The best outdoor activities in the Ardèche

Rich in natural scenery, with its many reliefs and white-water courses, the Ardèche is THE spot for a day's canyoning. Combining thrills and water sports, this extraordinary activity has won over budding adventurers on escapades in mountainous regions.

The canyons of the Chassezac, Besorgues and Pas de Fer rivers are home to natural slides, majestic jumps and powerful waterfalls, ideal for travellers looking to discover new things. Are you a thrill-seeker? With family or friends, don your wetsuits and head for the most unusual rock formations in the Ardèche.

At the edge of rocky cliffs, many brave souls embark on via ferrata routes with breathtaking scenery. Somewhere between hiking and climbing, this activity is reserved for adventurers in search of unique viewpoints, and many find themselves dizzy. Clinging to the walls with metal brackets, enthusiasts have a field day on the Ardèche routes.

The place to be for via ferrata enthusiasts in the Ardèche is in the town of Thueyts, on the edge of the Pont du Diable. Between swimmers and climbers, this majestic site has made a name for itself as one of the region's must-sees, offering a mix of historic walks, water-based relaxation and dizzying climbs.

Many viaducts, historic bridges and natural arches cross the rivers and streams of the Ardèche. From the most traditional to the most historic to the most graphic, these constructions, whether deliberate or not, add a unique cachet to the heart of villages, along roadsides and in the most remote areas.

Strapped in by their feet, the bravest of the brave launch themselves from these bridges for a sensational bungee jump! On the Banne Viaduct, 40 metres separate the most daring from the ground, promising several seconds of free fall. It's an experience they won't soon forget!

A lush green landscape with trees each more unique than the last, the Ardèche is an ideal playground for the most exploratory species of animal... but not only! With its balancing act, thrills, fun courses and laughter, accrobranche is the perfect family activity for a holiday in the Ardèche.

In the four corners of the department's woods and forests, the installations are punctuated by zip lines, Tarzan jumps, nets and bridges of all kinds. From the platforms, participants can enjoy breathtaking views over the jewels of the Ardèche, between the cliffs and the Gorges.

In the Monts d'Ardèche, where the green hills create a unique panorama, you need to get up high to make the most of all these visual treasures. In the skin... or rather the wings of a bird, take to the skies in a paraglider, following the wind and its direction.

Sitting in the equipment with an instructor, let yourself be guided and let go for an unforgettable moment! Treetops, gradations of colour and the distant horizon await the apprentice birds just below the sun.

Famous for its prehistoric caves, and in particular the Grotte Chauvet, the Ardèche is THE place to go caving, with family, friends or on your own. A real way of life for some, the underground discoveries, between stalactites, stalagmites, hidden streams and unusual rock formations, are full of mysteries.

Accessible to as many people as possible, this educational immersion underground is the ideal way to go back in time and explore the origins of external phenomena. Some steep passages, abseiling and amusing contortions punctuate the visit to the heart of the most beautiful caves in the Ardèche.

What better way to explore the hidden wonders of one of France's most beautiful mountain departments than on foot? Put on your trainers and set off to discover the Ardèche on foot, following in the footsteps of dozens of paths renowned for their scenery.

With or without a guide, for a few hours or several days, there are plenty of opportunities on the signposted trails of the Ardèche. Along the Gorges, at the top of the cliffs and passing through Villages of Character, the routes offer hikers a variety of viewpoints that are always surprising.

Between La Voulte-sur-Rhône and Saint-Agrève or Lamastre, the Dolce Via is the most popular route for budding cyclists passing through the Ardèche. For 90 kilometres, this former railway line has become a paradise for green mobility enthusiasts, who can enjoy a route that is particularly rich in heritage. Orchards, majestic structures and singular panoramas litter the different routes, traced in the wheels of the old trains. A gentle ride, ideal for the whole family!