Orange sunset sky over vineyards and hills near Barjac. Photo shared by g'Ardéchois group holiday home.

Surroundings

Here, the journey is part of the holiday

Saint-Paul-le-Jeune, 1.5 km away

In the village

The house is in the countryside, in the hamlet of Sauvas, on land planted with olive, fig, cypress and fruit trees, along the D104. The village centre is 1.5 km away:

restaurants, pizzerias, bars, tobacconist, bakeries;
pharmacy, doctor, bank and shops;
Market on Fridays and Mondays, with fruit, vegetables and a flea market on the square.
tennis court (book online) and a pétanque pitch with competitions on the square: bowlers welcome;
the Via Ardèche, a 54 km cycling and walking greenway linked to more than 25,000 km of greenways. You could ride to Santiago de Compostela on it, or to Rome… good luck!

There's always something going on in the village: flea markets, pétanque competitions, markets and café terraces where you'll always find a seat.

Here, the journey is part of the holiday…

Our favourites

In southern Ardèche, the best memories often start on the road. Round a bend, a valley suddenly opens up; a village appears perched on a hilltop; a river winds between the cliffs. Since we arrived, we've never stopped marvelling at these views.

Chassezac river below wooded cliffs, seen through branches.

The Chassezac river

Probably our greatest love. Less famous than the Ardèche gorges, the Chassezac gorges have kept a wilder, more peaceful character: canoe hire companies have deliberately limited their growth here. By canoe or on the trails above the gorges, the scenery is magnificent and the atmosphere far calmer. We go back regularly… and never tire of it.

Illuminated stalactites and rock formations in the Cocalière caves.

La Cocalière caves

A few minutes from the house, an easy visit to a magnificent underground world, ideal for families and friends. Large picnic area, restaurant and shop on site. We won't say more: we'll leave you the surprise.

Depiction of a mammoth with long tusks at Chauvet 2 cave.

The Chauvet 2 cave

A confession: we hesitated for a long time, thinking a replica could never convey the emotion of the real cave. How wrong we were! The reconstruction is strikingly precise, and you quickly forget it's a copy. We've been back several times with family and friends. Not to be missed.

Snow-covered mountains and trees beneath a blue sky, with clouds in the valley.

The Saturday market in Les Vans

One of our favourites: local producers, craftspeople and charming lanes in the old village. And the pleasure starts before you arrive: from Saint-Paul-le-Jeune, the road crosses a pass with a spectacular view over a huge basin ringed by hills and villages.

Banne

Saint-Paul-le-Jeune once belonged to Banne: we're twin villages. A few kilometres away, it's one of the most beautiful villages in the area. Stroll through its medieval lanes, then climb to the castle ruins for a view over the Chassezac plains, the Bois de Païolive, the vineyards, the Monts d'Ardèche and, on clear days, the Alps. On the old castle terrace you'll find the biggest oak tree you've ever seen.

Golden light beneath clouds above mountain ridges.

Courry mountain

The Saint-Sébastien chapel, within walking distance of the house: a 360° view, a paragliding launch and, on clear days, the Monts d'Ardèche, Mont Ventoux and the Alps. A breath of fresh air. 3 km away, the dolmens: a walk back in time for the brave.

Make memories

Rivers and outdoor activities

5 km away, the Bois de Païolive and its strange limestone rocks: let your imagination run free, you may see animals or strange creatures, like in the clouds.
More than 250 km of hiking trails in the area, starting with our old wash-houses, our hamlets, the Chaysse waterfall and La Goule, where the river disappears underground.
Very close by, Banne and its viaduct with bungee jumping.
Kayaking, canoeing, canyoning, climbing, hiking on foot, on horseback or by bike: the Chassezac river 10 km away (Les Vans), the Ardèche river 30 km away (Balazuc, Vallon-Pont-d'Arc).
The Ardèche gorges: grand landscapes, caves, eagles… and the famous wild goats that wander along the middle of the road.
28 km away, the Aven d'Orgnac, a remarkable underground spectacle. It's 12 °C all year round, so bring a jacket. More than 700 steps down; luckily a lift brings you back up. Your knees may not agree.
35 km away, Vallon-Pont-d'Arc, its famous natural arch and the Chauvet 2 cave.

Surprise outings

Villages and heritage

Saint-Paul-le-Jeune, "the gateway to the Cévennes"… and we have stars too!
From the Cévennes to the Monts d'Ardèche: characterful medieval villages, castles and, above all, wine cellars. Bring a sober driver: the people of the Ardèche are generous at tastings.
10 km away, Les Vans, Saint-Ambroix, Joyeuse and their wonderful markets.
40 km away, Portes castle, cutting through the landscape like the bow of a ship.
1 or 2 hours away: Nîmes, Avignon, the Bambouseraie, the Peaugres Safari park, Lake Villefort, Mont Lozère, Mont Gerbier de Jonc and the source of the Loire… it would take a book to tell you everything.