Ardèche gorges and the Chauvet cave
Perched Balazuc, the replica of the world’s oldest cave paintings, the Pont d’Arc and the belvederes of the gorge road.
- Distance
- 46 km (29 mi)
- Driving
- 0 h 38 min
- Suggested days
- 3
- Stops
- 7
- Countries
- France
- Updated
- August 27, 2026
At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 46 km (29 mi) with 7 stops, from Aubenas to Aven d’Orgnac. About 0 h 38 min of driving in total.
More road trips in France · More road trips from Montélimar
Route description
From Aubenas follow the river south to Balazuc, a village of stone houses clinging above the Ardèche, with a beach below. Continue through Ruoms to Vallon-Pont-d’Arc, the base for canoe trips down the gorge.
Book a slot at Chauvet 2 on the plateau above Vallon, then drive a few kilometres to the Pont d’Arc, a natural arch 54 m high spanning the river. The D290 gorge road starts here and runs along the rim for some 30 km, with a dozen belvederes.
The Belvédère de la Madeleine is the highlight, above a tight bend where canoeists look tiny. After Saint-Martin-d’Ardèche, turn back west to the Aven d’Orgnac, a vast cave with a fine museum of prehistory.
In July and August the gorge road and the car parks are packed, so start early or come in May, June or September. The descent by canoe from Vallon takes one or two days, with a bivouac in the gorge that must be booked.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Aubenas
France - 216 km
Balazuc
France - 314 km
Vallon-Pont-d'Arc
France - 43 km
Chauvet 2 cave replica
HistoryVallon-Pont-d’Arc, FranceA full-scale replica of the Chauvet cave, whose lions, horses and rhinos were painted some 36,000 years ago. Book a timed entry in summer.
- 51 km
Pont d'Arc
NatureVallon-Pont-d’Arc, FranceA natural stone arch across the Ardèche river. Rent a canoe and paddle under it.
- 68 km
Belvédère de la Madeleine
ViewsSaint-Remèze, FranceThe most spectacular of the lookouts on the gorge road, above the tight meander of the Cirque de la Madeleine. Canoes look tiny on the river 300 m below.
- 74 km
Aven d’Orgnac
NatureOrgnac-l’Aven, FranceA huge cave with giant stalagmites, entered by a lift and stairs, with a museum of prehistory at the top. A cool refuge on hot days, at a steady 13 °C.
Suggested stages and overnight stops
3 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Aubenas → Balazuc · 16 km · 0 h 13 minOvernight nearby, for example: Camping la Digue (3 km); Camping les Peupliers (4 km).
- Day 2: Balazuc → Vallon-Pont-d'Arc · 14 km · 0 h 12 minOvernight nearby, for example: Camping Nature Parc l'Ardéchois (1 km); Camping le Clapas (1 km).
- Day 3: Vallon-Pont-d'Arc → Aven d’Orgnac · 16 km · 0 h 13 minOn the way: Chauvet 2 cave replica, Pont d'Arc, Belvédère de la Madeleine.Overnight nearby, for example: Camping Mille Étoiles (5 km); Aire Camping-car Park Montclus (6 km).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and July–August. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- France: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autoroutes; the limit drops to 110 km/h in rain. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Ardèche gorges and the Chauvet cave?
3-day road trip of about 46 km (29 mi) with 7 stops, from Aubenas to Aven d’Orgnac. About 0 h 38 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Ardèche gorges and the Chauvet cave?
We suggest 3 days: about 0 h 38 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Ardèche gorges and the Chauvet cave start and end?
It starts in Aubenas and ends in Aven d’Orgnac.
Which countries does Ardèche gorges and the Chauvet cave pass through?
France.
Where can you camp along Ardèche gorges and the Chauvet cave?
OpenStreetMap lists 299 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Camping le Pastural, Camping les Peupliers and Camping le Ventadour.
When is the best time for Ardèche gorges and the Chauvet cave?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
