Road Trip from Provence: Dipping A Toe in France’s Ardèche

Corsica!? Why bother with the hassle of an overnight ferry, crowded beaches and small twisty roads? If you want to feel like you, have experienced a bit of Corsica without leaving the French mainland, plan a trip to south-central France – the Ardèche. Continue reading here for Ginger & Nutmeg’s list of why they believe that the two regions (Ardèche and Corsica) are similar.

This part of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes is a great idea for a road trip from Provence. The Ardèche is readily accessible from the Bouches-du-Rhône via the A7. There are plenty of activities for active travellers – hiking, biking and water sports. History buffs will enjoy the Aven d’Orgnac a prehistoric cave discovered in 1935, and the Pont d’Arc Cavern a UNESCO world heritage site since 2014.

Must-Visit Ardèche

Grotte Chauvet Caverne Pont d’Arc by Fabre Speller Architectes

The Grotte Chauvet 2 is a UNESCO World Heritage Site at Caverne du Pont d’Arc. Located in the Ardeche, it’s a quick drive from most locations in the Bouches du Rhône. The site which opened to the public in 2015 includes a 3,500 m2 (38,000 sqft) replica of the cavern and the prehistoric art found on its walls. In addition to the cavern experience, there is an interpretive centre, cafeteria-style restaurant and boutique. Continue reading for additional details here.

The Ardèche is readily accessible from the Bouches-du-Rhône or the Gard via the Autoroute A7. There are plenty of activities for active travellers – hiking, biking and water sports. The area is bordered by the Rhone River on the east side and crossed by significant waterways including; the Loire and the Ardèche Rivers. The landscape at the northern end of the Ardèche is dense forests of oak, pine and chestnut. The architecture in the northern Ardèche is stern, with buildings made of stone blocks and pitched roofs to keep out the elements, no whimsical Provencal colours in this area. However, the region is filled with stunning views, local products and intriguing places to visit.