The rushing River Ardèche cuts tirelessly down through the limestone, opening up a vast gorge of immense proportions. The highlight of this masterpiece is the famous Pont d'Arc natural rock arch forming a triumphant entrance to the gorge, which has been classified as a Nature Reserve since 1980. From the spring, this is where canoes of all colours take to the water to explore the delights of the river on a 7km mini-descent, a full descent in a day, or better still over two days, camping overnight in the heart of the Nature Reserve. Alternatively, various footpaths offer a more tranquil way to travel the 35km route, breathing in the scent of the oaks, spying a beaver or spotting a soaring Bonelli's eagle.
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