Discovery
The belvedere route: see the Ardèche gorges from the plateau
The D290 connects the Vallon-Pont-d’Arc sector to Saint-Martin-d’Ardèche along the gorges from the plateau. You can take the measure of the canyon from its viewpoints, without going down to the river. Choose a few stops and leave room on the road: turns and parking are part of the ride.
Three sectors to make up the route
Valley side, the Serre de Tourre dominates a large meander. You can prepare for the first part of the day with the Pont d’Arc, distinguishing the arch parking from that of the belvederes.
In the middle of the road, Gournier, the Cathedral, the Madeleine and the Balcon des Templiers offer different views of the river and the cliffs. Consult the presentation of the SGGA to locate stops; Not all accesses are equal for a person with walking difficulties.
Towards Saint-Martin, the Ranc-Pointu and the Grand Belvédère allow you to approach the gorges from downstream. This is a possible entry when staying in Saint-Montan; it does not guarantee empty parking lots or the absence of traffic.
Half a day rather than a race for viewpoints
Allow room for stops and walking. In summer, many locations are exposed: going earlier or later can avoid some of the heat, without making going out reasonable during a strong alert.
Stay behind the protection and on the planned paths. Don't stop on a bend to take a photo. The reserve regulations notably prohibits bivouac in a vehicle on the lookouts. Photographing the landscape does not justify disturbing wildlife or using a drone in the reserve.
For an underground visit on the same route, choose a cave and its slot before filling the rest of the day. The gorge guide helps distinguish road trips, canoeing and hiking. The trails at the bottom of the canyon require different preparation. For another day on the river, also check out conditions for canoeing with children.
Return to Saint-Montan
Since the Mas lodgings, check the route to your first stop and the return route. If you travel without a car, organize access to the viewpoints before setting up this exit. The swimming pool is seasonal; you can also keep a dinner on site after the road. For another day around Saint-Montan, discover the Côtes-du-Vivarais vineyard and visiting possibilities.
For a summer stay, our points of reference on the August crowd, the strong heat and the choice of the period complete this outing. Communicate your dates and mobility needs to prepare your accommodation.
Practical questions
Can you discover the gorges without canoeing?
Yes, the D290 and its belvederes offer views from the plateau. Plan stops at designated locations and check access on foot depending on the mobility of the group.