Ardèche things to do: top activities with children

Exploring the Ardèche with kids is an unforgettable experience filled with adventure and natural beauty. The region offers spectacular viewpoints, exciting canoe trips, and safe swimming spots that the whole family can enjoy. In this guide, we’ll take you through the best places to visit in the Ardèche, from charming villages to fascinating caves. Whether you’re looking for the best things to do with children, or simply searching for great family-friendly activities, this guide will help you make the most of your visit to the Ardèche.

Gorges de l’Ardèche with children

The Gorges de l’Ardèche canyon is one of the must-see attractions in the Ardèche. It is a spectacular natural wonder, where the Ardèche River winds its way through limestone cliffs in countless twists and turns. Combined with lush green vegetation, this canyon is the most beautiful part of the region. One of the best activities to do with children in the Ardèche is to take a road trip along the gorge.

The canyon stretches between the lively tourist town of Vallon-Pont-d’Arc and the quieter Saint-Martin-d’Ardèche. Between these two places runs the D290 road, which is about 40 kilometers long and follows the Gorges de l’Ardèche closely. This winding road takes you up and down through the landscape, offering some of the most stunning viewpoints where you can take breathtaking photos of the gorge and the river below. Since this road is significantly higher than the river, the viewpoints provide spectacular panoramic views with dramatic elevation differences. Be sure to stop at least three times at the many viewpoints along the way.

Some of the viewpoints we recommend include Belvédère des Templiers and Belvédère d’Autridge. At Belvédère des Templiers, you can enjoy a stunning view of a hairpin bend in the river. At Belvédère d’Autridge, in addition to a fantastic view, you’ll also find goats that aren’t shy.

The highlight of the Gorges de l’Ardèche is the Pont d’Arc, a natural arch bridge spanning the river. There are multiple viewpoints to admire this natural wonder. In recent years, Pont d’Arc has become a major tourist attraction, with several parking areas and walking trails leading to a small beach near the bridge. This is also a great spot for swimming.

Ardèche activities: exploring the Caves

The Ardèche region is home to several fascinating caves, making them a must-visit attraction. Some of the most popular caves are located along the D290, the same scenic road that runs through the Gorges de l’Ardèche. One standout is the Grotte de la Madeleine, famous for its colorful stalactites and stalagmites. It’s a perfect stop during your Ardèche adventure. Another remarkable cave is the Grotte Saint-Marcel, one of the largest and most stunning in the region. Its breathtaking underground waterfalls and vast, open chambers create a truly unforgettable experience.

Swimming in the Ardèche with kids

One of the activities you absolutely shouldn’t miss when you’re traveling with children, is swimming in the Ardèche river. The river is perfect for a refreshing dip, with numerous spots along its course where you can enjoy the water. The most suitable spots you’ll find particularly near picturesque villages and campsites. One of the most popular swimming locations is the beach at Pont d’Arc, right in the heart of the Gorges de l’Ardèche. Since many parts of the river have pebble beaches, it’s a good idea to bring water shoes for extra comfort.

Canoe trips with children in the Ardèche

Canoeing is one of the most popular activities in the Ardèche. With the river meandering through the lush landscape, a canoe trip offers an unforgettable experience. There are various routes and distances to choose from, ranging from short trips of just a few hours to longer excursions. This allows you to tailor the adventure to the age and endurance level of your children.

Most canoe trips begin in Vallon-Pont-d’Arc and follow the river downstream, passing by the Pont d’Arc and through the stunning Gorges de l’Ardèche. Some routes extend all the way to Saint-Martin-d’Ardèche, covering a distance of more than 40 kilometers.

A guide to the most beautiful villages in the Ardèche

If you’re looking to add some cultural activities and excursions to your Ardèche vacation, be sure to visit some of the region’s charming villages. We explored several during our vacation with our kids in the Ardèche. These are the most beautiful villages with the best sights in the Ardèche.

• Vogüé – A small, charming medieval village with narrow streets, nestled between the river and dramatic rock cliffs, making it incredibly picturesque. The main attraction here is Vogüé Castle, which is open to visitors. From the castle’s elevated garden, you can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area.
• Balazuc – A quaint hilltop village with narrow streets and small stone houses. It’s a great place for a leisurely stroll. You can climb the village tower for a breathtaking view of the landscape, where the river winds through rugged rock formations.
• Aiguèze – A historic village located on the opposite side of the river from Saint-Martin-d’Ardèche. Perched atop cliffs overlooking the Ardèche River, Aiguèze is completely car-free, allowing for peaceful walks through its narrow streets. From the old city walls, you can enjoy magnificent views of the surrounding countryside and the river below.

