Sports and leisure activities Ardèche

Observation evenings, themed workshops on space, the universe and the stars, and a festival are scheduled at the Hubert Reeves Observatory located... on Mars: you name it! The festival features lectures by professionals, discovery workshops and observations, drone-flying initiations, scientific-burlesque shows and interactive stands... All activities are subject to availability... So register in advance. Observation evenings and private tours available.

Joyeuse is a town in the Ardèche region, known for its sports and adventure activities. GECCO Aventure specializes in adventure sports and offers a variety of activities including climbing, via corda, caving and via ferrata. GECCO Aventure is highly rated by visitors, with a score of 4.9/5.

From the Blache du Mazel equestrian farm, you can go hiking with donkeys. It's a gentle adventure where you take your time and walk without luggage. This is not horse-riding, but hiking with one or more donkeys carrying your belongings (max. 40 kg/donkey). There are many possible itineraries in a loop around the Blache du Mazel, lasting one or more days, from campsites to farms, from gîtes to chambres d'hôtes. Ânons des sources is an association for the conservation and use of donkeys in Ardèche.

Charlotte Martin is not just making fine utilitarian and decorative tiles, in raw or vernissée land, but also in July and August, fine-named pottery workshops.

La Forêt de l'Aventure is a magical place for young and old, where you can move from tree to tree like Tarzan (or like a monkey, as the case may be). The 8 courses enable children (aged 2 and over) and adults alike to face up to danger - in complete safety - and build their self-confidence. A place where everyone can have fun together. There's plenty of parking, a picnic area and a snack bar for refreshments and snacks! Parents can organize their children's birthday parties at the park.

If, like many visitors, you find yourself in this part of the Ardèche on a scorching hot summer's day, you'll be delighted to find the coolness of this landscaped lake. In a very natural setting on the banks of the Saliouse and Eyieux rivers, it offers a sandy beach, numerous activities for the whole family, a waterslide and a picnic area. It is located just opposite the town's campsite. Supervised swimming in summer.

The diversity of the Ardèche's terrain makes it a perfect destination for both beginners and experienced climbers, and many are starting up their own small businesses in this field, well aware of the region's potential. The Eyreux valley abounds with sites accessible to all: the Glueyre and Tournay sites, Les Cabannes in Saint-Maurice-en-Chalencon and Dunière-sur-Eyrieux. Route guidebooks are available from tourist offices.

On the site of the airfield, a beautiful circuit at 8 km from Aubenas with club house, 800 m long track suitable for beginners as well as experienced pilots, designed by a renowned pilot with a layout inspired by the great circuits. A maximum of sensations on the kartings 270 CCSodikart RX7 last generation on this hilly circuit with turns in deversions, blind, chicanes... New for the regulars: injection karts. The accompanying persons can see the drivers from the shaded terrace which offers a panoramic view on the circuit.

Another great climbing spot in the Ardèche, on the shores of Lake Issarlès. Three beautiful, shaded granite cliffs offer climbers almost thirty routes, from 6 to 35 meters high. If you're not a climber, you can also walk around the lake on a 5 km footpath. The picturesque name of this climbing spot comes from a local legend, telling the story of a shepherdess milking her goat on a rock when her village was submerged by the waters. You can even catch a glimpse of her face by plunging her head into the lake.

It's an hour's walk around the Issarlès lake. At the start, a sign indicates a troglodyte dwelling. This is the former house of the De Vogüé family, the former lords of the lake. A simple cave that sheltered a family... Other signposted trails include the 12 km Vallée du Gage and the 10 km Cherchemus. These itineraries can also be enjoyed on mountain bikes, with a few nice "bumps" thrown in for good measure!

Saint-Cirgues offers an ideal environment for snow activities in the heart of winter. The Suc du Pal site has been developed in this beautiful setting for the enjoyment of young and old alike. On the program: a cross-country ski loop, not very long but very pleasant, and seven trails from 2 to 12 km long for snowshoe enthusiasts. Equipment rental available on site. Light meals available at the Pub du Volcan. Sanitary facilities available at the entrance.

