The circular tour described below is approximately 150km/93mi long. In addition to the wildly romantic scenery this trip is also impressive for the karst caves, especially those of the Aven d'Orgnac, which are among the most important caves in France open to visitors. The vistas which open up on this drive are extremely impressive, particularly the many ever- changing views downwards to the rushing turquoise river.
The visitor who wants ample time to appreciate the scenery is recommended to devote a whole day to this tour.
Leaving Pont St-Esprit the road crosses the Rhône - not far north of its confluence with the Ardèche - on an old stone bridge nearly 1,000m/1,100yds long. There is an exceptionally charming view of the river frontage of the Old Town.
From Pont St-Esprit follow the N86 for a short distance and then bear left on to the D901, signposted "Gorges de l'Ardèche". This road, which is not within sight of the river, gradually climbs to the undulating higher slopes which are covered with scrub and bushes.
Near Laval-St-Roman turn right off the D901 on to the D174 and, following the signs "Aven d'Orgnac", it is a further 9km/6mi to the village of Orgnac l'Aven, near which lies the cave.
Leaving Orgnac l'Aven, follow the D317 (which later becomes the D176) west. In a few kilometers there is a rewarding view on the right. In Barjac, turn north and cross the Ardèche this side of Vallon-Pont d'Arc. On the far side of the bridge turn right and follow the sign "Route Touristique des Gorges de l'Ardèche". The road (D290) now follows the course of the river for the most part. At first it winds through rock galleries; here there are some little grottoes including the Grotto of the Tunnel.
The road continues at varying distances from the river, which in this reach has dug its bed many hundred meters deep into the chalk. At the viewpoints (belvédères) there are adequate parking places; falling rocks are often a danger on this stretch.
On this part of the route lie the viewpoints of Belvédère du Serre de Tourre, Belvédère de Gaud, Belvédère d'Autridge and Belvédère de Gournier. Beyond the last-named the D590 branches off, and after just over 5km/3mi on this road we reach the Aven de Marzal.
The stretch of the D290 beyond the D590 turning follows the river; this section is known as the "Haute Corniche" and is especially charming. Here lie the best viewpoints - Belvédère de la Cathédrale (a view of the Cirque de la Madeleine), Balcon des Templiers and Belvédère de la Maladrerie (a magnificent view of the huge bend of the Ardèche), Belvédère de la Rouvière, Belvédère de la Coutelle, Grand Belvédère at the end of the gorge, Belvédère du Colombier and Belvédère du Ranc- Pointu, above the last bend of the river, with a fine view into the Rhône valley.
The return route to St-Esprit, where the tour started, is via St-Martin d'Ardèche.
The visitor with little time at his or her disposal can curtail the tour by taking the last part, the Haute Corniche, in the opposite direction from Pont St-Esprit. In this case the views become more impressive as far as the Balcon des Templiers. The visit can end with the Aven de Marzal.
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