SITES ET PAYSAGES DE FRANCE: Escape to Ruoms, Ardèche

[Easy trail] A trail for beginners with a return trip highlighting some remarkable railway structures.

What are the oldest European monuments? No doubt the Dolmens and Menhirs, the emblematic "monuments" of the Megalithic era. They were the work of the earliest farmers and breeders living in Neolithic Europe, the last prehistoric period.

On foot or by bike, discover Via Ardèche®, the new greenway. From the recreation area of ​​Uzer, take advantage of an old railroad track developed as far as Grospierres via Vogüe.

A historical and botanical discovery trail. Discover the Chastelas (old medieval castle), its history, legends and natural resources.

A 6.8 km trail leaving from the Joyeuse tourist information office and taking in the hills between Joyeuse and Côte du Freyssinet.

In a setting with oak trees mainly predominating, the hiking trail leads up to the highest point of the Serre mountain, at an altitude of 549 metres, providing some truly exceptional views.

On the first slopes of the Cévennes, the hamlets and houses of Ribes are spread along “faïsses” or terraces, home to vines and olive trees. P - Turn left opposite the signpost. Follow the tarmac road for a few metres and turn right onto a dirt track, then turn left down the steps to the Alune stream. Cross the stream at a ford, turn right and walk along the river until you reach a small submersible bridge where you can cross back over the stream. Twenty metres after the bridge, turn right onto a path that leads up to the village through chestnut trees and vineyards. When you reach the tarmac road, turn left to leave the hamlet. Before the bridge, turn right between the houses and go up to the street. Turn left to Mas de Laffont.   Mas de Laffont - Follow Prades 2,6 km, Ribes 0,6 km. Pass the Flaüts fountain and then take the tarmac road to the right. At the hairpin bend, turn right. After a bend, pass the rubbish collection point, take a path on the left that climbs between the vines.  Cross over the tarmac road and take the steps between the houses up to the church in the middle of Ribes.  Ribes - Follow Prades 2 km, Saint André Lachamp 6,9 km. When you reach the first houses, turn left to take a small alley in the hamlet of Les Clots. Take the tarmac road at the hairpin bend. Take the road to the left that goes up to Le Serre.  Le Serre - Follow Prades 1,4 km. The road winds upwards to the last houses. The trail continues via steps on the side of the mountain and then curves right. As you begin to descend, ignore the track to your left and continue along the path. After descending, join the track, and go left until you get to Prades.   Prades - Follow Info Rando 2,7 km, Ribes 1,6 km. Continue along the path on the right. About 100m further on, take the path that leads to the hamlet of Labeaume. Pass through the entire hamlet then carry on until you reach the hamlet of Le Gelly via the tarmac road.   Le Gelly - Follow Info rando 1,2 km, Joyeuse 4,5 km. Take the road and at the first crossroads, go right. Continue straight on until you’re level with a stone cross. After a chestnut grove, at the stone cross, leave the road via a “calade” or stone path down to Le Prat.  Le Prat - Follow Info rando 0,6 km. At the crossroads, go down the steps on the left and follow the path that brings you back to the multi-purpose hall.  

[Difficult trail] From the wine-growing plains to the dry plateau, from the Romanesque church to the listed village, this trail combines relaxation and visits to some remarkable sites.

You can see the Divols and Abrits dolmens on this circuit that’s accessible for the whole family. P – From the car park, head towards the sign Les Mourgues. Les Mourgues - Follow Coste de Boucher () 1,6 km. Coste de Boucher - Follow Les Divols 1,1 km. Les Divols - Follow Les Mourgues 1,4 km.

As early as the Middle Ages, the Alune River was used to turn numerous mills for the region’s inhabitants. There are still four mills along the trail that used the water held back in a “sluice”.

L'Ombrage is a 3* campsite in the southern Ardèche Méridionale near Ruoms and Pont d'Arc Valley. The family-friendly little site has large pitches on a 7ha hill covered in oaks and junipers. Ruoms (with supermarket, shops, animation,...) at 2 km. Vallon Pont d'Arc at 8 km. The Ardèche river à 1 km.

Discovery, beginners classes and further lessons. Qualified instructors. Training courses cand camps, lessons and rides for all levels. Approved by the French Federation of Horse riding

Welcome to the sunny Southern Ardèche. Rev'Ô Thijol Vacances would love you to experience their "3 key" approved chalets and quality services in a stunning natural setting all year round, 2 disabled-friendly chalets.

