Activities in the Ardèche

Experiences and adventures you shouldn’t miss

The activities in the Ardèche make your stay an unforgettable holiday. Go kayaking on the Ardèche, explore scenic hiking trails around the Mas, wander through Provençal markets, taste delicious wines, and discover mysterious caves.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the region and enjoy breathtaking landscapes and charming villages. Perfect for couples, families, or friends seeking adventure, relaxation, and fun all in one holiday.

Active vacation

The secret of a successful holiday!

The Ardèche is a real Active Holiday paradise. From wild water rafts (all levels), canyoning and swimming to caving … all possible in this mosaic-like landscape!

  • Kayaking: The Ardeche invites to canoeing and kayaking. There are tours of 8km, 13km, 24km and 33km.
  • Canyoning: Through natural slides, descents over rapids, abseiling and under waterfalls…
  • Climbing / Via Ferrata: Steep walls, abseiling, zip lines above the Ardèche.
  • Hiking: The most beautiful walking trails depart directly from Mas Paraloup.
  • Horse riding: “La Loubière”, the absolute favorite of my children.

Atmosphere and Sights

Artists’ villages, picturesque streets, Provençal squares, the ‘Villages with outstanding character’, you can find them everywhere. With so many atmospheres and sights surrounded, it is worth to take occasionally your car and to explore the whole region.
Our tip

  • Villages with outstanding character: Lagorce, Vogüe, Vinezac, Balazuc, Labeaume, Saint Montan.
  • Musée de la Lavande: Here you will find the story of a rich family history since 1940. From here you drive through a beautiful route to Saint-Montan, one of the most beautiful villages.
  • Château des Roure: In the Château des Roure you can learn about the history of the castle and its many religious wars. The panoramic view from the ring road of the castle is never to be forgotten.
  • Musée de ver à Soie: Silkworm nursery museum in Lagorce.

Hikes starting at Mas Paraloup

From Mas Paraloup, you will find very pretty walks, multiple paths, and small paths to walk with family or friends. Miles of hiking to set off on foot to discover the most beautiful spots in the area. Paths of ancient Roman roads criss-cross a landscape of terraces imbued with charm. it feels good, doesn’t it?  You will find all this information in your welcome booklet.

our tip:

  • Located near the old village of Lagorce, the botanical trail is a 5.5-kilometer loop trail with little traffic. This walk offers you the opportunity to observe wildlife and is good for all skill levels. A very accessible route to discover the Ardèchoise flora. 

You will have understood, the hiking trails in the surroundings, it is not what is missing!

The Provencal Markets

Every day there are Provençal markets where you can enjoy the wonderful climate and the local atmosphere. Here you will also learn the art of “taking your time”. A pallette of colors and flavors will meet you. The markets start around 8 AM and end around 1 pm.

  • Monday: Vagnas, Vogüé.
  • Tuesday: Sampzon, Les Vans (June to August).
  • Tuesday EveningMarket: 7 pm to 11 pm  Vallon Pont d’Arc, Balazuc.
  • Thursday: Vallon Pont d’Arc.
  • Friday: Ruoms, Barjac,  Lagorce  5 pm tot 8 pm.
  • Sunday: Salavas, Aubenas (July to August)

Brocante market

A passion that I would like to share with you. The brocante markets, with their southern accent and warm colors! Wander around early at the brocante market in the squares of the village, in the shade of the plane trees in the summer. I love the old stuff that you find here and there carrying their own history. I wander around looking for “something special” to decorate my Mas with its 4 gîtes. Wonderful to taste this atmosphere …

Wine Tasting

Thanks to the diversity of the grape varieties, the soil and the climate, different wines of varying quality are made in the Ardèche. The best Ardèche wines are classified as AOC wines (Appellation d’Origine Controlée), followed by VDQS wines (Vins Délimités de Qualité Supérieure) and the local wines and table wines.
Our tip

  • Domaine de Vigier:  From Mas Paraloup you have a view over their vineyards. Visit and wine tasting, in the months of July and August you can visit here every Monday from 5:30 pm.
  • Domaine Vigne: Visite and wine tasting, in the months of July and August you can visit every Thursday from 5:30 pm.
  • Domaine Le Grand Jardin: at Vallon Pont d’Arc.
  • Domaine de la Clapouze: at Vallon Pont d’Arc, the domain of my cousin, here I get my rosé and fresh local products.
  • Domaine Walbaum: For seven generations in the hands of the same family in Vallon Pont d’Arc.

Cave

The Ardèche is known for its caves with historical drawings, waterfalls and breathtaking halls with stalagmites and stalactites.
Our tip

  • The famous “Grotte Chauvet” with the oldest wall paintings in Europe! only 4km from le Mas de Paraloup.
  • Aven d’Orgnac: absolutely worth a visit.
  • Saint Marcel d’Ardèche:  A fairytale world and a waterfall of basins.
  • Grotte de la Cocalière: one of the most beautiful caves in France, which is still developing, because it is a so-called living cave.
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