Travel Guide Annonay

To defend itself from pillage, Annonay was surrounded by ramparts and closed off by three main gates as early as 700. The thick walls extended from the castle, which has now disappeared, and separated to run alongside the two rivers that irrigate the city, the Cance and the Deûme. Of the town's three gates, only the Porte de Bourgville remains. The capital of northern Ardèche, Annonay is built on seven hills at the confluence of the Cance and Deûme rivers, and is known worldwide as the cradle of hot-air ballooning. Indeed, it was in Annonay that the Montgolfier brothers made their first hot-air balloon flight on June 4, 1783, in the courtyard of the Cordeliers convent. Today, there are still two establishments under the same name, as well as an Irisbus subcontractor. Since then, Annonay has been classified as a Historic Aerostation Site. The town is also well known for its involvement in the development of the paper industry. With its renovated town center, its parks and gardens, not to mention its small shops, the city is not lacking in charm. Stroll along the pretty Place des Cordeliers and its adjacent streets. Come on market days to enjoy the lively atmosphere. It's a pleasant vacation spot and the gateway to the Ardèche Verte and Ardèche mountains, where you can hike, bike, ride a horse or a motorcycle... A number of fine restaurants will liven up your stay in this former working-class town, now boasting a touch of bobo chic.