The 18 most beautiful villages in Ardèche

Want to discover or rediscover the Ardèche? Cap on the most beautiful villages in Ardèche for a typical stay!

Both natural reserve and historic centre of interest, the Ardèche attracts many visitors in search of calm to relax and reconnect to nature. Discreet, perched and hidden, many picturesque villages scatter this territory. Between customs and breathtaking landscapes, the villages of Ardèche welcome you for an authentic and traditional stay.

1. Vallon Pont d’Arc

Vallon Pont d’Arc is certainly one of the most beautiful villages in Ardèche! It is a true high place of Prehistory. Indeed, there are many caves nearby. This is where he draws his reputation.

But the site is also known for its arch of the Pont d’Arc. Driven in the limestone by the Ardèche River, the canyon of Vallon Pont d’Arc has a tremendous success. And for cause, he offers a breathtaking show! The perfect opportunity to discover the time of a session canoe in the Gorges de l’Ardèche.

2. Vogüé

Ranked among the most beautiful villages in France, Vogüé forms an amphitheatre on the edge of the Gorges. Also, it seems to be a continuation of the mountain. Renowned for its exceptional views, this small village is full of charm.

By the river, its 12th century castle offers a memorable historical dive that deserves a detour. In perfect harmony with its environment, Vogüé invites you to relax, out of time.

3. Balazuc

Balazuc is an ardéchois village perched and vertiginous. Indeed, it is built on the rock side and thus overlooks the river. Arriving to visit this village in Ardèche, you will pass by a bridge offering a dive view on the beach of the village.

Dating from the Prehistory, the village has kept its charm over the centuries. You will find turbulent alleys interspersed with arched passages, arcades and stairs. Visit this village foot, the time of a superb walk.

4. Labeaume

Admire the rustic houses of Labeaume made with pebbles, dressed in glycines and virgin vines. Then cross the small stone bridge that spans the Beaume River, at the foot of this pretty village in Ardèche.

Labeaume is composed of many caves, stone houses typical of Ardèche, as well as a beautiful church. Each summer, the setting and enchanting architecture of the village of Labeaume are sublimated by the classical music festival.

5. Saint-Montan

Nestled between two rivers, Saint-Montan is on the border with the Drôme. Among the villages in Ardèche, Saint-Montan oscillates between charm and character.

Through its paved alleys, discover the beautiful stone houses typical Middle Ages. Recognized as medieval city , Saint-Montan is also known to house an imposing castle, perched on a rocky tip. Dominating the village, its remains contemplate the valley, offering a superb panorama of the green surroundings.

6. Saint-Laurent-Sous-Coiron

This village in Ardèche is the highest perched in the territory. Once surrounded by ramparts, Saint-Laurent-Sous-Coiron is a village that deserves: understand that you will have to climb before you get there!

Because the ruins of his castle promise a breathtaking view! If you still have a little energy, go up to the place of the Church. Here too, wait for an exceptional panorama...

7. Ailhon

Canton d’Aubenas, Ailhon is one of the most beautiful villages in Ardèche. The town is composed in 12 hamlets, each of which offers atypical excursions in this unique place. The village will make you travel and discover all the Ardéchoise story that unveils in Ailhon!

The most beautiful jewel of Ailhon is its church, whose oldest parts of the church date back to the 12th century. But also take the time to walk in the corners of the village as well as in the hamlets nestled in the marine pine forest.

8. Move it-Roi

Here is another village in Ardèche labeled village of character! Overlooking a large meander of the Doux, Boucieu-le-Roi is undoubtedly one of the jewels of the valley. It is also a must-see for the curious traveller!

Boucieu-le-Roi keeps many vestiges of its past. So it plunges you into history and will make you travel from the sixteenth century to the present. His Pont du Roi, his crossroads and his typical houses of the Vivarais make it possible to discover the local history. In the heart of a green valley, Boucieu invites you to the promenade.

9. Banne

Nestled at the foot of the Cevennes, Banne faces the ardéchoise limestone plain. The medieval castle, perched on its hill, and the parish church give the tone of a rich heritage visit. Then continue your discovery by strolling through the two villages that make up the village before making a stop in one of the cultivated terraces of the valley.

