12 major touristic sites in ardeche-hermitage

12 major touristic sites in Ardèche Hermitage

Amazing landscapes, unique places to discover, exceptional terroirs, a lot of gourmandise, authenticity, art de vivre … Discover 12 major touristic sites in Ardèche Hermitage! Which sites you can’t miss ? Here, you will find some good advices in order to prepare in the better way your next vacations and enjoy its !

Discover the Gorges du Doux with the Train of Ardèche or with a ride in Vélorail (railbike)

Whistle and smoke, there it is the Train de l'Ardèche ! Come on board and have a ride inside the Gorges du Doux, classified as a sensitive territory, a place where the only access is the railway. On a steam rhythm, enjoy these wild landscapes and be charmed by the authenticity of the Doux Valley. It’s a major activity in Ardèche Hermitage. The Vélorail des Gorges du Doux  is another way to stroll along the Gorges. It’s a little bit more adventurous, closer to the Nature. As the name says it, you need to pedal to move this little car. It’s open to everybody. It’s a nice ride, board inside these small draisines, looking like a ladybug, in Boucieu le Roi.

Mastrou - Train de l'Ardèche

Train de l’Ardèche

Train de l'Ardèche

Colline de l'Hermitage
©Benoit Petit

Go to the Hermitage Hill

It’s a trip to one of the most beautiful designation of the world : the Hermitage Hill is classified as National Heritage since 2013. It’s like a postcard, with the emblematic landscape of Ardèche Hermitage. Explore the steep hillsides on the Hermitage walking trail : a 2.3km journey through these world-famous vineyards, guided by the free Détours en Vignes app ! All your efforts will be honoured by the amazing view from the top and see the Rhône River and the cities of Tain l’Hermitage and Tournon sur Rhône. The hill can also be explored by E-bike (electric-assist bicycle) , allowing you to enjoy the views with little to no effort. Just stop by Maison M. CHAPOUTIER to rent your bike and pick up your road book ! The Road Train in the Hermitage Vineyards offers you a beautiful effortless ride, between vineyards and orchards, and gives a marvellous view on the Rhône Valley.

Taste our amazing wine appellattions : Hermitage Saint Joseph and Crozes-Hermitage

Ours terroirs give birth to 3 tasty appellations from les Côtes du Rhône : Hermitage, Saint Joseph and Crozes-Hermitage. It’s essentially red wine, 100% Syrah, a kind of grape from the Rhône Valley. Walk into our vineyards, meet our winegrower, discover their expertise and have a wine tasting. Guided tour of the winery, wine fair, open day or matinée gourmande are many reasons to discover wines from our territory (please drink responsibly).

Know more

wine tasting
Cité du chocolat
PH. Barret

Have a look at the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona

Go for a tasty journey to discover what is hidden behind the famous chocolate square. From the cacao tree to the chocolate factory, live a total immersion inside this chocolate-flavoured universe. Enjoy an interactive and playful tour. It’s adapted to all your family members ! The chocolate experts from the Cité  offer you a lot of animations and workshops. It’s a major tasty break of Ardèche Hermitage !

Cité du Chocolat Valrhona

Sail on the Rhône River with the Compagnie des Canotiers

Step aboard the Compagnie des Canotiers' brand-new boat ! Discover the landscapes from a fresh perspective as you drift along the Rhône, everything looks different from the river. Whether for a simple stroll or a dinner cruise, let the gentle ripples soothe you and enjoy the warm, friendly atmosphere. The Compagnie des Canotiers is dedicated to sharing the river's history with you during this timeless journey.

Compagnie des Canotiers

Nouveau bâteau de la compagnie des Canotiers

Stroll through a garden

A truly extraordinary garden tended by passionate gardeners. Discover a unique and unexpected gem: Erik Borja's Zen Garden, located in the village of Beaumont-Monteux.


The  Zen Garden is the masterpiece of Eric Borja. Classified as an extraordinary garden and hidden in the middle of the vineyards, this place takes you away ! The Japanese atmosphere is an invitation to a journey and wellness. It’s a curiosity inside the heart of the Drôme des Collines. Be charmed by this nice walk, a major site in Ardèche Hermitage.

 

Zen Garden

Jardin Zen d'Erik Borja
Jardin Zen d'Erik Borja

Roaming the Ardéchoise roads and the ViaRhôna... on your bicycle!

