6 Properties for sale in Ardèche, Auvergne and Rhône-Alpes, France
Ardèche
Ardèche, currently in the Rhône-Alpes region, is ideal for those searching for a rural, outdoor life. It is where the lofty peaks of the Massif Central and the Cévennes mountain range join the fertile farmland of the Rhône valley and boasts a beautiful and diverse landscape of mountains, valleys, waterfalls and forests. Ardèche's other claim to fame is as the home of the hot-air balloon – the Montgolfier brothers invented it here and made their first flight in Annonay in 1783. A festival is held every June to celebrate.
CAPITAL: PRIVAS - Privas is a small town surrounded by three rivers; the Ouvèze, the Mézayon and the Charalon. Once a Huguenot stronghold, much of the original city was destroyed during the Wars of Religion. Privas has been named a Site remarquable du goût for its famous marrons glacés, candied chestnuts.
Access from UK
By air: The nearest major airport is in Lyon which has regular flights from the UK
By train: Eurostar to Paris and TGV to Valence then local services to Ardèche
By road: Ardèche is 900km from Calais
Climate
Average annual temperature: (Montélimar): 9.2°C/18.5°C
Average annual rainfall: 905.3mm
Average annual sunshine hours: 2,404.8
Highlights
Ardèche's most popular attraction is the Gorges de l'Ardèche, a scenic stretch of the Ardèche river that begins at the village of Vallon-Pont-d'Arc, which is famed for the Pont-d'Arc, spanning the river. Here you will also find the UNESCO World Heritage Site the Grotte Chauvet, or decorated cave of the Pont d'Arc. A replica has recently opened to allow visitors to explore the prehistoric cave paintings. There are two Plus Beaux Villages to explore, Vogüe and Balazac, and the picturesque waterfall La Cascade du Ray-Pic and Le Bois de Païolive primeval forest are not to be missed.