- As a couple
- Travelling solo
- With friends
Southern Ardèche – Land of Wine and Water
Lying to the south-west of Montélimar, Southern Ardèche is a region of rugged hillsides and gorges, drenched in the southern sun. Its mainly limestone terrain is sculpted by countless waterways, criss-crossing the area from the heights of Mont Mézenc to the banks of the Rhône, while its rich geological heritage is evidenced by natural landmarks such as the famous Gorges d’Ardèche and Aven d’Orgnac. With its chestnut trees, pine forests, olive groves, lavender fields and vineyards, Southern Ardèche is steeped in history and local cultural heritage, and its wines include the Côtes du Rhône, Côtes du Rhône Villages Saint Andéol and Côtes du Vivarais appellations. Keen to discover a region that stands apart from the rest of the Rhône Valley? Here are three experiences that might just surprise you!
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No. 1: Explore the underground world of Southern Ardèche
When we think of the Ardèche, we think first of the famous Gorges, beloved of kayakers and popular with holidaymakers searching for a cool spot in summer. But there are plenty of other places to find respite when the mercury rises. Caves and chasms abound in this limestone terrain, where water has sculpted the rock over thousands of years. While the best-known is probably the Aven d’Orgnac, there are many others to explore, including the Grotte de Saint-Marcel-d'Ardèche. Here, visitors can take part in a unique new activity known as SpéléŒnologie®: spend a morning with two expert guides, discovering fascinating links between caving and sensory wine-tasting. Guaranteed to take you straight to the heart of the terroir!
What we love: Journeying into the depths of the Earth, staying off the beaten track and finding some different, but equally captivating, underground treasures.
What we advise: Take time to visit the caves, but don’t miss the above-ground built heritage, including the Palais des Évêques in Bourg-Saint-Andéol and the ancient city of Alba-la-Romaine.
No. 2: A very different wine-tasting experience!
What would you say to hopping on an e-bike and setting off for an adventure through the vineyards? Different, don’t you think? Pretty unforgettable too. But that’s exactly what you can do at Domaine de la Croix Blanche in Saint-Martin-d’Ardèche; you’d even have a wine expert to guide you. Then after your ride, visit the wine cellar to cool off, and taste a selection of estate wines.
What we love: It’s all-inclusive, priced at € 55: A 2-and-a-half-hour bike ride and an hour of wine-tasting, all led by a qualified guide. Hire of e-bike and helmet included. For more information, visit https://www.vins-rhone-tourisme.fr/en/tours-tasting-experiences/leisure-activities/veloenologie-cote-du-rhone-saint-martin-dardeche
A little further on, in Bourg-Saint-Andéol, keep cool as you explore all the different nuances of the wines made by Domaine des Amoureuses, where you can enjoy a wine-tasting workshop with a difference, set amid terracotta amphorae and wooden barrels. Authenticity guaranteed!
What we love: Join a sommelier to learn about two ancient ways of maturing wine – in amphorae and barrels – then taste the wines themselves in this unique environment. €30 for a 2-hour workshop. To book, visit https://www.lesamoureuses.wine/oenotourisme/
No. 3: Picnic to the song of the cicadas (or should that be owls...)
The only thing better than a picnic is – a picnic when it’s shared. Every Thursday evening throughout the summer, Gorges de l’Ardèche organise an open picnic in one of the local villages. Every week is different, and picnics may feature traditional wooden games, storytelling, live music, stargazing, guided walks or even an introduction to slacklining! A programme as varied as it is exciting. There’s a bar run by winegrowers, where you’ll find a range of local wines, and a food stall offering local food specialities. These evening picnics are all about making new friends, trying new things, enjoying delicious food and, most importantly, having a good time
What we love: It’s all so easy. Admission is free, there’s no need to register, and you can even bring your own picnic.
For more information visit https://www.gorges-ardeche-pontdarc.fr/pique-niques-de-la-chouette/