Everyone to their bikes in Ardèche Hermitage! As the starting point for L’Ardéchoise—Europe's largest amateur cycling race—this is the ultimate destination for cycling enthusiasts, but that’s not all! It is also one of the most beautiful stretches of the ViaRhôna, featuring stunning landscapes, gourmet stops, and cultural visits. Whether you're on a multi-day touring trip or a simple stroll along the Rhône, this accessible greenway is the perfect escape for everyone.

I’m hitting the roads of the Ardéchoise!

L'Ardéchoise au départ de Saint Félicien
La nature secrète des Gorges de la Daronne

Hiking in a Sensitive Natural Area: The Daronne Gorges

Enjoy a playful walk in the heart of preserved nature, equipped with your discovery kit, share the joy of family hiking! Along the way, use the hidden codes on your map to open discovery boxes and unlock the secrets of the Daronne Gorges. From wildlife and flora to local history, uncover the mysteries of this enchanting place. The highlight ? Cross the 'monkey bridge' like a true adventurer, a guaranteed change of scenery !

Family fun in the Daronne Gorges – 4km

Hiking through the Daronne Gorges – 14km

 

La nature secrète des Gorges de la Daronne

Travel through time : discover our castles

Overlooking the Rhône Valley, the Castle of Tournon is impressive. Proud sentinel, it was the good of the count of Tournon. Today, it’s a museum with a collection about local history, the heritage of the famous engineer Marc Seguin and inland water shipping. Every summer, in addition of the permanent collection, the Castle welcomes an exhibition of modern art.

The Castle of Charmes, located at Charmes sur l’Herbasse, was built during the XIth century. It’s a private propriety and it’s still a house ! Meet the young lord of the manor who share his passion for history. It’s a surprising tour inside a place which has still its old charm and shows marks from its past.

I'm visiting the Castles

Chateau musée de Tournon sur Rhône
Château-musée de Tournon
Château de Charmes
château de Charmes
Boucieu le Roi, village de Caractère

Discover the 1000 secrets of a classified village : Boucieu le Roi

To all lovers of historic stones, here is a village with authentic charm ! Awarded the 'Village de Caractère' label in 2008, Boucieu-le-Roi is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Ardèche. Once a royal bailiwick of the Haut-Vivarais under King Philip the Fair, wander through the village to discover the remains of its glorious past. Today, these stones are the keepers of many secrets, revealed only to curious travelers.

The little extra: A free treasure hunt takes you on an adventure through the village's narrow streets! Available on the free Baludik app.

I’m uncovering the secrets of Boucieu-le-Roi !

Boucieu le Roi, village de Caractère

Take your time at Champos Lake Estate

It’s a really popular bathing spot ! This place offers many activities. Playground slide, pedal boat, paddle, paddling pool and monitored bathing : more than enough to be smooth during hot summer days ! Champos Lake Estate  is also a place to have your pic-nic, you can buy your lunch to the snack bar, play volley ball and try a famous French game : the pétanque, surrounded by a friendly mood !

Lac de Champos
Lac de Champos
parc de loisir à saint donat
@laforêtdeschampos

La Forêt des Champos 

We will soon be visiting a  must-see site that will open on April 19th.

Discover the enchanting La Forêt des Champos, a family-friendly nature park perfect for children aged 2 to 12. Offering a variety of engaging activities and exciting shows, this park invites visitors to explore the fascinating world of mushrooms and their vital role in nature. Whether you're seeking adventure or educational fun, La Forêt des Champos promises a memorable experience for the whole family. 

La Forêt des Champos

 

parc de loisir à saint donat
@laforêtdeschampos

Enjoy without limit local product

Ardèche Hermitage is the paradise of food lovers : fruits from the Rhône Valley, cheese from Saint Félicien, Pogne (orange blossom flavoured brioche) from Saint Donat sur l’Herbasse, black truffle frome the Drôme des Collines … What a delight to be gourmand Meet ours producers on market places or during a guided gourmand tour, discover our local products. Enjoy ours terroirs and know-how of ours craftsperson : it’s a major activity in Ardèche Hermitage ! Another good news : the gourmandise is not a sin anymore, it’s an Art de Vivre !

And it’s not over … Be surprised by the richness of our territory ! Authenticity,  art de vivre and gourmandise are here the main ideas ! Have a look at our agenda to find the activities. We will be thrilled to welcome you during your stay in Ardèche Hermitage.

 

 

L'Abricot de la Vallée du Rhône

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