Monts d’Ardèche Park
In the heart of the Monts d’Ardèche, the chestnut tree is a key element of the local history and continues to be a vital driver of the region’s renewal. Thanks to the AOP (Protected Designation of Origin) “Châtaigne d’Ardèche,” supported by the Park, 8,000 hectares of orchards and forest plots are undergoing reclamation for the production of chestnuts and chestnut wood, providing economic opportunities while preserving the environment and local culture.
With over 100 kilometers of open-air museums, the park is a must-visit for nature lovers and history enthusiasts. The Monts d’Ardèche are home to more than 50 volcanoes classified as UNESCO Geoparks, as well as no less than 4 Protected Designations of Origin (AOP), which testify to the region’s extraordinary agricultural richness. Furthermore, the park hosts 194 types of vegetation that shelter 2,800 species, including 183 species of birds and 75 species of mammals. Visitors can also explore 28 Houses and museums reflecting a living heritage, along with 4,000 kilometers of hiking trails and 3,000 kilometers of rivers, for an unforgettable natural experience. Come and explore the Regional Natural Park of the Monts d’Ardèche and discover the very essence of France’s natural and cultural beauty.
The Chestnut Tree of Monts d’Ardèche
The Tree of Renewal
In the heart of the Monts d’Ardèche, the chestnut tree is a key element of the local history and continues to be a vital driver of the region’s renewal. Thanks to the AOP (Protected Designation of Origin) “Châtaigne d’Ardèche,” supported by the Park, 8,000 hectares of orchards and forest plots are undergoing reclamation for the production of chestnuts and chestnut wood, providing economic opportunities while preserving the environment and local culture.
Remarkable Landscapes
Natural harmony
The Monts d’Ardèche, with their mountains, slopes, and foothills, are a territory that never ceases to amaze visitors. Their unique landscapes bear witness to a rich geological history. For centuries, humans have adapted to these steep slopes and built a civilization intimately connected to the surrounding nature. Come and discover this exceptional territory and delve into the fascinating history of the Monts d’Ardèche.
A living history
The architecture of the Monts d’Ardèche tells a rich and fascinating story. Dry stone terraces bear witness to the toil of people cultivating on the slopes, while Romanesque churches and feudal castles harken back to the medieval history of the region. But this heritage isn’t limited to the past: the industrial buildings that once served the production of silk, paper, or leather are now being reinvented to accommodate artist residencies or entrepreneurs dedicated to preserving craftsmanship and inventing new projects.
Nature in its purest form
A preserved natural treasure
From majestic mountains to lush green meadows, the Regional Natural Park of Monts d’Ardèche offers a variety of remarkable landscapes. The region also hosts an incredible biodiversity, with rare and vulnerable species such as the golden eagle and the genet. This precious nature deserves to be preserved and cherished for future generations.
The gourmet terroir
The Monts d’Ardèche are the terroir of agriculture with unique flavors. The richness of their agricultural diversity is evident through high-altitude pastures, chestnut groves, vineyards, olive groves, and many other crops. Here, the productions are characterized by organic farming, covering 20% of the agricultural land. The 300 farms practicing it contribute to preserving an exceptional heritage forged by centuries of cultivation on the slopes.
The Natural and Cultural Treasures of Monts d’Ardèche
A UNESCO-listed geological heritage
The Geopark of Monts d’Ardèche was designated by UNESCO in 2014 due to its 53 remarkable “geosites,” which offer diverse and spectacular geological landscapes, as well as dinosaur footprint sites. This distinction has highlighted the region’s unique heritage, attracting visitors from around the world to explore these natural wonders.
An artistic experience in the heart of nature
Since 2017, an artistic trail follows the watershed line on the GR7® in the Monts d’Ardèche. This trail provides a unique experience for visitors by guiding them through breathtaking landscapes and contemporary art installations in remarkable locations. Events such as concerts and school outings are organized along the trail, as well as year-round exhibitions in venues dedicated to contemporary art.
Preservation of biodiversity
The Park closely monitors species that inhabit the region, such as the otter, the ocellated lizard of Boutières, and the Apollo butterfly, to understand climate changes and the impacts of human activities on natural environments. The Park also commits to biodiversity conservation by collaborating with farmers for more environmentally friendly practices, protecting old-growth forests and peat bogs, and establishing biological reserves.
Park Values
The “Valeurs Parcs” collective brand is a label supported by Regional Natural Parks, which brings together professionals committed to biodiversity protection and the promotion of local know-how. In Ardèche, 180 professionals have already joined this network, offering quality agricultural products (honey, chestnuts, blueberry-based products, mineral water, Chatus grape wine), guided outings, accommodations, houses, and museums.
