How to drive through Gorges de l'Ardèche?
France, europe
49.3 km
285 m
hard
Year-round
Ready for a road trip through the "Grand Canyon of France?" Head to the Ardèche department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, where you'll find the Gorges de l'Ardèche. This is one of those classic "balcony roads" you hear about.
The D290, also known as the Route des Gorges, is your path. It's paved, but be warned if you're not a fan of heights! This 49.3 km (30.63 miles) stretch winds along the canyon rim inside the Natural Reserve of the Ardèche Gorges, offering incredible views of limestone cliffs that plunge down as far as 300 meters. You'll cruise from Vallon-Pont-d'Arc to Saint-Just-d'Ardèche, passing alluvial deposits, grottoes, caves, and canyons.
Give yourself a full day, especially if you want to stop at all 11 viewpoints. This area is a major draw, so start early to dodge the crowds. Parking can be tight, and watch out for potential rock slides – stick to those designated tourist spots! Locals call it the "European Grand Canyon" for good reason, and with over a million visitors a year, you know the scenery is worth it. This is an important historical and archaeological site!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 49.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 285 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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