Pont d'Arc

Pont d'Arc is a natural limestone arch spanning the Ardèche River, formed from solid rock carved by water. The structure rises prominently above the riverbed and creates a dramatic gateway where the river passes through into a narrow canyon beyond.

The arch formed roughly 500,000 years ago when the river shifted its course and cut through a ridge of rock. Over time, the tunnel created by this erosion widened until it became the open span we see today.

The name comes from its role as a natural passage over the river, which locals have recognized for centuries. Today it stands as a symbol of the region and a gathering point for those exploring the gorges.

You can explore the site from the riverbank on foot or paddle through from the water to pass directly beneath the arch. Visit when water levels are moderate for the easiest and safest passage underneath.

The nearby Chauvet Cave holds Paleolithic paintings roughly 30,000 years old, some of the oldest known art. These ancient artworks suggest humans have been drawn to this region for an extraordinarily long time.