Explore Arcens, Ardèche, Rhône-Alpes and its wonders

As soon as it leaves Le Cheylard, the cycle route changes its scenery: the Dolce Via, with the Eyrieux as its main thread, now runs into the steep valleys of the Boutières. If today the route can be travelled by bike without effort, imagine for a moment the construction of the railway at the end of the 19th century, which is the result of a real technological feat due to the nature of the terrain. The last vestiges of this extraordinary railway past, the viaducts, tunnels, bridges and trenches, all carved out with the strength of your wrist, accompany you to Saint-Agrève. A colourful and easy walk.

The scenery changes on this side towards the north-east. The cycle route, still on greenways, gets higher and higher and every pedal stroke is a wonder. Five viaducts, two bridges and three tunnels later, the landscapes of the Boutières and the Monts d'Ardèche, with the Mont Gerbier de Jonc and the Mont Mézenc in the background, await you. A nice reward before arriving at the pass and crossing the mountain by the Nonières tunnel, the longest of the Dolce Via with its 320 metres (lit!). You can then peacefully drive the remaining 12 km to Lamastre on almost freewheels. Here, a mythical steam train awaits you for an incomparable discovery of the Gorges du Doux to Tournon-Saint-Jean and ViaRhôna.

Between narrow gorges, tunnels and viaducts, your cycling trip on the Dolce Via here follows the traces of the past. On your way, the old mills and silk weavers' workshops bear witness to the richness of the valley, which once welcomed many workers. The viewpoints on the Eyrieux are numerous and allow for beautiful contemplative pauses. Below the greenway, the calm waters of the river are an invitation to stop. Pont-de-Chervil is an ideal place for a refreshing moment halfway through the stage. You can walk further and further into the Eyrieux gorges, in the heart of an environment that sparkles with green and orange in the autumn, because here the chestnut tree is king.

A long hike from St Pierre-sur-Doux or Lalouvesc, featuring pleasant forests and panoramic crests, and reserved for experienced hikers and mountain-bikers.

Around the picturesque village of St Pierre sur Doux, a little walk featuring some fine views over the unspoilt valleys all around. Very easy trail.

A long hike from St Pierre-sur-Doux or Lalouvesc, featuring pleasant forests and panoramic crests, and reserved for experienced hikers and mountain-bikers.

The climb to the pass follows a very pretty trail through forests and pastures. From the pass, you continue up to Mount Sardier, with a magnificent view over the area. The descent passes through the isolated hamlet of Les Bauds and Nectardechois. A very pleasant hike, remarkable for its views. Topo-guide for sale 8€ in our office.

Beautiful and difficult trail leading through 7 mountain passes around Pailharès, with a chance to see picturesque villages in an untamed setting. Trail can be shortened to 39 and 61 km. Road-book for sale for €1 from our offices.

MTB route N°10 red according to the French Cycling Federation rating. The circuit begins with a fairly steady climb to the Serre de Verne and its superb panorama. The descent via the Col du Marchand is both technical and fun.

Black course as rated by the French Cycling Federation. The circuit begins with a fun, technical descent to Pont de Maillotière. From here, it's a long climb to the Col de Fontfreyde before a ridge section and a fine descent.

Quiet, friendly, spacious and demarcated pitches, quality bathroom facilities, volleyball, football, heated pool, badminton, snack, bread baked on-site, pastries, GR hiking trail from the campsite.

In the middle of nature, between pine forests and meadows, this beautiful house enjoys an exceptional environment without any vis-à-vis. Traditional mountain house, high-end and high-quality furnishings. House on 3 levels.

With comfortable rooms and good food guaranteed, you can just sit back and enjoy a really relaxing holiday.

In stone-built house outside the village: kitchen and bathroom on ground floor - dormitory on first floor.

Main building with 3 floors - Large common room on ground floor, 2nd common room in annex, both with kitchen areas.

Lalouvesc joined the network of Sanctuary Cities in France on 1 January 2020. The application was submitted by the Sanctuary of Lalouvesc and the Val d'Ay tourist office.

At 1080 m the hotel restaurant welcomes you all year. Traditional food.

Home cooking with local products - blueberries and mushrooms.

A place dedicated to the history of Le Chambon-sur-Lignon and the surrounding villages during the World War II. The memorial presents the history of the Righteous. Located in the centre of Le Chambon-sur-Lignon, it is for anyone who wants to learn more about this exceptional past. A unique Place dedicated to the History of the Righteous and the non-violent resistance during World War II. The Memorial invites you to discover the history of the Vivarais-Lignon Plateau and to understand the commitment of its habitants in a civil, spiritual and armed Resistance during the World War II. Hundreds of refugees have been hosted by the population. The Memorial offers a permanent exhibition with an interactive approach like films, animated movies, multimedia tools and a testimony room. The equipment allows a large rank of visitors, including children, to have access to a pedagogical service. Open all year long, guided tours on reservation for groups and school children.

Désaignes is over 2000 years old and was in its prime in the Middle Ages. The village is still teeming with relics: the remnants of a 12th century fortress, a 14th century château, ramparts and 3 of the 4 gateways to the village. The vestiges are ramparts, three gates - Bourg de l'Holme gate, Janot gate and the oven or Fornate gate bearing the Retourtour family coat of arms -, the 14thC. castle and its keep, the Romanesque church. Then the Huguenots period, strongly linked to the village history with the Protestant church. Désaignes, which is a listed village since 1972, is located in a hilly countryside, a paradise for walking, horse riding and the discovery of botany.

