Just under twenty minutes from Les Cabritas Sud-Ardèche, the Haute Corniche scenic road (D290) traces the dizzying rim of the Ardèche Gorges between Vallon-Pont-d'Arc and Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche. This winding ribbon of tarmac, laid out in the late 1960s, serves around a dozen viewpoints overlooking the limestone canyon and the river winding more than 200 metres below. Protected as a National Nature Reserve since 1980 across nearly 1,950 hectares, the area shelters a wild landscape of cliffs, caves and Mediterranean forest, among the most spectacular in France.
A ridge road carved into the cliff
The D290 unspools its bends over some thirty kilometres right along the edge of the canyon, each viewpoint offering a different angle on the gorges: sweeping meanders, rocky spires, holm-oak forest clinging to the rock. The road can easily be driven in either direction from Vallon-Pont-d'Arc or Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche, with plenty of car parks to stop at each lookout. Allow half a day to enjoy it at a leisurely pace, binoculars and camera within reach.
Balcon des Templiers and Belvédère de la Madeleine, two must-sees
Balcon des Templiers, perched above a great meander, is arguably the most photographed viewpoint on the route: a rocky spur that seems to hang in mid-air, with a 180° view over the river. A little further on, the Belvédère de la Madeleine overlooks the cave of the same name and the famous Cirque de la Madeleine, a natural amphitheatre of white cliffs that ranks among the most iconic images of the Ardèche.
Good to know before your visit
Allow about 20-25 minutes' drive from Les Cabritas Sud-Ardèche to reach the first viewpoints on the Haute Corniche. The road is winding and narrow in places, so take it easy, especially in summer when the viewpoint car parks fill up early. Bring sturdy shoes for the short walks to some lookouts, plenty of water, and aim for late-afternoon light for the best photos. Access to the viewpoints is free.
Practical information from Les Cabritas
- Distance from Saint-Alban-Auriolles: about 20-25 min by car
- Best time to visit: spring and autumn for the light, early morning in summer to avoid crowds
- Ideal for: road trips, photographers, families, lovers of wide open landscapes
Want to discover The Haute Corniche and the Viewpoints of the Ardèche Gorges from your Ardèche gîte?
Les Cabritas Sud-Ardèche welcomes you in Saint-Alban-Auriolles, in the heart of Southern Ardèche, for a comfortable stay with a private pool, just steps from the region's most beautiful sites.
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