Visiting waterfalls in the Ardèche with kids

Although they are not officially located in the Ardèche, the Sautadet Waterfalls are well worth a visit, especially if you’re vacationing in the southern part of the region with kids. These waterfalls are an impressive natural wonder in a rocky landscape, featuring both large and small cascades as well as dramatic rapids flowing through the rocks. Due to the strong currents, swimming here is not safe. However, from the picturesque village of La Roque-sur-Cèze, it’s just a short walk or bike ride to the waterfalls, making it a perfect family-friendly outing.

Be sure to combine your visit to the Sautadet Waterfalls with La Roque-sur-Cèze. This charming village is perched on a hill, requiring a short but rewarding climb. Once at the top, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and the village itself. With its narrow streets, old stone houses, and tranquil atmosphere, La Roque-sur-Cèze embodies the authentic charm of southern France.

Ardèche activities with children: cycling

One of the best ways to explore the sights of the Ardèche is by bike. The region is ideal for cycling, although an electric bike is recommended due to the hilly terrain. There are many cycling routes near the river or in the flatter areas near the Rhône, on the eastern side of the Ardèche. For a more adventurous ride, you can randomly take scenic country roads, passing through charming villages and vast vineyards. Be sure to stop at one of the local wineries for a wine tasting.

Would you prefer to follow a dedicated cycling route? The most well-known is the Via Ardèche, a 25-kilometer cycling path between Vogüé and Grospierres. Along the way, you can take a detour to visit Ruoms and Balazuc. In Vogüé, the route crosses a viaduct, offering a stunning view of the village and the river.

One cycling route we highly recommend passes by the historic Valbonne Monastery. This route starts in Saint-Martin-d’Ardèche and takes you through the charming village of Salazac, before reaching the Sautadet waterfalls. From there, you continue cycling to the La Chartreuse de Valbonne monastery. This beautiful and expansive monastery is surrounded by a vast estate. For €5 per person, you can take a guided tour of the manor and wine cellar, with an optional wine tasting afterward. If you choose not to take the tour, you can still enjoy the monastery’s terrace. Please be aware that only non-alcoholic beverages are available, as they do not have a liquor license. After your visit, the route takes you through rolling hills and scenic vineyards, leading you back to Saint-Martin-d’Ardèche.

Interesting cities to visit with kids near the Ardèche

The Ardèche is home to many charming villages, but there are also several larger cities near the region that are worth visiting with your children. While these cities are not technically in the Ardèche, they make for great day trips during your vacation with kids.

• Montélimar: Located on the edge of the Ardèche, Montélimar is best known for its nougat. A fun stop for kids is the Candy and Nougat Palace (Palais des Bonbons et du Nougat), which combines a play park with an interactive museum about nougat. It’s also enjoyable to explore the city center, where you’ll find an old castle and many authentic local shops—including an impressive number of stores selling (second-hand) toys. Don’t miss Montélimar’s city park, which features a large playground, a petting zoo, a carousel, and a pond where locals gather.
• Orange: Located just south of the Ardèche. Orange is best known for its ancient Roman theater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that remains remarkably well-preserved and is still used for performances today. You can visit it on your own or with a guided tour. Just behind the theater, a large park on a hill offers a fun challenge for kids. It’s a bit of a climb, but once at the top, they can enjoy a huge playground suitable for all ages. The park is also a great picnic spot. Another highlight of Orange is the Arc de Triomphe d’Orange, a stunning piece of Roman history.
• Avignon: A beautiful medieval fortress city with a rich history. Avignon was once the residence of the popes. One of its main attractions is the Palace of the Popes (Palais des Papes), but the city is full of historic sites. The entire old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and many of the ancient city walls remain intact. The most famous landmark in Avignon is the Pont d’Avignon, a historic stone bridge over the Rhône River, which is partially collapsed. Besides its historical appeal, Avignon is also a vibrant city with plenty of shops, cafés, and lively terraces.

Family-friendly accommodations in the Ardèche

The Ardèche offers numerous family-friendly accommodations, ideal for families with kids seeking adventure and nature. Most people who travel to the Ardèche with children stay at a camping. The Ardèche has a wide range of campgrounds, from large family-oriented sites with extensive facilities such as swimming pools, playgrounds, and kids’ clubs, to smaller, more peaceful campsites where you can fully enjoy nature. Most campings are located by the river, or close to it. Many other accommodations in the Ardèche, such as holiday cottages, apartments, or chalets, are nestled in the heart of nature. They offer a relaxed environment in the Ardèche for both parents and children.

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