Gorges and Monts of Ardèche: A Motorcycle Tour to Discover the Volcanoes and Valleys
Ardèche by Motorcycle: From Aubenas to Alba-la-Romaine, A Fascinating Itinerary
Departure: Aubenas - The Gateway to the South of Ardèche
Start your 320-kilometre adventure in Aubenas, where you can explore Aubenas Castle, an imposing medieval fortress, and Castle Square which hosts a bustling weekly market. Aubenas offers a rich history and a great opportunity to delve into the local culture.
Vals-les-Bains in Antraigues-sur-Volane: Thermal Waters and the Vollane Valley
Leaving Aubenas, head towards Vals-les-Bains, famous for its thermal waters. Arriving in Antraigues-sur-Volane, be sure to visit the Saint-Benoît dome, an 11th century church.
Lachamp-Raphaël in Sainte-Eulalie: Between Volcanoes and Springs
Continue your trip to Lachamp-Raphaël, where you will explore the ancient volcanoes, known as sucs. The winding roads will take you to Sainte-Eulalie, where you can appreciate the nature and abundant springs of the region.
Thueyts in Largentière: The Beauty of the Valleys and Gorges
Descending towards Thueyts, you will enter a region of picturesque valleys and gorges. The landscape changes dramatically, and you'll have the opportunity to stop at breathtaking viewpoints. Largentière, with its medieval history and unique charm, is a perfect stopover.
Vallon-Pont-d'Arc to Orgnac-l'Aven: The Heart of the Ardèche Gorges
Passing through Vallon-Pont-d'Arc you will discover the emblematic natural arch which spans the Ardèche river. Continuing towards Orgnac-l'Aven, you will find spectacular caves and prehistoric sites.
Bourg-Saint-Andéol in Saint-Remèze: Cultural and Natural Riches
Bourg-Saint-Andéol is famous for the Saint-Laurent church, an architectural treasure. From here, Saint-Remèze offers magnificent views and wild nature.
End of the walk: Alba-la-Romaine
End your walk in Alba-la-Romaine, where Alba Castle awaits you. This historic village, rich in Roman remains, offers a perfect conclusion to this exceptional circuit.
Conclusion
The Gorges and Monts of Ardèche offer an astonishing mix of natural landscapes and cultural treasures. Whether you're interested in history, geology, or simply the sheer beauty of rural France, this tour will leave you with lasting and treasured memories.
GPX track for your Adventure
For those who wish to experience this adventure, we have prepared a GPX trace of the complete route. This will help you navigate easily and ensure you don't miss any of the historical and natural gems discussed. You can download the GPX track by following this link . Simply load it onto your GPS device or smartphone, and you're ready to go. Good walk !