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.
Finally, one
picture will tell you more than one hundred words, so take a look at those
pictures and get convinced, Ardèche
is beautiful!
ardèche main page