Page 382 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - France

EXPERIENCE The Rhône Valley and French Alps over the river in the Wind and water have endowed this

A natural rock arch
Gorges de l’Ardeche

9
Valence
a rugged landscape that is more
! F5 ⌂ Drôme £ @
reminiscent of the American southwest.
n 11 bd Bancel; www.
valence-romans- southcentral region of France with
tourisme.com
Grande Rue was built in 1532 is more reminiscent of the
Valence is a large, thriving and is embellished with the American southwest than the
market town on the east bank sculpted heads of ancient verdure commonly associated
of the Rhône, looking across Greeks. On rue Pérollerie, with the French countryside.
to the cliffs of the Ardèche. the Maison Dupré-Latour This visible drama is repeated
Its principal attraction is the has a finely sculptured porch underground. The Ardèche is
Romanesque Cathédrale and staircase. honeycombed by caves with
St-Apollinaire on place des The Parc Jouvet, south of enormous stalagmites and
Clercs, founded in 1095 and avenue Gambetta, has lovely stalactites. Most impressive
rebuilt in the 17th century. pools and gardens, with fine are the Grotte de la Madel ine,
Alongside the cathedral in views across the river to the on a signposted path from
the former bishop’s palace, ruined Château de Crussol. the D290, and the cave and
the small Musée de Valence museum La Cité de la
contains a collection of late Musée de Valence Préhistoire (open February
18th-century chalk drawings " ⌂ 4 place des Ormeaux to mid-Nov) south of Vallon-
of Rome by Hubert Robert. § 04 75 79 20 80 # 10am– Pont-d’Arc.
A short walk from here are 6pm Wed–Sun ¢ 12pm–2pm Above ground is the Gorges
two Renaissance mansions. and some public hols de l’Ardèche. Close to the
The Maison des Têtes at No 57 head of the gorge, going west,
is the Pont d’Arc, a lime stone
10 “bridge” over the river, created
GREAT VIEW by erosion. Nearby is Grotte
The Ardèche The Ardèche Chauvet, a replica of the
Sheer cliffs up to 300 m ! E6 ⌂ Ardèche oldest known decorated cave
(984 ft) high line the k Avignon £ Montéli mar in the world, a UNESCO World
35-km (22-mile) Gorges @ Montélimar, Vallon Pont Heritage site that is not open
de l’Ardèche, offering d’Arc n Vallon Pont to the public. Painted up to
spectacular views. The d’Arc;www.pontdarc- 36,000 years ago, the cave
best way to explore the ardeche.fr contains hundreds of intricate
area, including the Pont animal paintings.
d’Arc, a 59-m- (194-ft-) Over thou sands of years, wind Canoeing and whitewater
wide natural bridge, and water have endowed this rafting are the two most
is by canoe or kayak. southcentral region of France popular sports here, and
with a rugged landscape that equipment can be rented;
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