Réserve naturelle nationale des gorges de l'Ardèche
Réserve naturelle nationale des gorges de l'Ardèche, National nature reserve in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Occitanie, France
Description
The Ardèche Gorges National Nature Reserve is a protected area featuring steep limestone cliffs soaring over 250 meters above the winding river, extending across multiple natural formations and rocky plateaus. The space contains forests, rocky viewpoints, and the river flowing through the narrow valley.
History
The site received official designation as a national nature reserve in 1980, marking the beginning of formal protection for this distinctive landscape and its wildlife. The protected area has grown since then to encompass a larger territory and ensure better conservation of the ecosystem.
Culture
The gorge sits at the crossroads where Mediterranean plants meet cooler northern species, creating an unusual mix of wildflowers and shrubs on the rocky slopes. This botanical diversity shapes how the landscape looks throughout the seasons and attracts botanists and nature lovers.
Practical
Outdoor activities like climbing, caving, and boating are regulated to protect the landscape, so visitors should check local rules before attempting any recreational pursuits. Using authorized guides or equipment is recommended to ensure both your safety and the preservation of the site.
Did you know?
The river carved through limestone layers over millions of years, continuously shifting its path to create the distinctive meandering curves visible today. Careful observers can spot different rock layers in the cliff walls that reveal the geological history of the site.
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Gorges de l'Ardèche
2 km
Aven d'Orgnac
5.9 km
Pont d'Arc
5.9 km
Cave Saint-Marcel-d'Ardèche
5.6 km
Musée de la Lavande
4.2 km
Château des Roure
5.8 km
Grotte de la Madeleine
1.3 km
Aven Marzal
3.7 km
Grotte de la Tête du Lion
6.3 km
Zoo Préhistorique de Marzal: la Forêt des Dinos
3.9 km
Cité de la Préhistoire
5.7 km
Grotte des Deux ouvertures
6.4 km
Vestiges
2.5 km
Baume d'Oullins
1.5 km
Champvermeil dolmen
6.6 km
Dolmens du Chanet
522 m
Chanet dolmen
1.1 km
Grosse Pierre
6 km
Colombier dolmen
6.2 km
Église Sainte-Anne de Laval-Saint-Roman
6 km
Église de Saint Remèze
5.4 km
Église de Le Garn
4.6 km
Église de l'Orgnac-l'Aven
5.6 km
Église de la Décollation-de-Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Bidon
5.2 km
Grotte Huchard
6.5 km
Aven de la Rouvière
3.5 km
Chapelle Sainte-Anne de Saint-Remèze
5.6 km
Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours de Malataverne
5.4 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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