Vernoux-en-Vivarais, at the heart of the Ardèche plateau
Set at around 600 metres above sea level in the heart of the Haut-Vivarais plateau, Vernoux-en-Vivarais is an unspoilt village in the green Ardèche. This sizeable village of character, halfway between the Rhône valley and the heights of the Boutières, offers a preserved way of life where Ardèche traditions are still very much alive.
The village centre is worth a stroll: its old streets, its church, its local shops and its weekly market will immerse you in the particular atmosphere of the Vivarais. From Vernoux you are less than an hour from the Gorges de l'Ardèche, under two hours from Provence, and at the foot of the Monts d'Ardèche Regional Nature Park.
Walking and nature: the Monts d'Ardèche on your doorstep
The Ardèche is a paradise for walkers and lovers of open country. From Maison Les Buis, several walking routes await, from gentle family paths to long, demanding loops.
The Monts d'Ardèche Regional Nature Park
Around thirty minutes' drive away, the Monts d'Ardèche Regional Nature Park covers 228,000 hectares and shelters volcanic landscapes found nowhere else in France: sucs (volcanic domes), basalt flows and century-old chestnut groves. It is an outstanding playground for walking, mountain biking and wildlife watching.
Recommended walks around Vernoux
- The Pic du Lizieux loop — a walk of about 4 hours, with 360° panoramic views over the Cévennes and the Alps.
- The Vivarais ridges — an intermediate-level walk passing traditional farmsteads.
- The Eyrieux valley — a route along the old railway line turned greenway, open to walkers and cyclists, perfect with children.
- The Chestnut Trail — a shaded walk through the chestnut-growing heritage that is emblematic of the Ardèche.
Cycling and the Dolce Via greenway
The Dolce Via is a greenway built on the old railway line of the Eyrieux valley, running nearly 90 km from La Voulte-sur-Rhône to the edge of the Boutières. Flat, traffic-free and dotted with picnic areas, it is the ideal cycling route for families with children. Bike hire is available at several points along the way.
Canoeing and swimming in the rivers of the Ardèche
The Ardèche is crossed by some of the most beautiful rivers in France. From Maison Les Buis, several canoeing stretches and wild swimming spots are within easy reach.
The Gorges de l'Ardèche
About an hour's drive away, the Gorges de l'Ardèche offer a legendary descent. From the Pont d'Arc to Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche, 32 km of canyon classified as a Nature Reserve. Several options exist: the short descent (8 km, half a day, ideal with children), the classic descent (24 km, a full day) or the two-day descent with a night at an authorised bivouac site in the gorges.
The river Eyrieux
Closer and less frequented, the Eyrieux valley offers many wild swimming spots, especially prized in summer for their cool water and unspoilt setting.
The Doux and the Eyrieux
These quieter rivers of the Ardèche plateau hide natural pools and waterfalls for those who like the real thing, far from the crowds.
Villages of character to visit
The Ardèche is among the French departments richest in villages of character and officially listed "most beautiful villages of France". Here is our selection around Vernoux-en-Vivarais.
Lamastre
Twenty minutes away, Lamastre is known for the Mastrou steam train that runs to Tournon-sur-Rhône, one of the finest scenic journeys in the region. The village is worth a stop for its Tuesday market, one of the liveliest in the Vivarais.
Saint-Agrève
The capital of the plateau, Saint-Agrève is a gateway to Mont Gerbier-de-Jonc and the source of the Loire. Ideal for a walk at altitude and for discovering traditional farmhouse inns.
Désaignes
Listed among the villages of character of the Ardèche, Désaignes has kept its medieval ramparts, its castle and its Romanesque church. Not to be missed.
Boucieu-le-Roi
Once the capital of the Haut-Vivarais, this small hilltop village preserves remarkable medieval heritage, including a Way of the Cross unique in France.
Antraigues-sur-Volane
The home village of the singer Jean Ferrat, perched on a volcanic spur. A meaningful detour for lovers of French song and volcanic landscapes.
Food and local produce of the Ardèche
A stay in the Ardèche would not be complete without diving into its food. The department has a strong culinary identity, shaped by its mid-mountain geography.
The signature products
- Ardèche chestnuts (PDO) — the emblem of the department, enjoyed as a sweet purée, as marrons glacés or as flour in traditional desserts.
- Caillette ardéchoise — a patty of pork and chard, to be tasted at any local delicatessen.
- Crique ardéchoise — a potato cake, crisp outside and soft within, a traditional side dish.
- Picodon (PDO) — a small matured goat's cheese, the pride of the region.
- Rhône valley wines — Saint-Joseph, Cornas, Saint-Péray, to be discovered on cellar visits.
- Craft beers of the Vivarais — the local brewing scene is thriving.
Markets not to be missed
The Vernoux-en-Vivarais market on Thursday mornings, the Lamastre market on Tuesdays and the large Tournon-sur-Rhône market on Saturdays are the essential dates for meeting local producers.
Provence under 2 hours away
An exceptional advantage of Maison Les Buis: its position makes it easy to venture into Provence. In under two hours by car you can reach Avignon, the Pont du Gard, Orange and its Roman theatre, or the vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. An Ardèche stay enriched by a few Provençal escapades — that is the ideal formula for a trip to the southern Rhône-Alpes.
Family activities: what you need to know
The Ardèche is especially well suited to family stays. Here are a few suggestions by age group.
With young children (3–8)
- Cycling the Dolce Via greenway
- The Mastrou steam train
- Swimming in the natural pools of the Eyrieux
- A visit to the crocodile farm at Pierrelatte (40 min)
- The short canoe descent on the Ardèche (8 km, suitable from age 7)
With pre-teens and teenagers (9–17)
- The classic canoe descent of the Gorges de l'Ardèche
- Caving in the Ardèche grottoes (Aven d'Orgnac, Grotte Chauvet 2)
- Via ferrata and treetop adventure courses
- Walking to Mont Gerbier-de-Jonc and the source of the Loire
- Swimming in fast-flowing water
When to come to the Ardèche
Spring (April–June)
The ideal season for walking and for exploring the villages. Mild temperatures, nature in flower, few tourists. The rivers carry enough water for canoeing from May onwards.
Summer (July–August)
The peak season for swimming and canoeing. The private pool at Maison Les Buis and the air conditioning in the bedrooms make all the difference during the hottest spells. Booking several months ahead is recommended.
Autumn (September–October)
Spectacular colours in the chestnut groves, still-kind weather, and swimming still possible in early September. This is also the chestnut and local produce season: a dream period for food lovers.
Winter (November–March)
A quieter, more intimate season. Ideal for a cosy stay by the fire, winter walks and the discovery of Ardèche cooking. The plateau can be under snow at altitude.
How to get to Vernoux-en-Vivarais
Maison Les Buis is in Vernoux-en-Vivarais, in the Ardèche (07240). There are several ways to reach us:
- By car — via the A7 motorway, exit Valence Sud, then towards Saint-Péray and Vernoux-en-Vivarais (about 45 min from the motorway).
- By train — Valence TGV station (1h from Lyon, 2h15 from Paris), then 50 min by car or taxi.
- By air — Lyon Saint-Exupéry (1h30 by road) or Marseille Provence (2h30) airports.
Ready to discover the Ardèche?
Maison Les Buis awaits you for an exceptional stay in the heart of the Vivarais. A 476 m² house of character, 8 air-conditioned bedrooms, a private pool, sleeping up to 15.
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