Vallon Pont d'Arc

Vallon-Pont-d'Arc is a village in southern France, known for its stunning natural beauty and rich history. The village is a gateway to the Ardèche Gorges, a dramatic canyon carved by the Ardèche river, and is home to the iconic Pont d'Arc, a natural rock arch classified as a Grand Site of France. The village is also the location of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the decorated cave of Pont d’Arc, known as Grotte Chauvet-Pont d’Arc, which contains some of the earliest known prehistoric paintings in the world. Visitors can explore the village's historic center, including the 17th-century château, now the town hall, which features Aubusson tapestries, and the place couverte or old grain square. The village hosts various events throughout the year, including a nocturnal market on Tuesday evenings and a market on Thursday mornings. Families can enjoy activities such as kayaking or canoeing down the Ardèche river, exploring the many caves in the area, and visiting the nearby Gorges de l'Ardèche. The village is surrounded by other beautiful villages, including Salavas, Saint-Montan, and Balazuc, making it an ideal base for exploring the region