Explore, Discover and Experience the Ardèche!
Experience Ardèche provide tailor made and guided holidays, including Painting, Activity and Photography Holidays to the undiscovered, spectacular Ardèche region of Southern France. We provide an un-paralleled service giving you an experience that you won't forget and passionately believe that your holiday is just that...yours!.
If Photography or Painting is your thing, then you will appreciate the magnificent scenery, spectacular views, medieval villages and secret locations that we will show you, enabling you to best experience this magical place.
There is also everything for the more adventurous amongst us. The most popular experience (which draws the French from all over the country) is Canoeing the Gorge! Paddling through the stunning Nature Reserve with its 32 rapids, long flat sections and amazing limestone walls stretching upto 1000ft above.You can also go horseriding, climbing, caving or canyoning down the Chassezac gorge. (See our activity pages for more info).
We are a UK based company that works closely with local Ardéche businesses. We are committed to Responsible Tourism and ensuring that the holidays and trips that we offer are sustainable and not only help the local economy but also help in the protection of the area in which they happen. This is particularly important as the hotel we use in the Ardèche sits on the border of the Nature Reserve in which many of our activities occur.
The Grand Canyon of Europe
Based approximately 200km south of Lyon, the Ardèche Gorge sits at the base of the Massif Central, below the Cévenne Mountains. Originally part of the Vivarais region, the Ardèche sits on the right hand bank of the Rhône river and borders with Provence and the Languedoc. This region of southern France is a place of extraordinary natural beauty and is steeped in history, for painters and photographers the region is truly inspiring, and for those looking for adventure it offers adrenalin combined with atmosphere among its mountains, gorges and rivers.
"The Ardèche really does make the best of what nature has given her... It is one of the southern France best-kept secrets". French Magazine.
The Ardèche Gorge in France is often referred to as the Grand Canyon of Europe with spectacular limestone cliffs towering up to 1000ft above the meandering river below. The entrance to which is through the famous Pont D'Arc based near Vallon which at 192ft is, according to the Natural Arch and Bridge Society, "the largest natural bridge in Europe". It was here that the discovery of the Chauvet cave was made in 1994 where 32,000 year old cave paintings were found.
Being in the great wine producing region of Côte du Rhône and Côte du Vivarais means that there is an abundance of vineyards and local wines to sample and for sale. Lavender is another abundant local product which surrounds you as you drive through the area. It is also famous for its chestnuts, goats cheese, truffles and wild boar. All food provided from the hotel has been sourced locally and creates an amazing selection of sustainable produce with a quality that is sublime.
