The Ardèche is a department of great contrasts, ranging in altitude from 40 metres at the confluence of the Rhône and Ardèche rivers (in the south-east of the department) to 1,754 metres at Mount Mézenc (in the centre-west). It is bounded to the east by the Rhône valley over a distance of 140 km, and to the west by the high plateaux of the Massif Central.
The diversity and quality of the region's landscapes and natural environments have led to significant growth in tourism, particularly green tourism (France's leading department).
Numerous emblematic sites are known and recognised nationally (Gorges de l'Ardèche, Mont Gerbier de Joncs) and even internationally (Aven d'Orgnac, Pont d'Arc, Grotte Chauvet listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO).
Vals les Bains is a spa resort in the heart of the southern Ardèche, ideal for all types of stay.
Top 5 Charmhotel
1 - Vals les Bains
One of the charms of Vals-les-Bains lies in the magnificent wooded parks that dot the town on either side of the Volane. In 1602, a fisherman discovered by chance the medicinal virtues of the waters of Vals. This was the beginning of the spa history of Vals-les-Bains. A spa town with a population of 3,700, the Parc de l'Intermittente is home to the famous intermittent spring, which has been gushing out twice a day since 1865, in the shade of hundred-year-old cedars. The Casino Park, the Square Sévigné and the Parc des Vivaraises are all peaceful places to stroll in all seasons.
DOWNTOWN
2 - Ardèche gorges / Chauvet cave
1/ A 22km-long canyon, shaped over almost 110 million years, through which the River Ardèche meanders. The landscape is characterised by limestone cliffs more than 250 m high, hollowed out by caves. Meanders, dry valleys, avens and lapiaz (cracks carved out by water in limestone terrain). An incredible geological heritage!
2/ The cave was discovered, unexpectedly but not by chance, on 18 December 1994, by Jean-Marie Chauvet (under contract to the Ministry of Culture, responsible for monitoring the decorated caves of the Ardèche since July 1994), Éliette Brunel (wine grower), and Christian Hillaire (EDF employee) as part of their private speleological activities. The discovery of the cave was made public on 18 January 1995. The Grotte Chauvet is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
40 km - 45 minutes
3 - The Ardèche plateau
With its wild, rural landscapes, Mont Gerbier de Jonc is a phonolite protuberance dating back 7 million years. The site has been listed since 1933. The origin and etymology of Mont Gerbier de Jonc comes from the word "Jugum", meaning mountain. At its base is a basalt flow resting on a crystalline bedrock. As well as its distinctive haystack shape and extraordinary flora and fauna, Mont Gerbier de Jonc is above all the symbol of the sources of the Loire. At its foot lies the source of the Loire, France's longest river.
45 km - 50 minutes
4 - Antraigues-sur-Volane and Jean Ferrat
A veritable jewel nestling in the wilds of the Ardèche mountains, you'll discover a village full of character built on a basalt flow that can be traced almost all the way to Vals-les-Bains. The stone walls, steeped in history, look down on you through the eyes of the 70 lava stone sculptures adorning the narrow, winding lanes (calades) around the church. Antraïgues-sur-Volane, land of Jean Ferrat. Jean Ferrat sang about them and loved them deeply. An illustrious and committed singer, you'll be able to visit "La maison Jean Ferrat" (Jean Ferrat House), where you'll be able to retrace his writings, his commitments and everything that inspired him: friendship, love and the Ardèche. This village of artists will also charm you with the quality and variety of its creative workshops (pottery, ceramics, weaving).
7 kms - 15 minutes
5 - Our terroir
Have you heard of caillette, a local speciality made from pork and herbs, all cooked in a crépine cheesecloth? Or would you prefer the famous picodon cheese, a goat's milk cheese with different maturities? Try it with a loaf of bread made from local chestnut flour, or with a pan of chestnuts roasted over a wood fire, accompanied by a good glass of Ardéchois "Chatus" red wine.
10 km- 15 minutes