Come and enjoy traditional, refined cuisine with the scent of Provence. Our menu changes with the seasons, giving you a choice of meat and fish dishes. We can also cater for groups and special events,

This beautifully renovated, authentic Ardèche farmhouse proposes 2 guestrooms of charm that sleep 2 to 6 guests...

Simplify your life and make the most of your vacation with our deliciously prepared and delivered brunches, picnics and dinner aperitifs. Awaken your taste buds, all you have to do is enjoy!

An atypical hamlet on the banks of the Ardèche, accessible only on foot - a challenge launched fifty years ago by more than 15,000 young volunteers who have come to restore the ruins and breathe new life into an area that has been abandoned for a century. An educational farm where you can refresh and have a snack with products elaborated on the site: goat cheese, ice cream, aromatic syrup…

A fine terroir cuisine with specialities like all-you-can-eat roast pig on a spit. Large terrace and inflatable games for kids. From May to September, pizzas baked in a wood oven, to eat in or take-away.

12 m² guest room with independent entrance from the terrace in the bamboo grove. You'll enjoy a private shower room, garden furniture and deckchairs. A summer kitchen is available by the pool.

Saint Pierre, XIIIth century. The section inside the Remparts is classified French Historical Monuments

Botanical park, conservatory orchard and collection of 7 to 800 varieties of old roses grown organically with the AB label. Nurseries: sale of hundreds of old varieties of potted roses ready for planting, Eléonore Cruse collection

The leisure centre lies in a 4ha protected and listed nature site. It's the perfect place to spend a day with family and friends, celebrate a birthday, have a party or just chill out. The best natural beach in the Ardèche. Isla Cool Douce is located to the Ardeche river in the middle of a classified natural resort, in front of the famous climbing wall "Cirque de Gens". Its natural beach invites everyone for a relaxed day with plenty of extra activities like canoeing, waterbiking, beach volley, ping pong, or just a swim in the pools. There is a nice snack bar with a breathtaking view on the river and the rock divers.

The Cirque de Gens is natural wonder in the Ardèche. It's a great place to walk, swim and one of the biggest climbing sites in the Ardèche (320 routes).

- Step into the wonderful world of Ardeche wine - Take part in a fun and interactive tour from vine to glass - Indulge in a tasting, learn about oenology and food and wine pairings This is a unique experience to share with your family or friends ! In Néovinum, the Vignerons Ardéchois offeryou for spaces dedicated to vines, wine and tasting.

This village on the edge of La Beaume River is surrounded by cliffs which were once home to troglodyte caves. Its stone houses cling to narrow cobblestones lanes snaking into a labyrinth. Then over the centuries, the village borrowed this name using different variants (like Balma, La Balme-sous-Sampzon…), "Labeaume" dating from the end of the 19th century. Nestled against its limestone cliffs, the village of Labeaume appears like an oasis in the middle of the scrub. The tortuous river that so prettily emphasizes it offers remarkable points of view from the cliffs (roof gardens, marvellous vistas over the village). The rest of the territory forms a plateau made only of limestone formations from the Jurassic period whose deposits are spread out over 170 million to 130 million years, at an elevation between 170 meters to the south and 282 meters to the north. These formations are arranged in strata that can easily be seen in the gorges carved out by the rivers. A quarry from which the famous Ruoms stone is extracted and a marble works are established in the community. They are the last representatives of a once prosperous activity.

In this authentic Provençal farmhouse, the family home of Alphonse Daudet, visit the Ardèche of the 19th century, learn about silkworm farming, past and present, and get to know the author of ‘Mr. Seguin’s Goat’. Then prolong the experience at the park. In the house Alphonse Daudet's family, discover the rural life in the old days, a silkworm farm and the life of this well-known author who wrote "La chèvre de Monsieur Seguin". Investigation - game for the chidren during the visit (3 - 6 years old). In the park - local products « Goûter l’Ardèche » / souvenirs / snack in July and August - picnic area - starting point of hiking trails till the wonderful village of Labeaume (game : Randoland for families with children 4 - 12 years all along the walking). Further details on the museum internet website or at reception. - playing area 2 - 6 years old - games : climbing, balance games - discovery path of the country estate from the XIXth. century - information about fig tree

Come alone, with your family (starts at 2 years old), or with friends to discover a new concept of leisure to have fun without harnesses in nets. Successfully complete this day in the air by jumping into our BigAirBag.

