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Ardèche Adventures
This moderate route is the perfect way to explore the dramatic vistas and charming villages of the Ardèche. Running along former railway lines and deep into the heart of the region, the steam train trail offers a leisurely exploration of its dramatic countryside.
Holiday Highlights
- 90% cycle paths
- Gourmet diner at Carré d'Aléthius
- Tounon-sur-Rhone
- Garden of Eden
What's Included
Starting Days
You can choose to begin this holiday on any day of the week.
Itinerary & Hotels
1
Arrive in Tournon day 1
- Summary
Arrive at the 3-star Hôtel Azalées in Tournon and take some time to explore the town with its imposing castle and tranquil botanical gardens.
- Hotel
Hotel Azalées
Tournon-sur- RhôneThe delightful 3-star Les Azalées is located in the attractive Ardechois town of Tournon-sur-Rhone. Les Azalées guarantees a warm and friendly welcome. There are great views of the Rhone and the vineyards that surround the town. Bedrooms have an unmistakeable Provencal feel and are all air-conditioned, they also have flat screen TV's and free WiFi. The ochre coloured hotel is ideally located to explore the interesting town of Tournon with its narrow streets, marina and bustling quays and a great museum-chateau perched on a cliff, with a wonderful backdrop of the famous St Joseph vineyards.
Facilities
- Comfortable Provencal hotel with bright modern decor
- Quiet location in the town
- Friendly staff
- Fully equipped en suite bedrooms with air-conditioning
- Free WiFi
- Flat screen TV
Board
- Cuisine
The restaurant serves delicious traditional and regional French cuisine. The menu reflects the changing seasons using local and garden produce and the desserts are concocted from fresh fruit and delicious Valrhona chocolate.
2
Lamastre to St Cierge sous le Cheylard day 2
- Summary
Transfer to Lamastre and cycle along the former railway which takes you all the way into Le Cheylard. Arrive at the Auberge Champêtre and enjoy a delicious dinner.
- Hotel
Auberge Le Champetre
St Cierge sous-le-CheylardThe Auberge Le Champetre is in the centre of the tiny stone built village of St Cierge sous-le-Cheylard. The Auberge was originally a farm and has been sympathetically restored to provide a comfortable accommodation location in the heart of the countryside. There are wonderful panoramic views across the dramatic surrounding countryside.
Facilities
- Comfortable Ardechois rooms
- Free WiFi
- Panoramic views
- Hot tub from April to October
Board
- Cuisine
The restaurant’s continental breakfast and traditional-style dishes can be enjoyed in the dining room whilst enjoying the panoramic views. Packed lunches are also available if you reserve in advance. The food is carefully prepared and where possible local produce is used.
13 mi
(20 km)3
Circuit from St Cierge sous le Cheylard day 3
- Summary
Follow the former railtrack along the banks of the River Eyrieux. As you gain height, you’ll cycle through the small fields and pretty orchards of the Ardèche countryside, then into the full splendour of the Massif Central with its now peaceful volcanoes.
30 mi
(48 km)4
St Cierge to Echarlives day 4
- Summary
Spend the morning discovering St Cierge. The church and castle are well worth a visit and on Wednesdays there is a colourful market. In the afternoon, follow the river downstream to Saint Barthélémy le Meil, a delightful mountain village. Summer visitors can enjoy a dip in the pool at Beauvène. Dine and stay at Le Moulinage de Saint-Christol.
- Hotel
Hôtel le Moulinage
EcharlivesTucked away in the tiny village of Les Echarlives, this delightful chambre d'hote has been converted from an old mill (built in 1763) to provide a comfortable and convivial environment where you can relax after a day's cycling. Stone built converted mill offering comfortable and friendly accommodation. The owners are keen walkers and cyclists and know the area very well and are delighted to offer help and advice.
Facilities
- Extremely quiet location
- Friendly hosts
- Games room
- Delicious meals
Board
- Cuisine
Well cooked meals taken in the dining room or in warm weather on the terrace, with views of the River Talaron
21 mi
(34 km)5
Circuit from Echarlives day 5
- Summary
Today, ascend along tarmac roads to the plateau of Mézilhac. From here, there are wonderful panoramic views over the extinct volcanoes of Mont Mézenc and Le Gerbier des Joncs. On clear days it's possible to see Mont Ventoux and even Mont Blanc.
19 mi
(30 km)6
Echarlives to Charmes sur Rhône day 6
- Summary
Follow the Eyrieux and rejoin the former railway to cycle through leafy chestnut forests and orchards. The hills melt away as you enter the Rhône valley, and perhaps you'll be tempted to take a refreshing dip in the river beneath one of the old Romanesque bridges. Stay at Hotel Le Carré d'Aléthius and enjoy dinner in their gastronomic restaurant.
- Hotel
Le Carré d’Alethuis
Charmes sur RhoneThis is a lovely modern 3-star hotel located in the centre of the pretty village of Charmes sur Rhone. There's always a warm welcome at this delightful hotel tucked away in the ancient, stone market town - do take time to explore the narrow streets and passageways.
Facilities
- Very comfortable air-conditioned rooms
- Free WiFi
- Outstanding restaurant
- Delightful shady terrace
Board
- Cuisine
Superb restaurant with an innovative chef who prepares subtle and seasonal dishes from the best local and regional produce. Excellent wine list as you would expect in this splendid wine region.
31 mi
(50 km)7
Charmes sur Rhône to Tournon day 7
- Summary
The final day leads you back to Tournon through varied landscapes. Although more demanding, the climb by the former tramway trail and the ride down to Tournon are among the most enjoyable and exhilarating of the holiday. Relax over dinner at Hôtel Azalées.
- Hotel
Hotel Azalées
Tournon-sur- RhôneThe delightful 3-star Les Azalées is located in the attractive Ardechois town of Tournon-sur-Rhone. Les Azalées guarantees a warm and friendly welcome. There are great views of the Rhone and the vineyards that surround the town. Bedrooms have an unmistakeable Provencal feel and are all air-conditioned, they also have flat screen TV's and free WiFi. The ochre coloured hotel is ideally located to explore the interesting town of Tournon with its narrow streets, marina and bustling quays and a great museum-chateau perched on a cliff, with a wonderful backdrop of the famous St Joseph vineyards.
Facilities
- Comfortable Provencal hotel with bright modern decor
- Quiet location in the town
- Friendly staff
- Fully equipped en suite bedrooms with air-conditioning
- Free WiFi
- Flat screen TV
Board
- Cuisine
The restaurant serves delicious traditional and regional French cuisine. The menu reflects the changing seasons using local and garden produce and the desserts are concocted from fresh fruit and delicious Valrhona chocolate.
26 mi
(42 km)
Route & Location
Customise Your Holiday
Extra Night
Add an extra night in either Valence, on a B&B basis, or Tournon, half board. Please call us for details.
Add 6 picnics
Please call us for details.