Gorges de l'Ardèche
D290Vallon-Pont-d'Arc to Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche · Ardèche
Distance18.3mi · 29 km
Drive time35 minon the road
DifficultyModerate
GorgeValleyForest
A rim road above the Grand Canyon of France past the Pont d'Arc natural arch.
From Vallon-Pont-d'Arc the D290 follows the rim of the Ardèche gorges to Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche, opening with the famous Pont d'Arc stone arch and stringing together a series of belvederes above limestone cliffs and the meandering river below. It is a steady, flowing drive rather than a technical one, with a few tighter rim sections and frequent pull-ins for the views. Summers are very busy with canoe traffic and tour buses. Mind the parked-up viewpoints, slow holiday traffic, and the unfenced edges where you stop.
Where it runs
Vallon-Pont-d'ArcStart · Ardèche
Saint-Martin-d'ArdècheEnd · France
Character
Corners45bends
Tightness4of 10
Max gradient8%≈ 1-in-13
Hairpins0tight bends
Climb308 mtotal ascent
Summit366 mhighest point · 1201 ft
SpringSummerAutumn
Elevation
309 m rangeKnow before you go
- Congested clifftop viewpoints
- Heavy summer holiday traffic
- Unfenced edges at stops
Sources
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