What to do in Vallon-Pont-d'Arc? The complete guide to planning your stay

Vallon-Pont-d'Arc, a village of 2,500 in the south of the Ardèche, is the gateway to the famous Ardèche gorges. Within a few kilometres you'll find the Pont d'Arc, the Caverne du Pont d'Arc (replica of the Chauvet Cave), pebble beaches, some of Europe's richest caves and a lively Provençal village.

The must-sees you can't miss

Canoeing down the Ardèche

Canoeing down the Ardèche gorges is the experience that defines Vallon-Pont-d'Arc. Trips start from Salavas, two kilometres from the village. No experience is needed: a briefing before departure is enough. Three trip formats:

• Half-day: 5 to 12 km, ideal with children.
• Full day: 24 km, passing under the Pont d'Arc.
• Two days: 32 km, with a bivouac in the heart of the gorges.

You can book a canoe trip for a half-day or a full day depending on your level.

The Caverne du Pont d'Arc

The Chauvet Cave, discovered in 1994 near Vallon, holds the world's oldest known rock paintings: over 36,000 years old. The original stays closed to the public for its preservation. The Caverne du Pont d'Arc is its full, faithful replica, open since 2015: 8,500 m² reproducing a thousand animal figures exactly. The visit lasts about 1.5 hours and is booked online in advance, especially in July and August. It's one of France's finest cultural sites.

The Pont d'Arc

The Pont d'Arc is a natural limestone arch 60 metres high and 59 metres wide, carved by the Ardèche over the millennia. From a canoe, passing beneath the arch is one of the finest moments of the trip. For those not paddling, a path from the drop-off point reaches the beach in a few minutes. To learn more, read our article on the Pont d'Arc.

Activities to round out your stay

The caves: Madeleine, Aven d'Orgnac, Saint-Marcel

The gorges are cut into limestone that hides an exceptional underground network. Three sites are worth the detour within 20 kilometres:

• The Madeleine Cave: huge stalactites and stalagmites, with sound and light shows.
• The Aven d'Orgnac: a Grand Site de France, with a Prehistory museum next door, ideal for families.
• The Saint-Marcel Cave: 50 kilometres of underground galleries, partly open to the public, 15 minutes from Vallon.

Hiking and via ferrata in the gorges

• The GR4 crosses the gorges over 42 kilometres between Vallon and Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche, along the ridges.
• The section from the Pont d'Arc to the Gaud viewpoint takes about 2.5 hours round trip.
• The via ferrata at the Cirque de la Madeleine has equipped routes above the gorges, with gear rental on site.

Swimming in the Ardèche and the gorge beaches

The Ardèche keeps excellent water quality. The pebble beaches of the gorges, protected by the nature reserve rules, are among the most beautiful. Châmes beach, near Vallon, suits families with young children. Swimming is possible from June to late September. See our selection of the best swimming spots in the gorges.

Vallon-Pont-d'Arc village: market, restaurants and local life

The Thursday morning market

The Provençal market is held on Thursday mornings on the village squares:

• Ardèche charcuterie and goat's cheese (picodon).
• Garrigue honey, chestnut cream, essential oils.

In July and August, night markets take place on Tuesdays.

Where to eat in Vallon-Pont-d'Arc

Many restaurants serve on terraces facing the hills. Local specialities to try: caillette, chestnut cream and Côtes du Vivarais wines. The village bakeries and grocers also prepare picnic supplies before your trip.

The feudal castle and the old village

The medieval castle, a listed historic monument, has overlooked the village since the 12th century and now houses the town hall. The old village and its paved "calades" lanes deserve an hour's stroll outside peak times.

What to do in Vallon-Pont-d'Arc in 1, 2 or 3 days?

Here's how to plan your stay based on the time you have.

In one day

• Morning: a half-day canoe trip from Salavas.
• Afternoon: the Pont d'Arc from the beach, then the old village.
• Evening: dinner on a terrace or a night market in season.

Over a weekend

• Day 1: the Caverne du Pont d'Arc in the morning, a hike or a via ferrata in the afternoon.
• Day 2: a full-day 24 km trip, with a lunch stop on a gorge beach.

Three days or more

• The Aven d'Orgnac and its Prehistory museum.
• The Madeleine Cave.
• The Bois de Païolive.
• The villages of Balazuc and Vogüé.

In July and August, crowds are heavy: favour visits before 10 am and canoeing on weekdays.

What to do in Vallon-Pont-d'Arc when it rains?

A rainy day won't spoil your stay. Several activities are indoors:

• The Caverne du Pont d'Arc and its museum (1.5-hour visit, booking required).
• The underground caves (Aven d'Orgnac, Madeleine, Saint-Marcel), at a steady temperature.
• The craft shops and Ardèche specialty restaurants in the village.

What to do in Vallon-Pont-d'Arc for free?

Vallon-Pont-d'Arc can also be enjoyed without spending:

• The free shuttle to the Pont d'Arc from the tourist office car park.
• Swimming at the gorge beaches.
• A stroll through the old village and its "calades" lanes.
• The Thursday morning market.
• The viewpoints along the panoramic gorge road.

Only the visits (Caverne, caves) and supervised activities (canoeing, via ferrata) are paid.

What to do around Vallon-Pont-d'Arc?

Several sites are worth the detour within 30 minutes:

• The most beautiful villages of the Ardèche: Balazuc, Vogüé and Labeaume.
• Ruoms and its narrows.
• The hamlet of Châmes, in the heart of the gorges.
• Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche, at the end of the trip.
• Canyoning, via ferrata and tree climbing for thrill-seekers.

Practical information

Getting there

• 3 hours from Lyon, 3.5 hours from Marseille, 2.5 hours from Montpellier.
• Nearest train station: Montélimar, 60 km away.
• Regional buses from Valence, Montélimar and Avignon.

Parking and reaching the Pont d'Arc

• Car parks are available at the entrance to Vallon-Pont-d'Arc.
• The Pont d'Arc car park is paid. A free shuttle serves it from the tourist office car park.

When to come

May, June and September are ideal: fewer crowds, 25 to 30 °C and water good for swimming. In July and August, book your canoe trip, the Caverne and accommodation well ahead.

Accommodation

Campsites, gîtes and hotels surround Vallon. Riverside campsites book up months ahead for July and August. See our partners and accommodation page.

Frequently asked questions