Les Jardins Célestes

The southern Ardèche is a great place for some outdoor activity to boost your endorphins. You could start with a hike on the trail that passes the foot of the property, or bring mountain bikes to pedal along nearby routes. Caving, climbing and archery are all popular activities nearby, as are watersports like canoeing, canyoning, paddleboarding and rafting – ask on site for recommendations. There are big sights to be seen, too – including the Aven d’Orgnac cave (45 minutes' drive), and the paleolithic paintings of Chauvet Cave (40 minutes). The Chassezac Gorges (40 minutes) and Gorges de l’Ardèche (55 minutes) are both spectacular natural wonders, and a wander through the limestone rock formations of the Bois de Païolive (20 minutes) is a must. Village wanders should be on your schedule too – especially in Balazuc (half an hour), one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France and with a real maze of cobbled streets to explore as well as a river beach where you can cool your feet afterwards. Closer to home, Les Vans and Joyeuse (both 15 minutes) are both at their best on market day.