Adventure activities in the Ardèche
Fancy visiting a beautiful region of France for a bit of adventure? Then head to Auvergne Rhône-Alpes, where the Ardèche and its wide range of activities await you! This destination is a green paradise for all thrill-seekers: from canyoning to hiking, you'll be delighted.
The Ardèche, a magnificent département in the sun-drenched Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of south-east France, has over 45% of its territory covered in forests and vegetation. Cradled between Provence, the Massif Central and the Cévennes, this destination stands out for its natural sites, its culture and above all its outdoor activities!
Doing an activity in the Ardèche means challenging yourself and discovering the charm of south-east France at the same time! Whether you choose the lush, green and humid north or the dry, Mediterranean south, this lush little corner of nature offers a wide range of adventures.
Canyoning
Canyoning in the Ardèche is an activity not to be missed! Canyoning combines river descents, sliding, zip lines and abseiling in a breathtaking setting. There's no doubt that canyoning in the Ardèche has become the department's flagship activity, combining magnificent scenery with authenticity. The ideal location, close to the Cévennes, Gard and Lozère regions, offers you an exceptional aquatic playground in the heart of magical rivers. We offer a refreshing adventure with a variety of canyons, both in the Chassezac and in the Gorges de l'Ardèche. It's possible to discover these activities in the Ardèche on a full-day or half-day trip. If you opt for the Besorgues canyon, you'll enjoy the picturesque gorges of the river, a 90-metre zip line and a 12-metre natural slide!
Caving
Put on your helmet, your torch, a wetsuit and let's go! Whether you're a novice, an expert or just travelling with the family, caving in the Ardèche is a great way to take in the sights and sounds of the underground world. The subsoil of the Ardèche is criss-crossed by a vast karstic network containing a wealth of geological and archaeological treasures, such as the Pézenas cave, where you can observe treasures dating back to the time of the dinosaurs, or the Peyroche cave, which contains natural gems such as stalactites and stalagmites. For a more sporting experience, opt for caving near Vallon-Pont-d'Arc, with two abseiling descents on the programme...
The via ferrata
Enjoy a via ferrata in the Ardèche: there are several via ferrata to choose from, including the via cordata at the Cirque d'Endieu and the famous via ferrata at Pont du Diable, where you can cross a river in the Ardèche on a zip line. You'll be soaring over granite rock, with a breathtaking view of the Chaussée des Géants: a basalt flow from the Gravenne volcano at Thueyts. One of the great advantages of via ferrata in the Ardèche is that it's accessible to all abilities! The routes are varied, and the unspoilt nature of the region means there are plenty of caves to discover, steep cliffs and panoramic views as far as the eye can see. Many of the excursions in the region are among the best via ferrata in France!
Bungee jumping
Listen to your heart beat faster with a bungee jump in the Ardèche! Looking for an exciting experience surrounded by natural scenery in a picturesque and charming setting? This activity in the Ardèche is sensational because it gives you the chance to go beyond your own limits. Choose the Ardèche to throw yourself into the void above the Banne Viaduct and its 40 metre height will give you an adrenalin boost, not to mention the beauty of the surrounding area... After being briefed on safety measures and techniques, you will be fitted with a harness. Once attached to the elastic rope, you'll be positioned at the edge of the viaduct, ready to launch yourself into an exciting freefall!
Canoeing and kayaking
Let's move on to a quieter, but still thrilling activity: kayaking in the Ardèche combines nature and adventure. Considered an outdoor experience accessible to all, canoeing will have you paddling crystal-clear rivers like the Chassezac. The kayak trip down the Chassezac gorges is around 7 km long and lasts at least 2 hours, offering a wonderful experience for discovering the Ardèche and its regional nature park. Classified as a sensitive natural area (Espace Naturel Sensible) and Natura 2000, the area boasts some remarkable flora and fauna, including beavers, genets, bats, great blue oaks, ocellated lizards and peregrine falcons.
Mountain biking
Mountain biking in the Ardèche is a great way to explore the department's enchanting scenery! You'll pass through picturesque villages and discover breathtaking panoramas. There are plenty of circuits to choose from, as mountain biking is one of the best activities in the Ardèche, with varying levels of difficulty. If you're more the sporting type, we recommend you opt for the mountain bike route in the Monts de l'Ardèche, in the south of the département: the route is around 38 kilometres long, with a positive gradient of 400 metres. Mountain biking is the best way to tone up and discover the region, with its vineyards, woods, charming villages and ruins. All that's left to do is saddle up for new adventures...
Hiking
Hiking in the Ardèche is a must if you want to admire the panoramic views! With its spectacular scenery, diversity of itineraries, cultural heritage and wealth of flora and fauna, the Ardèche has something for everyone. The north and south of the Ardèche are very different: the soil, climate, vegetation and landscapes have nothing in common. The north is fairly wet and green, while the south is more chalky and dry, with Mediterranean vegetation. The Vallon-Pont-d'Arc hike offers a morning, afternoon and night hike: each allows you to explore a different facet of the Ardèche. Each route takes 3 hours to complete, and is quite challenging!
Tandem skydiving
Try skydiving in the Ardèche and discover this region from a breathtaking vantage point! Tandem skydiving is much more than a sporting activity: it's a way of overcoming your fears, surpassing yourself and experiencing intense emotions in complete safety! Worried about taking the plunge? Then you should know that skydiving is one of the safest activities, with the lowest accident rate on the list, so there's no need to worry. During your tandem skydive, you'll experience a free fall from an altitude of 4,000 metres, at a speed of around 200 km/h for almost 50 seconds! The best part? The breathtaking views over the Monts d'Ardèche Regional Nature Park.
Other activities in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region
And yes, the list of activities doesn't stop there! If you'd like to take in a different panorama, or if you're thinking of extending your stay, why not head for the surrounding area? Lozère, to the west of the Ardèche, offers magnificent views and natural mysteries, such as the Gorges du Tarn, where you can try your hand at a range of activities from stand-up paddling to rock-climbing! In the same gorges, you'll find one of the best bungee jumps in France: the 107! All that's left to do is head there for a breath of fresh air and some thrills guaranteed!