Ardèche river Gorges
Between Vallon Pont d’Arc and Saint Martin d’Ardèche in a nature reserve protected since 1980, the famous vertiginous, wild and impressive gorges – France’s Grand Canyon – are 35km long. Their geological evolution began 110 million years ago.
In the limestone rocks, the Ardèche river dug caves, caverns, holes and canyons like the cirque de la Madeleine and the natural stone bridge of the Pont d’Arc, a superb arch 66 metres long, listed as a part of France’s protected natural heritage in 1982.
The descent of the gorges and its 25 rapids makes them a “must” for canoeing and kayaking enthusiasts. You can also drive along the special overhanging road built so everyone can admire this remarkable natural marvel. **Païolive wood Near Les Vans, visit the 16 kilometre long Bois de Païolive, an astonishing primeval forest of white oaks and petrified rocks in the Cevennes Ardéchoises.
It is a series of labyrinths created by the erosion which cut out the soil in immense faults. This mineral and vegetable chaos is full of strange rock shapes sculpted by nature.