The Pont d'Arc – loop in the nature reserve of the Ardèche gorges

Due to the cold and rain, we decided to temporarily leave our base in Burgundy and look for a warmer region. This has become Vallon Pont d'Arc because it is between 23 and 26 degrees here. Getting used to summer. After this fun but sometimes challenging walk it was time for a terrace. Enjoyed a snack and a drink here. I downloaded the walk because I wasn't sure that there will always be a connection. Checked all apps first and deleted many apps. Many Apps that want to access photos and deny access to the Internet. Maybe it helps. During the walk we had no problems with Komoot.

Nice hike to Pont d'Arc and over the mountain over narrow paths, through forest with beautiful views up and down. The Pont d'Arc is the landmark of L'Ardeche and is worth seeing from every side.

Very nice and beautiful walk. With 3 teenagers easy to do. Wear good walking shoes. Lots of stones and steep up or down walks. You will be rewarded with beautiful panoramas 😃🏞

A beautiful, yet challenging hike from the Pont d'Arc up into the nature reserve and the "enchanted" forest. Hiking boots are essential, as is a certain level of fitness, as the very rocky and stony paths require surefootedness. But the views and the trails are truly magnificent. The Pont d'Arc is a natural formation created by the waters of the Ardèche River approximately 500,000 years ago.

After a beautiful drive from the Lozère department to Vallon Pont d'Arc and enjoying the view at a wonderful campsite, we set off on a final day's hike. From the Belvedère parking lot, we first walked along the road to the viewpoint of the Pont d'Arc and then climbed up the rock faces that border the Cirque d'Estre. The trail led along narrow, sometimes rocky mountain paths, which require a certain degree of surefootedness. Unfortunately, the most spectacular view is right at the beginning (first from the east, then from the west), but the trail is beautiful even without it.

Today I decided to go for a walk around the Pont D'Arc. I parked here in the free car park, by the way. Whenever I'm in Provence, I have to go to the Pont D'Arc to see if everything is as usual. ☺️😉 And I'm always surprised and amazed by this extraordinary place. This natural arch is a geological curiosity that is unique in the world and was drilled into the rock by the Ardèche river. The Pont d'Arc is located at the entrance to the Gorges de l'Ardèche, is 54 metres high and 60 metres wide and is estimated to be at least 124,000 years old. There is a vantage point where you have a wonderful view of the site. Today I went for a walk from the car park, which first leads along the road. A path has been created here for pedestrians. Then it goes up into the forest on the left. A mountain path that goes up quite steeply and also some sections that lead downhill are not entirely safe. In places the path was very steep and narrow and often a bit slippery due to the loose stones. As I am not afraid of heights, it didn't bother me and with the necessary time and calm I can manage such paths. When I got back down, after the hike I first went to the Auberge at the Pont D'Arc for lunch. Then I went back to the beach at the Pont d'Arc, laid out my picnic blanket and spent a while on it. It is simply meditative to watch the canoeists go by and I can switch off wonderfully. It was also a pleasant 24 degrees again. From here you can of course also book very nice canoe trips and go through the Pont D'arc. They are between 6 and 14 km long. After a little adrenaline rush when passing the Charlemagne rapids, the calm returns when the canoeists pass under the majestic arch. The particularly good canoeists book directly to Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche 24 km. Not far from here is also a lavender museum about 10 minutes away by car. If you want to see how lavender is distilled. Of course you can also buy all kinds of things made from lavender here. www.museedelalavandeardeche.com The Chauvet 2 cave is also not far away. The Chauvet cave is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and combines drawings of exceptional quality from 36,000 years ago. https://de.grottechauvet2ardeche.com/ As I have already been to the two sights mentioned above, I skipped that today.

This route takes a short cut onto a narrow trail at the half way point. The better trail continues on the wider track

Short, steep climbs, would have expected more panoramic views.