Just a stone's throw from the Issarlès lake, this full-service riding center is the destination of choice for all lovers of horseback riding. The Ardèche mountains are a dream setting for this natural activity. At the equestrian farm, you can also try your hand at obstacle racing, or ride in old-fashioned covered wagons, like cowboys conquering the West! Numerous training courses and private lessons for all levels are available, with the option of full board.

Would you like to run a 24 km course on the water, in the heart of a magnificent wilderness? And what's more, it's quite unusual. The brotherhood of boatmen offers you to embark on a traditional wooden flat-bottomed boat to reconnect with the past and to discover a forgotten profession and a preserved biotope. You will live a unique experience and the boatmen who lead you will tell you the history of the river. Bring your own picnic.

In Australian Aboriginal mythology, Eingana is a creative goddess and mother of animals and humans. It's in a spirit of reconnection with nature that Aurélie Peyronnel has created these gentle survival courses. For half a day, one or two days, in small groups (maximum eight people), you'll walk along the banks of the river in search of edible plants, to be used in herbal teas or soups, or for therapeutic purposes.

Between two rivers, the Via Fluvia links the Loire to the Rhône. This new greenway is currently being developed as a bicycle route similar to the Via Rhôna, using bucolic itineraries. This new cycling route in France opens onto a large, preserved and spectacular outdoor paradise. Of the 8 Via Fluvia routes, two leave from Annonay along the Drôme, one joins the Lac de Vert, the other, currently under construction, will join the Via Rhôna at Serrières. In the meantime, a link to the Via Rhôna is possible through the beautiful Cance valley.

Are you tempted by a little descent of the Ardèche? This discreet canoe rental company has two bases, on either side of the village of Ruoms. Base 1 is located at the edge of Ruoms on the D579 in the direction of Vallon-Pont-d'Arc, at the level of the traffic lights on the left, ideal for the Sampzon-Pont-d'Arc descent (14 km/3h without counting the stops). Base 2 is located at La Chapoulière on the D111 towards Alès, for the Balazuc descent (18 km/4h). A beautiful way to go through the Ardèche in the heart of the bewitching landscapes of the Ardèche gorges.

Canoë Ceven Aventure offers you the chance to canoe or kayak down the Gorges du Chassezac in complete freedom, and enjoy the beauty and calm of the area to the full. This indentation between two limestone walls over 100 m high is breathtakingly beautiful and much less frequented than the Ardèche gorges. The environment is as wild as you could wish for, with an abundance of bathing spots. For the more adventurous, the CCA team can take you canyoning, caving, rafting, via corda, climbing... A whole host of adventures with a friendly, highly professional team!

Loisirs Sud Ardèche is a company specializing in aerial activities, located in Berrias-et-Casteljau, in southern Ardèche. They offer first flights in paragliders, gyrocopters, helicopters and parachute jumps. Flights are supervised by experienced pilots and take place over the magnificent landscapes of southern Ardèche, Gard and Drôme. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during the summer months. Loisirs Sud Ardèche also offers a list of nearby gîtes, campsites and B&Bs to help visitors find accommodation. As well as flying, there are other activities not to be missed in the region, such as canoe, kayak, mountain bike and paddle hire on the Chassezac, and scooter and motorcycle hire in Berrias.

Live an extraordinary experience with IMAGE IN AIR in Berrias-et-Casteljau! Thanks to their drone and ULM Autogire, they produce breathtaking aerial photos and videos of the Ardèche and Cévennes regions. Fly over the Pont du Gard, the Ardèche gorges, the Pont d'Arc or the Parc des Cévennes, and immortalize these magnificent landscapes in a unique way. Or treat yourself to an unforgettable first flight and discover the region from the air. IMAGE IN AIR guarantees a magical moment you won't want to miss.

Located in Vallon-Pont-d'Arc in the Ardèche, Accroche toi aux branches is a leisure park offering tree climbing and zip-line activities for the whole family. With 10 tree-climbing courses comprising over 150 workshops, visitors can enjoy a thrilling experience in the trees, which reach heights of over 20 meters. The park also offers more than 1,600 meters of zip lines for beginners and experts alike. Children aged 3 and over can also enjoy 3 accrobranche courses adapted to their age, as well as other activities such as tree houses, trampolines and slides. The tree-climbing courses and zip lines are safe, with qualified supervision and safety instructions given before departure.