
Les Boutières, the Rhône Valley and the Cevennes
France | Ardèche
A great journey through time with marvels Nature has to offer, such as the Mont-Gerbier de Jonc, the underground world with Orgnac ‘Grand Site’, animal parks such as Peaugres Safari, cultural heritage with the Ardeche train, industrial know-how or craft with the hot air balloon, the geological sites of the Geopark. More than a hundred wild natural, cultural tourist sites, equipped for visitors, invite you to discover Ardeche.Among them, unique sites in the world, off-the-beaten track roads, remarkable masterpieces, unexpected inventions… At the foot of Mont Gerbier de Jonc, in an ancient cowshed, rises the Loire river. The view from the top of this rock is magnificent, taking in the Alps, Les Boutières, the Rhône Valley and the Cevennes. For those of a romantic bent, climb up the Mont just before sunrise when the sun skirts the horizon and enjoy Nature’s slow awakening! Several thousand years of erosion have been necessary to carve blocks of limestone and shape this 60m-high and almost 30m-wide monumental natural arch. It is regarded by many as the natural entrance to the Ardeche Gorges. A true geological gem classified in 1982. The Pont d’Arc is visible from the tourist route of the Ardeche Gorges, only 5km away from the village of Vallon-Pont-d’Arc. Canoeing, hiking, bathing or even flying sports (ultra light flights) are ways to admire the arch...