Ardèche

Ardèche is a department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of southeastern France. It is named after the Ardèche River, which runs through the area and forms the dramatic Gorges de l’Ardèche in the southern part. Created on 4 March 1790 during the French Revolution, Ardèche is department number 07. The prefecture is Privas, and the department is divided into three arrondissements: Privas, Largentière, and Tournon-sur-Rhône. Major towns include Annonay, Aubenas, Guilherand-Granges, and Tournon-sur-Rhône.

Geography and landscape: The northern part lies in the Massif Central with forested plateaus and limestone hills, while the southern region features deep river gorges and limestone cliffs. The Monts d’Ardèche Regional Natural Park protects large areas and highlights the rural character of the department.

Culture and heritage: The Gorges de l’Ardèche, the Pont d’Arc natural bridge, and the Chauvet-Pont-d’Arc Cave, known for its Paleolithic paintings, are among the area’s most notable sites. The department also preserves numerous medieval villages and Romanesque churches that reflect its historical landscape.

Economy: The economy combines tourism, agriculture, and small industry. Tourism focuses on canoeing and hiking in the gorges, as well as wine tourism in the northern Rhône valley, including Crozes-Hermitage and the Côtes du Vivarais. Annonay is recognized as the birthplace of the Montgolfier brothers, pioneers of ballooning.

Administration and demographics: Ardèche borders several departments within its region and has a population in the low hundreds of thousands. The department is organized into cantons and communes within its three arrondissements.