Grignan (at 25km)

The city, and the castle, on its rocky hilltop, overlooking the lavenders of the countryside. Listed historic and artistic buildings, and gastronomy, with truffles and game.

Website : www.ville-grignan.fr

  Pont du Gard (at 50km)

The 2000 years aqueduct, major masterpiece of roman architecture. Down in the river, you can also bath or canoe.

Website : pontdugard.fr

  Orange (at 30km)

The largest well preserved roman theater, where up to 8000 people can still every summer enjoy the extraordinary acoustics for lyrics or concerts.

Website : www.ville-orange.fr

  Aiguebelle (at 25km)

The magic Abbey, place dedicated to meditation, and memorial of the Thibirine monks celebrated in the movie Of Gods and Men.

Website : abbaye-aiguebelle.cef.fr

  Avignon (at 50km)

Flamboyant papal city, on the rocktop, the famous bridge, the walled city, , and hundreds of cosy shaded squares, original cafés. In July don’t miss the theater festival the fills the streets of scenic areas.

Website : www.avignon.fr

  Les Gorges de l’Ardèche (at 15km)

Canyon of the wild meandering river, in a natural protected landscape, of beaches, high cliffs, and greenery. Experience the popular canoe descent, or the riverside footpath on a day trip.

Website : www.gorgesdelardeche.fr

  Le Mont Ventoux (at 60km)

The giant of Provence, topping at 2000 m, to enjoy a fresh breeze in summer, or snowy slopes in winter. Climb on foot, or ride a bike, from the summit your eyes cover from Mediterranean to the Alps.

Website : www.ventouxprovence.fr/accueil.html

  La Dent de Rez (at 20km)

A quiet hike, with a few narrow passages, well secured, to culminate at 700 m the south of Ardèche.

Website : www.vallontourisme.com

  Le train de l’Ardèche (at 60km)

The picturesque Doux Valley, in a historic steam train, narrowing its way on bridges and in tunnels, along the nearly inaccessible track. Rail bikes are also available.

Website : www.trainardeche.fr

  La bambouseraie (at 80km)

Unique in Europe, the giant bamboo that can do everything : cooking, building, construction, crafts, writing, meditation, movies scenery. Also a very good walk in the Zen garden.

Website : www.bambouseraie.fr

  L’Aven d’Orgnac (at 25km)

Registered as a Great Site of France : gigantic caves, and majestic crystal formations, all illuminated. Also a Prehistoric Museum, where you can trace back 350 000 years of humanity.

Website : www.orgnac.com

  La grotte Chauvet (at 15km)

The famous prehistoric site with some of the oldest known human paintings, dated – 35 000 y, finely reconstituted for a comfortable visit. Allow 2 h minimum, and more if you also call in the museum.

Website : www.grottechauvet2ardeche.com

  Grotte de Saint Marcel (at 5km)

This magic underground path, convenient for all public, with magical son et lumière on the chalky concretions and gours (sort of natural pools). On option : Speleo hike for all levels from beginners (guided) to experienced.

Website : www.grotte-ardeche.com

  Le Lac Pignedoré (at 3km)

Your nearest bathing spot, and sailing. Fitness trail around the watery green. Kids playground. Café.

Website : www.ville-pierrelatte.fr

  La Ferme aux crocodiles (at 4km)

Exotic wildlife park, with reptiles : crocodiles, turtles, lizards, snakes, and tropical atmosphere.

Website : www.lafermeauxcrocodiles.com

  La Via-Rhona (in front of the house)

800 km cycle route, still in progress, from Alpine panoramas to Camargue beaches across emblematic landscapes of the Cotes du Rhône vineyards and those of the southern Provence.

Website : www.viarhona.com

  La Valdaine (at 30km)

Good practice, 18 holes golf in a protected landscape.

Website : www.domainedelavaldaine.com

  Montélimar (at 35km)

City of nougat, fresh busy cafés, many shopping opportunities, historic castle of Adhemar, Aviation museum, and the nearest TGV station.

Website : www.montelimar.fr

Hill top villages :

• La Garde Adhémar : circular view on Tricastin Valley, scents garden, gastronomy
• Aigueze : dominating Ardeche, in its medieval ramparts
• Labeaume and Balazuc : heritage listed village on top, sunny bating river at the bottom
• Lagorce : typical Ardeche village, famous for the eco-factory Melvita : from plants to cosmetics

Wine tourism :

• Classic wine region “Côte du Rhone”, old history back in centuries, much developed since the great frost on 1958 where olive trees suffered so much, and wine was redeveloped as a safer crop.
• Many tasting Caveaux, with local specialties from Syrah, Viognier, Merlot, Cabernet, ad Chardonnay.