Located in a natural surrounding the church of St Pierre sur Doux opens its doors to admire its beautiful painted coffered ceiling ...

St. Regis was buried in the crypt during nearly 75 years

Built in the neo-Byzantine style, completed in 1877, it contains a reliquary with the remains of Saint Régis and stained-glass windows recounting his life, while the frescoes in the chancel tell the story of the pilgrimage. This basilica was made from 1865 to 1900

Lalouvesc joined the network of Sanctuary Cities in France on 1 January 2020. The application was submitted by the Sanctuary of Lalouvesc and the Val d'Ay tourist office.

The Saint Régis Museum has a diorama of 19 paintings by Georges Serraz retracing the life of Saint Régis (1597-1640). A relief map of the zone and the route taken by St Régis and a display with some old objects

Old rectory of the Church of Lalouvesc, St. Regis died in this chapel the 31rd od december 1640 There is a splendid fresco in the dome

Discover these dolmens and standing stones when you walk around the village of Saint-Laurent-sous-Coiron. On the educational trail (sheet 10 of the topoguide) you will discover these Celtic prehistoric curiosities: 8 Caussenard-type dolmens dating between 3300 and 1800 BC have been identified, such as the Devès de Serre dolmen from the end of the Neolithic (1800 BC) accessible by a gap of around a hundred meters from the path. At the 8th educational panel, move 100m away from the path following the panel to discover the Peyregrosse menhir (or Chante Epine) which has the particularity of being made of basalt.

Bozas stretches from the banks of the River Daronne an altitude of 288m up to Madame Wood at an altitude of more than 800m, from where you can get a panoramic view of the Mont Blanc in fine weather. The current church, of recent construction, is built on the site of the former church. The 15th-century castle still has some of its turrets and walls, giving the village a fortified appearance.

Mag and his team welcome you in a family and authentic spirit to offer you colourful traditional regional dishes "made in house" which will make you discover the numerous specialities of our wonderful Ardèche.

Artisan pizzas cooked in a wood fire.

At 1080 m the hotel restaurant welcomes you all year. Traditional food.

Home cooking with local products - blueberries and mushrooms.

Vaulted room with atypical charm and terrace with a panoramic view over the southern Ardèche. Inventive cuisine, selection of natural wines and local products.

In a friendly restaurant or on a nice terrace, Mariline and Sebastien Jacquemin welcome you to discover a tasty and authentic cuisine made with local products. Seasonal cuisine, entirely home-made and simmered with passion.

Discover Restaurant Lou Sanfourio in Saint-Symphorien-de-Mahun, a friendly setting where pets are welcome. Enjoy our terrace and savour traditional dishes with delivery and takeaway options. Regular entertainment and concerts!

Come and enjoy traditional bourgeois cuisine in a green setting in our Maître Restaurateur-certified establishment, which specializes in groups, seminars, weddings or birthdays from 12 diners. Reservation required.

In a friendly atmosphere come and taste our homemade specialties. 2 rooms whose one is a private saloon for romantic meals.

Treat your tastebuds! Traditional hearty dishes. All our dishes are homemade including the jams we serve for breakfast. You will love the chef's exquisite Ardèche cuisine made from garden and fresh produce.

Quiet, friendly, spacious and demarcated pitches, quality bathroom facilities, volleyball, football, heated pool, badminton, snack, bread baked on-site, pastries, GR hiking trail from the campsite.

In the middle of nature, between pine forests and meadows, this beautiful house enjoys an exceptional environment without any vis-à-vis. Traditional mountain house, high-end and high-quality furnishings. House on 3 levels.

With comfortable rooms and good food guaranteed, you can just sit back and enjoy a really relaxing holiday.

This villa can sleep up to 18 in groups or families throughout the year in 5 rooms and a dorm each with a sink, shower and toilet. Nearby: lots to do at lakes, rivers and forests. For the pleasure of your eyes... The lodge is located at the foot of the Gerbier de Jonc mount, in the small village of Usclades. Nearby, you can also visit the Bourlatier farm, the Auberge de Peyrebeille, the Écomusée de Bigorre-Les-Maziaux as well as picturesque villages and thatched roofs. ...and for the pleasure of your taste buds... In the evening, the lodge offers traditional cooking and typical dishes of the area made with local products: Fin Gras du Mézenc beef, maoche, charcuterie meat, trouts, mushroom omelets, lentils, etc. Deserts featuring blueberries, raspberries and chestnuts are also on the menu!

Family-friendly and sun-soaked campsite in the Ardèche mountains, 200m from the village and on the banks of the Loire. 12km from Mont Gerber de Jonc and the source of the Loire.

This campsite in the heart of the Ardèche is surrounded by stunning mountains by the Vernazon River near the village and shops. Ideal for nature lovers.

Hôtel Au Parfum des Bois is a family hotel and restaurant where you can enjoy peace and quiet in the Ardèche mountain. Home cooking. We can't wait to meet you!

In stone-built house outside the village: kitchen and bathroom on ground floor - dormitory on first floor.