The Ardèche vineyards

With its three appellations - IGP Ardèche, AOC Côtes du Rhône and AOC Côtes du Vivarais - the Ardèche vineyards are home to some wonderful, often little-known surprises. In dry soils where caves, waterfalls and mountain flora grow side by side, the vines thrive in perfect conditions.

As pleasing to white wine lovers as to red wine lovers, the grape varieties of the Ardèche are varied and appreciated in many regions. Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Grenache and Pinot all have their place in the department. As well as the 16 main varieties, the local variety known as Chatus is a favourite with locals, who flock to its production every year.

In the four corners of the Ardèche region, many winegrowers make their living from this fascinating culture. Specialised or not, depending on their domain, these families, associates and independents pass on their unique know-how from generation to generation.

At Clos de l'Abbé Dubois, fruity, structured and tannic vintages take up most of the time of the winegrowers, who are also very busy growing lavender and olives. The stars of the southern market stalls, these flowers with their sunny scent and exalting colours also benefit from the chalky soils of the Ardèche.

Address: 7 Rue Jean Antoine Dubois, 07700 Saint-Remèze Opening hours: 9am - 7pm in summer, 10am - 12pm / 3pm - 6pm except Sundays out of season Cellar tour: Thursdays at 6pm in July and August

Visitors to the Domaine de Cousignac can look forward to a cosy atmosphere and convivial wine tasting. Gourmets can sit down at the Cousignac table to enjoy a menu that celebrates local and seasonal flavours, accompanied by the estate's finest wines. Those who are curious and want to learn more about Ardèche oenology can opt for a guided tasting session during the summer, in the heart of the estate.

Address: Qur de Cousignac, 07700 Bourg-Saint-Andéol

A paradise for epicureans, Domaine La Croix Blanche combines the pleasures of wine tasting with the Sunday joys of brunch. For €25, the specialities of the Ardèche region are revealed between glasses of wine and passionate explanations from the family team. A unique tasty interlude, much appreciated by visiting tourists! More sporty visitors can go for a bike ride to discover the Ardèche region and its grape varieties, before exploring the cellar.

As budding winemakers, tourists visiting the Aven d'Orgnac cave can leave with their own wine, after a blending workshop 50 metres underground. After a tasting of local wines, they can create their own bottle - a unique souvenir!

In the undeveloped depths of the Grotte Saint-Marcel, a lucky few can regularly enjoy a unique moment, combining the pleasure of taste with geological discovery. Put on your gear, turn on your headlamp and set off for several hours of caving. After the effort, the comfort, participants settle in the middle of the cave to taste different vintages, ending with the most local... a red Côtes du Rhône wine, aged in the very heart of the cave.

In Ribes, a small commune near Joyeuse, famous for its delicious macaroons, the vines grow on terraces... Also known as faisses, these multi-storey plots of land are very typical of the Cévennes and offer some very impressive architectural features that are much appreciated by passing visitors. If you want to continue exploring this part of the Ardèche, head for the Tétines de Vernon hike. Another natural feature, these random shapes caused by erosion litter the path leading to the sumptuous Cascade de Baumicou.

Car park: Opposite Vernon town hall, along the D303 Duration: 2 hours Please note: The route is fairly hilly; not recommended in case of physical difficulties and/or constraints.