Activities

Hiking

From Naves the beauty of the Ardèche is on your doorstep and whether you are a seasoned hiker or a novice walker we can advise you on the best routes.

We can advise you each morning and provide you with the necessary information for an excursion tailored to your wishes and your abilities.

Hike departing from Naves
Hike departing from Naves

Canoe-kayak

Canoeing in the Ardèche river gorges
Canoeing in the Ardèche river gorges

You can discover the local rivers by canoe or kayak, especially the Chassezac, which runs near to Naves. This river winds its way between the cliffs of the Païolive wood and is home to many small beaches that will delight young and old.

Simply visiting the river to bathe or admire the scenery is also recommended.

There are two rental companies near to the house and the river and they provide boats and equipment for people of all abilities.

Grottos

The Ardèche is a land of prehistory full of many caves and chasms formed over millions of years. Historically the most impressive is the Unesco world heritage site, Grotte Chauvet 2, near Pont d’Arc (about 40 minutes away).

This cave dates to 18,000 years before Lascaux and you can visit the replica and marvel at the prehistoric art and the technology used to preserve this history for generations to come.

Equally amazing are the geological marvels you can visit deep under the surface like l’Aven d’Orgnac, la Cocalière and la Grotte de la Madeleine…

Grotte Chauvet 2 © Patrick Aventurier
Le Panneau des Lions ©Patrick Aventurier

Castles and Museums

There are many castles that will allow you to relive the medieval glory of the Vivarais and if you like Naves, there are many other beautiful villages in the area to explore.

There are museums dedicated to the agricultural history of the Ardèche including sweet chestnut, silk and lavender. Don’t hesitate to ask us for our recommendations.

Wine Cellars

The Ardèche is a country of vineyards – too many to mention here.

We can only advise you to visit and taste for yourself and be surprised by the quality of the wines on offer.

Golf

Less than 30 minutes from the house there are two 9-hole golf courses of very different character. “Castle Bournet golf” is on the plain and la “Garde Guérin golf” is on the mountainside. Both welcome you to play for the day or can provide instruction.

Cycling

The area has quiet roads and beautiful terrain ideal for exploring on two wheels. Whether by road or mountain bikes and even electrically assisted bikes there are several rental locations ready to assist you.

Markets

You can discover typical and colourful markets every morning in a village:

  • Monday at Rosières (12 km, 15 mn)
  • Tuesday at Largentière (15 km, 20mn)
  • Wednesday at Joyeuse (12 km, 15 mn)
  • Thursday at Vallon Pont d’Arc (30 km, 40 mn)
  • Friday at Ruoms (25 km, 40 mn)
  • Saturday at Les Vans and a night market on Tuesdays in July and August
  • Sunday at Lablachère (10 km, 20 mn) and Payzac (10 km, 15 mn)

Our thanks