Ardèche: The wonders of wilderness travel

👉 Visitor pass

For 3 days, 6 days or 1 year, the Ardèche Pass gives visitors access to the Ardèche department's biggest attractions at a reduced price. This card gives free access to almost 40 sites for the duration of the chosen period. Entry to museums, châteaux, caves, tourist trains and animal parks is included in the pass. For certain sites, such as the Peaugres safari or Montgolfières & cie, discounts apply thanks to the Ardèche Pass. Prices are €44 for 3 days, €54 for 6 days or €79 for an annual pass. Available at partner tourist sites, the pass can also be booked online and collected on site.

For more information on the Ardèche Pass, visit the website

🚌 Public transport

In the heart of this mountainous region, the road network is highly developed, making it easy to get around by car or bus. Set up by the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, a network of around twenty bus routes serves the department's biggest towns and most touristy villages.

👉 For more information on the public transport network

👉 Essential documents

French citizens and foreigners alike must carry identification with them when they travel. A national identity card, passport or driving licence may be essential to enter certain places and sometimes useful to benefit from special fares.

Tourist tax:

For tourists staying in Ardèche establishments, a tourist tax must be added to the price of the night's stay. Ranging from €0.2 for campsites to €4 for palaces, the rate varies according to the type of accommodation. This additional cost imposed by the Government is multiplied according to the number of nights and the number of people. Depending on the establishment, the tax is included in the initial rate or must be added by payment at the end of the stay.

👉 Ideal period:

To make the most of all the outdoor activities on offer in the Ardèche, the ideal time to visit is between spring and early autumn. From May to September, there's plenty of sunshine and high temperatures, and almost no rain.

👉 Equipment to bring:

With its many outdoor activities, the Ardèche offers different joys to its visitors throughout the year. In winter, opt for a ski outfit to discover cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. In summer, pack a swimming costume for a dip in the Gorges, climbing gear for exploring the various via ferrata and sportswear for hiking.

👉 What to bring back:

With its many local specialities, the Ardèche department requires you to make room in your suitcases on the outward journey so that you can leave with suitcases full of culinary souvenirs. White or red wines, chestnuts in all shapes and sizes (cream, ice cream, etc.), cheeses and other delicacies from the Ardèche are popular with tourists, and are often given as gifts to friends and family on their return.