An atypical hamlet on the banks of the Ardèche, accessible only on foot - a challenge launched fifty years ago by more than 15,000 young volunteers who have come to restore the ruins and breathe new life into an area that has been abandoned for a century. An educational farm where you can refresh and have a snack with products elaborated on the site: goat cheese, ice cream, aromatic syrup…

Indoor and outdoor catering with local, mostly organic, homemade products

Come and enjoy traditional, refined cuisine with the scent of Provence. Our menu changes with the seasons, giving you a choice of meat and fish dishes. We can also cater for groups and special events,

Fresh, seasonal home cooking, combining authenticity and modernity. A young, dynamic team welcomes you all year round in a warm atmosphere. A friendly place where you can share simple, tasty dishes made with heart and soul.

A fine terroir cuisine with specialities like all-you-can-eat roast pig on a spit. Large terrace and inflatable games for kids. From May to September, pizzas baked in a wood oven, to eat in or take-away.

All our dishes are homemade and use fresh and local products. Enjoy your meals in our former silkworm farm, under mulberry trees. Playground for kids. In the evening: pizzas cooked in the wood-fired oven. On a beautiful hill with a panoramic view of the South Ardeche, our restaurant is located in the courtyard of the former silkworm farm. Enjoy the typical Ardèche architecture, in the shade of the mulberry trees. Our chef, Sébastien, makes creative quality cuisine with local products. There is a playground for children, a petanque field, a games room with a table football, a pool, a ping pong table. Two large car parks are at your disposal. Organization of private receptions, birthdays, sports club gatherings ... Meals and accommodation for groups of up to 100 people. Aperitif and birthday cake on request. Home of business retreats. Work rooms, entertainment, catering.

the chef invites you on a gourmet voyage, each dish showcasing the flavours of the region through a seasonal menu. In the dining room or on the panoramic terrace, enjoy your meal with a view of the Bois d'Ajude and the Dent de Rez, the famous Ardèche peak.

We serve various traditional dishes and typical Ardèche food. You will enjoy your meals in a nice setting on a roofed terrace.

5 minutes from Vallon Pont d'Arc, La Table de Seibel offers fresh, local, home-cooked cuisine, in collaboration with local producers. Shaded terrace, pool view, afternoon snack, playground and group facilities all season.

Open all year round 7/7. Pizzas, pastas with homemade fresh tomato sauce. Original and varied pizzas.

L'Ombrage is a 3* campsite in the southern Ardèche Méridionale near Ruoms and Pont d'Arc Valley. The family-friendly little site has large pitches on a 7ha hill covered in oaks and junipers. Ruoms (with supermarket, shops, animation,...) at 2 km. Vallon Pont d'Arc at 8 km. The Ardèche river à 1 km.

Hotel with bath, internet, balcony, safe, hairdryer and fridge near Pont d'Arc and 1.5km from Ruoms in the heart of a holiday village with heated pools. A lovely relaxing setting and heaven for nature lovers. Organised excursions. Gym, health and relaxation facilities.

Soak up Mother Nature at this 5* holiday village near Pont d'Arc and 2km from Ruoms. Domaine de Chaussy is heaven for nature lovers on a lovely relaxing site in the middle of an oak forest.

Welcome to the sunny Southern Ardèche. Rev'Ô Thijol Vacances would love you to experience their "3 key" approved chalets and quality services in a stunning natural setting all year round, 2 disabled-friendly chalets.

This beautifully renovated, authentic Ardèche farmhouse proposes 2 guestrooms of charm that sleep 2 to 6 guests...

At Vallon Pont d’Arc, 400 metres from the river, mobile home and caravan rentals and tent pitches on our small campsite at the farm. In the middle of a wine estate, you’ll appreciate the family atmosphere and the relaxing tranquillity.

L'Arc en Ciel is a family campsite on the edge of the Ardèche which has kept an authentic spirit while offering modern equipment. Atmosphere is friendly.

Green paradise surrounded by crops, farm cottage Prasserat Gardens is located 1.5 km from the village center, between the dominant hill adjacent community forests of Lagorce and the Ardeche River. Completely renovated, the house reveals the original stones of the old 17th century building.

Air-conditioned rooms near the restaurant 'La Petite Bouffe'.