you. Once there, we recommend a visit of the winery, followed by a guided tasting of AOC Côtes du Rhône and Côtes du Rhône Villages Saint-Andéol wines. All accompanied by a well-deserved platter of local charcuterie and cheeses.
For those with a sweet tooth and a large number of guests, the estate also offers a brunch reserved for groups. A moment of sharing and relaxation, carefully concocted by the estate team, where a variety of Ardèche flavors finely accompany the wine tasting. A tasty experience to round off this half-day, which we hope will have given you a natural and gourmet break this winter!
Practical tip: we recommend that you book your activity in advance with the estate on +33 4 75 04 65 07 or by e-mail contact@domainedelacroixblanche.fr. The domaine is open from 9am to 12pm and from 3pm to 6pm at Chemin Neuf, 07700 Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche.
