Balade Ardèche/Gard

Motorcycle or car itinerary starting in Vallon-Pont-d'Arc. Approximately 70 km; 1 hour and 40 minutes not counting stops.

This outing takes you out of County Ardèche and along roads in County Gard. As you leave Vallon-Pont-d'Arc, cross river Ardèche on D579. After Salavas, take a left on D217. In Labastide-de-Virac, you can stop and visit Château des Roure, with its silkworm raising area (magnanerie) and blacksmith’s workshop. You can even see a demonstration with the trebucket. For the younger crowd, don’t miss visiting the phantom of the oubliettes.
Once you get back on the road, continuer along the D217, go through Orgnac-l'Aven. Another idea for a great visit: the Aven d’Orgnac, a spectacular natural cave that takes you deep into the earth (121 meters depth).
Then take the D174 to Laval-Saint-Roman. Take a left on D901. Consider making a stop in Aiguèze, a beautiful medieval village well worth a visit, with a walking path that overlooks the Ardèche.
Continue on the D901 until you reach Saint-Julien-de-Peyrolas, then take the D141 to cross the Ardèche river and come to Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche. The D290 goes along the river on your left, and takes you to Vallon-Pont-d'Arc.
The return trip takes you through the Ardeche river canyons, known as the Gorges de l'Ardèche, which wind for 37 km and offer 11 lookout points, located along the nature reserve. Much of this road was redone in 2021, but this has not kept the wild goats from prancing along the road in broad daylight, even taking a nap in the road! So please be very careful as you come around the bends, there can be unexpected surprises.
My foodie advice: if you are out at meal time, plan to make a stop in the village of Bidon and enjoy the auberge La Farigoule.
In the canyons, you can also make a stop to visit the cave ‘Grotte de la Madeleine’, located in Saint-Rémèze. The cave is in the cliff, nestled in the heart of the canyons.
And be sure to drink in the views from the pass ‘Col du Serre de Tourre’, and to stop at the beautiful Pont d'Arc with its sandy beach.

Enjoy your outing!