Great days out in Ardèche
1. Camargue regional nature park
The Camargue is a huge nature reserve famous for its marshland and, of course, its white horses. The Camargue is one of the largest reserves of its kind and, as such, has villages and towns within its boundaries. There are shops, restaurants and regular festivals to entertain you.
www.camargue.com.fr2. Nîmes
Nîmes is an ancient city which was once a Roman settlement. Today, the history of Nîmes can be clearly seen by climbing to the top of the Tour Magne and taking in the panoramic view across the city. The oval of the Roman Arena is a flashback to the past splendours of the ancient city. The tower of the 12th century St Castor cathedral dominates the narrow streets of the old town, which still bear witness to their medieval past. www.ot-nimes.fr
3. Crocodile Farm (Pierrelatte)
The Crocodile Farm at Pierrelatte is a unique attraction in Europe. It houses 370 crocodiles in a specially designed green house. There are rare species of crocodile here too, and, as part of their conservation effort, young Nile crocodiles will hatch at the farm very soon! They will then be offered to African countries wishing to reintroduce these animals back into their national parks and nature reserves.
www.enprovence.com/crocos/anglais4. Avignon
Avignon is famous for two things; its festival and its bridge. The city, however, has much more to offer. The Palais des Papes is a sight to behold, wander up to the gardens above the Palace for a great view of Avignon and also a cold drink to cool off! Place Pie is away from the main hustle and bustle and is a perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of Avignon. Don't miss the audio-tour on the 'Pont d'Avignon', it is a good account of how the bridge ended up the way it did!
www.mairie-avignon.fr5. Saint-Marcel d'Ardèche caves
The cave of Saint-Michel de'Ardèche is reputedly one of the most beautiful caves in Europe with its vast underground lakes, enormous halls and outstanding stone formations. The tour of the cave lasts about an hour and in that time you will see stalagmites, stalactites, carvings and also the natural pools (unique in Europe). There is also a sound and light show to entertain you.
www.guideweb.com/ardeche/grotte/st-marcel/indexa6. Châteauneuf-du-Pape
The name of this hilly village is immediately recognisable as being the name of one of the best known red wines in France. They have a long history of wine making and take great pride in their reputation. There are several restaurants in the village, serving local wine with traditional French meals.
www.chateauneuf.com/english7. Montpellier-le-Vieux
The ancient, naturally formed rock village of Montpellier-le-Vieux is well worth a visit. You will tread a weird universe of amazing rocks. Water and wind have transformed the grey rocks of the Causse Noir into a wonderful city. You can walk on well-marked footpaths or take the little green train that will lead you to the heart of this imposing site.
www.montpellierlevieux.com/anglais2.htm8. Gorges du Tarn
The Gorges du Tarn is an area of extraordinary natural beauty. Follow the trail that the river Tarn makes, cutting through rocks, deep into the ground. There are several small villages en route usually with an interesting attraction to entice you! The Gorges du Tarn are a walkers heaven. Look out for the eagles that nest in the rocks!
www.ot-gorgesdutarn.com/index-gb.html9. Mont Aigoual
This mountain is, at over 5000 feet, the highest point in the Cévennes. On reaching the summit the views across the valley are, understandably, magnificent. The Rivière du Bonheur cascades down the mountain between the rocks, shaping the landscape even further. Mont Aigoual has even manned a meteorological observatory.
www.florac-tourisme.com/decouvertes/aigoual 10. La Bambouseraie
This European bamboo reserve is unique. Devoted to oriental plants and animals, this park has over 150 different varieties of bamboo. Don't miss the forest of bamboo where it grows to over 20 metres in height! There is an aquatic garden too where you can see more oriental flora and fauna, for example the Japanese Koï carp.
www.bambouseraie.fr