Discover the Ardèche Gorges by bike
Cycling is definitely the best way to discover a region. You can ride for miles with your nose to the wind, watching the scenery go by. And choosing an electric bike has the advantage that you can take the whole family with you, even the less courageous!
When we pick up our electric bikes at the bike rental shop, they explain 2 or 3 things about the machine: nothing too complicated, just remember to save the battery, which can be useful when going uphill, we're told. But that doesn't scare us! We're all hot and bothered, and can't wait to tackle this road we've been told is one of the most beautiful in France!
As soon as we leave Vallon, we find ourselves on a small road cut into the cliffs beside the river. You can see people in canoes on the water, the cliffs, the vegetation. It’s a magnificent sight. Then, around a bend, the majestic Pont d’Arc comes into view. First photo break. Impossible to return home without a souvenir of this iconic Ardèche mineral arch.
We immediately understand what the person at the bike rental company meant by “a slightly steep first climb”. The climb up to the Serre de Tourre lookout is difficult. But the view over the Tiourre valley and its cliffs is fantastic, and bodes well for the rest of the route. At the top, the view from the belvedere leaves us speechless. And this will often be the case at the 11 lookouts along the 32 km route des Gorges de l’Ardèche. The meandering river Ardèche forms a loop in the middle of the vegetation. In the background, the cliffs and rock of Sampzon, in the distance, the Ardèche mountains.
One viewpoint follows another: Autridge, Balcon de Gournier, Les Templiers, La Madeleine… Each more breathtaking than the last. Each more grandiose than the last.
Along the way, we also come across a most unusual sight! Wild goats bask in the sun and feast on the deciduous branches that populate the area. They’re not shy, and it’s easy to get close to them.
Time for a relaxing break and a snack at Saint-Martin-d’Ardèche, at the bottom of the Ardèche Gorges, and we’ll make our way back in the other direction, eager to rediscover these landscapes in the magical light at the end of the day.
Distance: 32 km one way
Duration: 3 hours one way
The Gorges de l’Ardèche – Pont d’Arc Tourist Office has been awarded the “Accueil Vélo” label for its three information offices: Ruoms, Vallon-Pont-d’Arc and Vogüé. This means that we guarantee a warm welcome and services adapted to cycling holidaymakers.
Equipments / Services
Opening / Rates
All year round daily.
Free access.
