Guide to Ardèche & Property for Sale in Department 07

The Ardèche department in southeast France is well known for its mountainous scenery and dramatic gorges. Every summer, tourists flock here to kayak down its rivers and hike up its mountains. This is also the home of the major annual road cycling event, L'Ardéchoise. The Ardèche department (number 07) lies within the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region and borders the departments of Drome, Haute-Loire, Loire, Vaucluse, Gard, Lozère and Isère. The dramatic landscape embraces the deep ravines and valleys of the Ardèche River and the heights of Mont Mézenc and the Massif Central, which lies to the west. Privas is the capital of the Ardèche and the smallest administrative capital of any department in France. It is not the largest town in the Ardèche; however, it is the fifth-largest, with Annonay being the largest in terms of population.

Charming Villages of Ardèche

There are many beautiful villages to explore, each full of character and rich in history. One of these is the charming village of Alba-la-Romaine, which boasts an impressive castle and an old town featuring many buildings that date back to the 16th and 17th centuries.

Scenic Landscapes

The main visitor attractions in the Ardèche, however, are related to its picturesque and dramatic landscape. They include the Gorges de l'Ardeche and the Regional Natural Park of the Monts d'Ardèche.

Vibrant Tourist Hotspots

The town of Vallon Pont d'Arc is a favourite with tourists, and in high season, its many cafés and restaurants are buzzing with people soaking up the sun and the atmosphere of this lively resort as they take a break from their outdoor pursuits.

Culinary Delights of Ardèche

When it comes to cuisine, the Ardèche is renowned for its sweet chestnuts, which are used to make marron glacé and crème de marrons, which feature in many local recipes. Another local speciality is the crique, similar to a Swiss rosti, made with grated potatoes and seasoning.

Key Information about the Ardèche

• Main City/Prefecture: Privas
• Nearest Airport: Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (approx. 140 km)
• Population: Around 330,000 (as of the latest census)
• Area: 5,529 sq. kilometres and 2,135 sq. miles
• Landmark: Pont d'Arc, a natural limestone arch and gateway to the Ardèche Gorges, a popular spot for kayaking and hiking.
• Number of Tourists/Year: Approx. 1.8 million, drawn by its breathtaking gorges, prehistoric caves (like the Chauvet Cave) and outdoor adventures in this picturesque department of France.

If you are looking for property in the Ardèche, please contact us to discuss your search criteria.