Races in Ardèche

The Ardèche is above all the temple of outdoor sports since 45% of its territory is covered by forests and filled with the scent of sap. The famous gorges, with their impressive cliffs and wild canyons, have everything to meet your escapism desires. The renowned Pont d’Arc de Triomphe is an exceptional natural curiosity that is definitely worth a visit (it's not for nothing that it is the 4th most photographed natural site in France 📸)! The GR3 and “Loire on foot” which starts at the Mont Gerbier-de-Jonc where the river sources, are ideal hiking paths, as is exploring the 220,000 hectares of the Saint-Julien-en-Saint-Alban forest, where with a bit of luck, you might spot beavers.

But the Ardèche is also about charming little villages like Vogüé and its Seigneurs' castle, or Balazuc and its medieval city. The latter, which overlooks the watercourse giving the department its name, is even listed among the most beautiful villages in France. And how can you not fall in love with the village of Labeaume, nestled against limestone cliffs, or the hamlet of Viel-Audon? It's a perfect setting for a bucolic nordic walk. And let's not forget Largentière the medieval: picturesque alleys, a hilltop castle, sandstone houses... it's all there! These 5 small gems, situated closely together, you can therefore join them running, but be aware it will be sporty and quite challenging, especially in summer, as the sun beats down hard!

And if after that the depths beckon you, you're in luck: the Ardèche is a prime spot for caving. It's actually in this department that all the Indiana Jones films were shot (just kidding, it's just that we wrote this on April 1st 🤣). The Chauvet cave listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site is, of course, closed to the public, but Madeleine Cave (metro lines 8, 12, 14 😉), the Aven d’Orgnac, and Saint-Marcel d'Ardèche where you can admire magnificent stalactites (mnemonic: stalacTites drop 👇, stalagMites rise ☝️) are open for visits. And after exploring the depths, why not catch your breath at high altitude? The Ardèche Mountain Regional Natural Park spans 190,000 hectares from north to south along the entire eastern edge of the Massif Central. The spot is just perfect for planning beautiful long outings! The chance to make a detour by La Chavade, a human-scale winter sports resort located at 1,266 m (highly recommended for working on elevation 🥵). To challenge the ospreys, know that the Montgolfier brothers tested their famous balloon in Annonay, the largest city in the department, and that the hot air balloon festival commemorates this first public experience.

For competitive running, there's plenty to do. Let's state it clearly, without fear of words: the Ardèche is a real land of trails! The Ardéchois trail, the Ardèche Roman Road Trail, or the Trail of the Ardèche Gorges are must-attend events for off-road running fans. If you're more into road running, we recommend the 10 km of Tournon. Fresh air and elevation changes, nothing better! For training, we recommend the Païolive woods whose biodiversity and stone landscapes are breathtaking.

Be careful: chestnut distribution is an Ardèche specialty! Chestnut cream and candied chestnuts are local gastronomy staples, as is caillette, a small artisanal pâté, and Picodon AOP which goes very well with Ardèche honey. Plenty to refuel after a good run or an eco-citizen festival in Crussol (take the opportunity to see the castle), musical in Ruoms (the capital of Italy 🤣) or cinematographic in Annonay.

In Ardèche, your legs might ache, but you'll never have a sore throat!