In addition, it is distinguished by the atypical presence of 27 dolmens. With evidence of a millennium local history, Banne is a typical Ardèche village and character. He also hides architectural beads such as the vestiges of his medieval castle or the church of Saint-Pierre de Banne.

10. Ruoms

Medieval village of character, Ruoms is known for its 14th century ramparts built around the Notre-Dame-des-Pommiers chapel. Rehearsed invitation to the stroller, its small shaded alleys covered by flowery balconies, testify to a rich historical past. During the summer, the village is animated by summer markets and night entertainment.

Nestled in a beautiful green setting, Ruoms invites you to discover. Go on adventure and explore the route of the Ruoms Shows. Along the way, admire the gigantic limestone cliffs, the impressive vaults and the surprising tunnels dug to the rock. The panorama on the horizon is simply magical!

11. Beaulieu

Located south of the department, Beaulieu seduced by its ideal location, in the heart of nature. Between vineyards, garrigues, wood and mountains, this village in Ardèche welcomes you warmly.

Nothing like a typical setting like Beaulieu to offer a relaxing and unreasonable holiday. To discover the nature around it, go on hikes or offer a little refreshments in one of the swimming spots. On the heritage side, Beaulieu dresses with some riches like his chapel and his former monastery. Along the alleys, walk this place with a unique character and meet its inhabitants here and there, as well as witness to its warm soul.

12. Rochecolombe

Old medieval village hung on its hill, Rochecolombe stands in balance on the cliff. In her bosom, the pretty chapel of St Barthélémy and the tower of the old castle seem to be fixed in time. The remnants of the past arise from the slightest corners of this ardéchois village. In harmony with the rock, they integrate with this rocky piton.

Rochecolombe is not the only jewel in the region, take a few steps and stop in the hamlet of Sauveplantade. In the heart of the village, discover the smallest church of Christianity, the Romane St Pierre de Sauveplantade church.

13. Alba-la-Romaine

Rich over 2000 years of history, Alba-la-Romaine is at the foot of the Coiron massif. Renowned for its unique architecture, it comes for its facades in basalt and limestone, which by themselves, draw up the authentic portrait of the village.

After passing the fortifications of the village, walk through the labyrinth of narrow paved and arched alleys, bicolored and luminous. Here, inscriptions, door lintels decorated or biblical reliefs murmured each their story to the attentive walker.

14. Montreal

Once fortified, the magnificent medieval village of Montreal dominates the valley of the Line. Set on the south foothills of the Tanargue massif, it offers a breathtaking panorama.

In addition to the beauty of the surrounding area, the village has a rich heritage. The dungeon of the castle and the church and its bell tower are the main architectural elements of Montreal.

15. Naves

Welcome to Naves, place of character! Typical of the South, this village in Ardèche is located in the famous Cévenne National Park and Parc Régional des Monts d’Ardèche. In other words: in the heart of greenery.

In Navres, the alleys intertwine and each house puts its own to make the decor fair. In this extraordinary garden, you are invited to a great trip to a small village! The program: historical discoveries and wonders!

16. Thines

Nestled in the heart of a wild valley where centuries-old chestnut trees and crystalline rivers mix, the picturesque hamlet of Thines appears.

This village in Ardèche is certainly very small, but deserves a detour! Let yourself be charmed by its maze of alleys, its roofs of lauze and its Romane church.

17. Chalencon

It is in the Regional Natural Park of the Monts d’Ardèche, perched at 700 m of height, that we find Chalencon. This charming medieval village takes us back to history, thanks to its heritage and alleys.

Also, the village, labeled "Village de Caractère" but also " Petite Cité de Caractère en France", offers an exceptional view of the Alps, Vercors, Mont Mezenc or the Gerbier de Jonc.

18. Beauchastel

To conclude our selection of the most beautiful villages in Ardèche, towards the edge of the Rhone. Beauchastel is in height and enjoys a Mediterranean climate. Better, the village is safe from the Mistral.

During your visit, admire the local and medieval heritage, including shale and pebble houses. An architecture that makes it one of the most beautiful villages in Ardèche. Finally, bike riders can ride on two of the most famous bike paths: the Dolce Via and ViaRhôna.