Pont d'Arc

Visit Pont d'Arc, Rhone-Alpes

Pont d'Arc is in the Ardeche department of the Rhone-Alpes, at the western end of the Gorges de l'Ardeche and a few kilometres east of Vallon-Pont d'Arc.

A natural stone arch over the Ardeche River, the Pont d'Arc is a very scenic location at the entrance to the Gorges, and one of the places where the river is accessible to motorists (the road that follows along the course of the gorges is several hundred metres above the river, and access down to the riverside is impossible in most places).

The Pont d'Arc itself stands more than 50 metres high and 60 metres wide.

There are small river beaches either side of the arch, which are a very popular place with visitors wanting to relax and cool down in an exceptionally picturesque location - really this is one of the most beautiful places I can imagine spending some time, even if the crowds can be a bit intense.

Canoeists passing along the river to canoe down the gorges of the Ardeche will all pass under the Pont d'Arc towards the beginning of their journey.

Staying near Pont d'Arc

The 'village' of Pont d'Arc itself has developed around the arch although I use the word cautiously because the 'village' is really simply a group of tourist facilities, acting as a base for the Pont d'Arc and the gorges - there are cafes and campsites here, and canoe hire is available.

I would suggest that if you are staying here to explore for a few days you consider Vallon Pont d'Arc instead. It is only a few kilometres away and is a pleasant lively town in summer.

While the Gorges de l'Ardeche will be the main focus of a visit we also recommend you take the time to visit some of the picturesque Ardeche villages in the area, such as Labeaume, Saint-Montan and Balazuc.

Suggested places to visit near Pont d'Arc, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Balazuc 15km; Joyeuse 18km; Saint-Montan 18km; Vogue 19km; Banne 21km; La Roque-sur-Ceze 22km; Naves 23km; Alba-la-Romaine 24km; Viviers 24km; Ailhon 25km; Aubenas 27km; Jaujac 31km; Meyras 35km; Thueyts 36km; Antraigues-sur-Volane 38km; Uzes 41km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Pont d'Arc

Pont d'Arc tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Gorges de l'Ardeche - grand site of france (3km) : Aven d'Orgnac - grand site of france (8km) : Bois de Païolive - site of natural beauty (17km) : Gorges du Gardon - grand site of france (22km) : Grotte de la Cocaliere - site of natural beauty (23km) : Eglise de Saint Michel (La Garde-Adhemar) - religious monument (27km) : Jardin des herbes - remarkable garden (27km) : Cathédrale Notre-Dame (Saint-Paul-Trois-Chateaux) - religious monument (28km) :

French version: see Pont d'Arc (Francais)