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The Gorge Train, an Authentic Journey
Taste authenticity and discover a timeless experience at the rhythm of steam: welcome aboard the Ardèche Train. Also known as the Petit Train du Vivarais or Mastrou, meaning in the local dialect “the Little Train of Lamastre.” This historic train was part of the former Vivarais railway network, operated by the departmental railway company. It once served as a vital economic link between the Rhône Valley and the Ardèche plateau. The line was closed in 1968 due to the development of the road network. One year later, the railway was transformed into a tourist attraction.
Live a unique experience aboard this century-old steam train, traveling through gorges classified as a Sensitive Natural Area. The Gorge Train is a half-day excursion, with a 1 hour 15 minute round trip between Tournon-sur-Rhône / Saint Jean de Muzols station and Colombier-le-Vieux / Saint-Barthélémy-le-Plain. Covering 8 km (16 km round trip), the route passes through the most precious part of the gorges where you will admire splendid wild landscapes, Mediterranean-influenced fauna and flora, and shrubland scenery. This train is a true heritage, a journey back in time full of traditions, evoking the charm of a bygone era—an essential part of your terroir day. Check the operating days and schedules of the Train des Gorges et/ou du Mastrou, reservations are strongly recommended during the summer season.
A Lunch with the Taste of the Terroir
Taste our terroir during a lunch, whether a simple gourmet picnic or a daily menu at a restaurant. Here are some tips and good addresses to share an authentic moment over a meal.
5 Must-Visit Picnic Spots in Ardèche Hermitage
The pleasure of lunch on the grass, a checkered tablecloth, some good local products, a quiet spot by the water: the perfect picnic cliché! Here are the top 5 picnic spots in Ardèche Hermitage.
Champos Lake, in Saint Donat sur l’Herbasse: a 40-hectare park with a lake equipped for swimming. A leisure area opens in July/August, featuring water slides, a pool with water jets, pedal boat rentals, stand-up paddleboarding, canoes… A picnic area is set up in the shade of trees, with picnic tables and grassy spots, just steps away from the beach.
The Musards Basin, in La Roche de Glun: located along the ViaRhôna route, a bike path running along the banks of the Rhône River. The peacefulness of the place is captivating, as the lake can only be walked around on foot. Informational panels about the local wildlife and plants are installed around this basin, which is in the process of being classified as a protected natural area. This body of water is also the playground for the La Roche de Glun water jousting team. Swimming is not allowed here. Our tip: the Rochelain Sailing Club offers free initiation sessions every Sunday from May to September.
The Hermitage Chapel: Enjoy a picnic amidst the vineyards with, as a bonus, one of the most beautiful panoramas of the Rhône Valley. Located atop the famous Hermitage hillsides, it is accessible on foot from the center of Tain l’Hermitage. Car access is possible up to the Pierre Aiguille parking lot. From the parking, count about 1 kilometer to the Chapel via a wide path—good walking shoes recommended.
The Pont du Roi, located above the Doux River in the commune of Boucieu le Roi: the starting village for the Vélorail of the Gorges du Doux. This area is not developed but provides access to the river. A true little natural spot to enjoy a lunch while listening to the gentle rippling of the water.
aint Sorny hamlet, on the sentier des Gorges de la Daronne, in Colombier le Vieux: a small shaded hamlet and a peaceful haven for lovers of the great outdoors. A small Romanesque chapel is open to the public. Just a few hundred meters away, you cross a Himalayan-style footbridge, much to the delight of both young and old. The banks of the Daronne River are accessible for dipping your feet in the water and enjoying a refreshing break.
Restaurants and the Art of Living
Our chefs are passionate about sharing terroir cuisine made from fresh, organic, and seasonal products. Here, being locavore* is almost a religion! The “must” of a terroir day is to discover these lively places where conviviality reigns. You feel a little like at home. The Slow Food Café in Tournon sur Rhône is an atypical spot: a boat moored at the foot of the Château-Musée de Tournon, offering a splendid view of the Marc Seguin footbridge. Healthy and varied cuisine in an original setting where sharing a good time is a pleasure. L'Auberge Monnet located on the banks of the Musards basin in La Roche de Glun, serves a daily seasonal menu that is 100% local and homemade, accompanied by a fine wine list. In the same spirit, the restaurant “Les Cocottes” in Pont de l’Isère offers indulgence and lots of creativity on the plates—a reinvented everyday cuisine for your greatest pleasure. For a locavore meal in a unique setting, choose the Slow Food boat in Tournon sur Rhône. Locavore: someone who consumes only local products
The Taste of Terroir: Discovering Made-in-Ardèche Hermitage Products
Delicious local products, unique know-how—discover the Ardèche Hermitage destination with passion and gourmandise.
Meet Our Producers
Set out to discover our local expertise through fun visits with passionate terroir artisans who share their love for the region! From cheeses and organic chestnut cream to beers, our producers welcome you into their homes. Participate in milking cows, stroll through an organic garden, uncover the secrets of brewing… These friendly and entertaining visits end with tastings. There are many gourmet events not to be missed from April to October, for a terroir day full of curiosities and flavors.
All year round, Nectardéchois, an artisanal fruit juice production workshop, offers fruit juice sales at the site every first Saturday of the month. Discovery visits are available upon simple request.
Les fours à bois «Le Panyol », visite d’une usine historique
Ce produit ne se déguste pas et pourtant c’est une fois de plus une affaire de goût avec les fours à bois « Le Panyol ». Les terres blanches de Larnage et de l’eau du Rhône, telle est la recette de ces fours, une véritable référence, pour les chefs et les boulangers. Une production 100% locale, un morceau de terroir, qui se savoure à sa façon. Visitez une usine historique au charme certain avec un atelier de production où la main de l’homme reste un véritable outil. Un lieu surprenant par son authenticité et sa simplicité qui donne une visite passionnante dans cette usine historique. En fin de parcours, assistez à la cuisson d’une tarte, prête à déguster en quelques minutes : instant gourmand garanti ! Visite sur réservations, consultez l’agenda.
A Terroir Day Combining Gourmet Flavors and Authenticity! Discover the values, traditions, and heritage... The Art of Living with a capital A! Here, our professionals cultivate the taste of the land and love to share their passion. Come and experience the “Terroir Spirit” in Ardèche Hermitage.
