rock climbing in ardèche, france
6 crags, over 700 rock climbing routes


Ardèche offers almost all you could possibly ask for on a rock climbing vacation. Tumbling down the mountain, the turbulent river Ardèche has carved narrow gorges into the valley. Thereby creating one of the most beautiful canyons in France.
We have picked out six rock climbing crags in Ardèche, three of them established as the most popular rock climbing crags in the area, and three that offer that special atmosphere.

The service sector in France seams to have a motto: "What ever will be, will be". During this trip, and many others in France, we met this attitude that you only will meet in France; "if you don't speak our language, then don't bather". Except this, Ardèche offers almost all you could possibly ask for on a rockclimbing vacation. Tumbling down the mountain, the turbulent river Ardèche has carved narrow gorges into the valley. Thereby creating one of the most beautiful canyons in France.
The Ardèche gorges are a listed nature reserve and are best explored by canoe, on foot, by small boat or along the tourist trial. This and excellent crags, good food, superb vine and the bath with the rockclimbing crags direct into the water make Ardèche a place well worth visiting.
The valley is a well-established area for holidays and weekends, and during August you have to look out for the canoes with beginners behind the rudder floating down the river in hordes.
We have picked out six crags, three of them established as the most popular crags in the area, and three that offer that special atmosphere, not only rockclimbing but culture, picturesque villages and often a superb view. As Balazuc, overlooking the river, the old village clings to the hillside with its blue-tinged stones, sloping away sharply into the precipice.
The area of Ardèche has more rockclimbing to offer, but with more than 700 routes we assume that most of you will get satisfied.
The Ardèche river is the perfect place for families, especially if you have kids in the age above 5 years old. The river offers perfect bath, and the crags in some places works as a jumping platform for the kids (and adults). During resting days, rent a canoe, go hiking, visit one of many locals fair days, visit the caves or visit one of the local vineyards. The vineyards of Ardèche produce excellent wines from their sun-drenched grape varieties. A number of its cellars are open to visitors.