The famous natural arch and the Chauvet 2 cave: not to be missed.
However hard you try to find an original view of the Pont d'Arc, it's hopeless: millions of people have taken millions of photos from the same 4 or 5 viewpoints. But if you've never seen it, I can tell you that this natural arch, 54 metres high and 60 metres long, is far more impressive in real life than in photos. It's lovely to sit there watching the kayaks go by and soaking up the fresh air and peace (in winter). I like to imagine our Neanderthal ancestors crossing it on their way to the cave we now call Chauvet: what were they going there for? How high did the river rise? How furiously did the now-dry meander pound the rocks?
The answers are probably at the Chauvet 2 cave, an extraordinary replica of the Pont d'Arc cave. Not far from the house, we have visited it several times. I didn't expect such precision, such realism… you'd think you were in the real cave.
Vallon-Pont-d'Arc is also a pretty village to visit, with its terraces, restaurants and lively streets.
