Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche, Riverside commune in Ardèche department, France.
Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche is a small commune situated along the Rhône River, with stone buildings nestled between green vineyard hills and limestone cliffs. The village sits in a river valley where the landscape transitions from narrow gorge to broader plain.
The commune grew significantly during the 1800s as river transport along the Rhône became crucial for moving goods and connecting to larger towns. This development turned it into an important trading point in the region.
Winemaking traditions shape daily life here, with steep hillsides around the village covered in vineyards that reflect local practices passed down through generations. This connection to wine production remains visible in the landscape and in how residents use the surrounding land.
The village has a tourist information office, local shops, and services for visitors who arrive by foot or by water. Facilities are simple but enough for a comfortable stop in the area.
The village sits exactly where the Ardèche Gorges end, making it the natural finish line for kayakers who have paddled through the canyon walls. This location gives it a special role as a meeting point between the dramatic upper gorge and the calmer lower river.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.