Les Villages de Caractère: a dazzling journey through the jewels of the Ardèche

Amark of quality for visitors, the Village de Caractère label rewards the most charming, authentic and traditional villages in the department. Awarded by the Agence de Développement Touristique de l'Ardèche (Ardèche Tourist Development Agency), just over twenty villages scattered across the Ardèche countryside can proudly display this distinction. Cobbled streets, stone facades, unique architecture and a host of special features can all be found in these villages, which are often swamped by tourists as soon as the fine weather arrives.

Twenty kilometres from Aubenas, Balazuc stands out from its neighbours in the Ardèche, not least because it is listed as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France. Houses clinging to the cliffs, narrow cobbled streets and pretty buildings share the site, with all the elegance of a medieval village.

Perched high above the Ardèche, it is home to imposing monuments such as the Romanesque church and the Château de Balazuc. The beauty of this village of fewer than 500 inhabitants has earned it a reputation as one of the most beautiful villages in the Ardèche. A visit to the Muséum de l'Ardèche is a must if you want to immerse yourself in the history of the region. The many fossils on display will take you back 500 million years almost immediately.

For centuries, Vogüé has marked the beginning of the Ardèche Gorges, attracting large numbers of visitors every year. With fewer than 1,000 inhabitants, the village retains all its charm... and its castle, which dominates the village and is a reminder of the area's eventful history. Let yourself be seduced by one of France's most charming villages, home to one of the country's narrowest streets, the Rue des Puces.

Hidden between Joyeuse and Ruoms in the southern Ardèche, Labeaume is a Village de Caractère that appeals to lovers of old stone buildings. A day in Labeaume will give the most sporty and contemplative visitors a good workout, in the heart of a unique and spectacular natural setting.

Labeaume takes its name from the river that flows at its feet. It's the first thing you notice as you stroll through the village. You'll quickly feel the urge to relax or take a dip in the river, especially as the village beach is one of the prettiest river spots in the region.

You can't get to Labeaume without climbing up to the belvedere. The path to get there is somewhat steep, but easy to access. With a little elbow grease and, above all, the help of your calves, the climb to get there is a pleasant walk. Just cross the submersible bridge and follow the signposted path towards St Alban Auriolles. Strolling through this maze of narrow streets and houses is a real pleasure. And it's a dazzling surprise when you reach the top and discover the view over the village and the river. A moment suspended in time!

With over 2,000 years of history, Alba-la-Romaine nestles at the foot of the Coiron massif, south of Privas. This village has an incomparable character, with its checkerboard facades of basalt and limestone. Also worth a visit are the hamlet of La Roche (remains of the white city and the Gallo-Roman theatre) and the Château d'Alba, which overlooks the roofs of the medieval black village.

In the south of the Rhône-Alpes region, the town of Viviers has been developing since Roman times. An 11-arched bridge built in the 2nd century spans the Escoutay, a river that joins the Rhône and bears witness to this past. Situated on the banks of the river, the town has managed to preserve its historic heart, as evidenced by the very well-preserved canonical quarter around Saint-Vincent cathedral. With its marina, it's THE ideal spot to enjoy the waters of the river with your family.

A warm, relaxing setting and a warm family welcome make Les Chevaliers a must-visit restaurant in this village. In the pleasant Ardèche sunshine, enjoy the small, quiet terrace with just a few covers, in the centre of a cute cobbled square.

📍 Address: 7 Pl. de la République, 07220 Viviers