The 8 things to do in Balazuc

What to do in Balazuc, the time of a stay? Here are the 9 things to do in this small village of Ardèche!

Small village the Ardèche overlooking the river of the same name, Balazuc is a magnificent city perched on a cliff. Ranked among the most beautiful French villages , Balazuc is a place for walking between stone houses and narrow alleys. The village of 400 inhabitants also houses some local specialities restaurants.

But visiting Balazuc is also discovering the magnificent panorama offered by the gorges of the Ardèche that can be explored in canoeing or kayaking. Want to discover one of the treasures of Ardèche? Here are the nine essential things to do in Balazuc!

1. Muséum de l’Ardèche

Visiting Balazuc is going to discover its very distant origins. As one of the most interesting museums of this type in France, the museum of Ardèche houses many fossils of animals, some of which date back to 500 million years!

The museum specializes in the period of Judaism with, in addition to marine fossils, the presence of dinosaur skeletons. This visit is certainly one of the most interesting to do in Balazuc.

2. Bridge of Balazuc

Among the things to do in Balazuc, the bridge, built in 1884, is one of the ones that we notice first. Connecting the cliff to the village and quite imposing, it is indeed difficult to pass by! If the bridge itself is not exceptional, it nevertheless offers a superb view of the gorges of the Ardèche.

3. The Viel Audon

If you want a little originality in the things to do in Balazuc, go to the hamlet of Viel Audon! The places are not in Balazuc even but on the other side of the gorges of the Ardèche, after crossing the bridge, and are only accessible by foot from a precise point.

The Viel Audon is a kind of village separated from the rest, where we have lived differently since the 1970s, where ecology and cooperation go hand in hand. In addition to the discovery of organic farming and the farm, the hamlet is in itself a place beyond the time that we like to discover! There are beautiful encounters and our look at some parts of our urban lives can be upset.

4. Artisans House

Visiting Balazuc is also looking for a few moments to relax and refresh. Located at the top of the village, the Maison des Artisans is the idoine place for that. As its name suggests, it exposes the work of the local craftsmen, including pottery.

But the Maison des Artisans is also a magical setting with its small colourful fountain, its humour features in the works and presentation, and its local products based on chestnut or jam.

5. Walk in the village

The best way to visit Balazuc is undoubtedly the discovery of the streets around a walk. The village is small, the walk is fast and allows you to discover all the corners of the city. One can see, for example, the Romanesque church, the vestiges of the fortifications or the two chapels.

But what we like to do most in Balazuc is to pass from one alley to another, each of them having an originality that does not have the previous or next. A dive in time for a few hours thanks to the exploration of the jewels of this village.

6. Discover local specialties

It seems inconceivable to visit Balazuc without trying the region's culinary specialties! There are some typical Ardéchois restaurants offering local specialities. First of all, the coves, potato scabs that you can garnish as you wish.

Then we can taste the pot or the slats based on pork. Finally, if you still have a little room, enjoy a dish of Ardèche, local cheese with raw milk. Good tasting!

7. Canoe or kayak excursions

Enjoying an exceptional setting in the gorges of the Ardèche, the village has developed a canoeing and kayaking activity to deflect the river. Certainly one of the most fun things to do in Balazuc!

Regardless of your level, whether you have children, there is room for everyone to have fun.

8. Village and castle Vogüé

North of Balazuc, the village of Vogüé is another city in the region ranked among the most beautiful French villages that can be discovered once the visit of Balazuc is completed. If the village is very charming, it is its magnificent castle that clearly worth the detour.

From a distance, we only see him and his imposing towers. By approaching, we discover a beautiful stone building surrounded by a beautiful green space. The castle visits and you can see some emblematic pieces like the cachot. There are also exhibitions.

How to go to Balazuc?

By car

Because the village is lost in the countryside, it is the car that acts as the most suitable means of transport. Balazuc is approximately located halfway between Marseille and Lyon .

From the phocean city, count 2h20 via the A7 from the south and a national road. From Lyon, the duration of the trip and the routes taken are almost the same: 2h20/2h30, A7 from the north and national road.

For those who come from the capital, count about 6h40 by road via the A6 , A7 And finally the national road.

By train

L’Ardèche is the only French department without a train station! For rail aficionados, Montélimar, well served since Paris , Lyon and Marseille, is the nearest train station. For the remaining 45 minutes, it is nevertheless necessary to rent a car on site , which will be useful anyway to explore the region.

By plane

Lyon-Saint-Exupéry airports, Montpellier , Marseille or Grenoble are far enough and located between 150 and 210 km from Balazuc. As with the train, it will then be necessary to rent a vehicle to be able to move in the area.

Do not hesitate to consult a comparison of flights as Skyscanner to find the right combination.

Where to stay in Balazuc?

Balazuc being a small village, the choice of accommodation is limited. Nevertheless, the offer is of quality and varied: hotels, lodgings, guest rooms... To find your accommodation, do not hesitate to consult a hotel comparison or Airbnb to experience a more authentic experience.

Now that you know what to do in Balazuc, prepare your suitcases and go to Ardèche!