Webzine Ardèche

Map and directions to the Ardèche

Towns and villages in the Ardèche

Presentation of the département with a map of towns and villages in the Ardèche and a full list of the 335 communes.

Town, village in Ardèche

The Ardèche between river and mountain

The Ardèche, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of south-east France, is a département that immediately conjures up images of stunning natural landscapes, picturesque villages and a rich cultural history.

Named after the river that runs through it, this département offers a mosaic of scenery that attracts nature lovers, history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

It is characterised by its geographical diversity, ranging from the plateaux of the Ardèche to the deep valleys of its rivers, not forgetting the famous Ardèche gorges.

The river Rhône runs along the administrative boundary between the two departments, from the north to the south of the towns and villages in the Ardèche.

The Ardèche of climates

The Ardèche is divided into three main geographical areas:

  • The Ardèche mountains, characterised by their high altitude and mountain climate, offer a variety of landscapes with dense forests and meadows;
  • TheCévennes Ardèche, with itsMediterranean-influenced climate and vegetation, faces south. Also known as the Cévennes Vivaroises region, this is where the Ardèche gorges meander along the Gard border;
  • The Rhône Valley, protected from oceanic influences by the mountainous relief, results in hot, dry summers and relatively mild winters with the Mistral wind, which favours a healthy climate for its inhabitants and for the vines.

History and heritage of the Ardèche

The history of the Ardèche is marked by ancient human occupation, as witnessed by its many prehistoric sites, including the famous Grotte Chauvet near Pont d’Arc, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This cave contains some of the oldest and best-preserved cave paintings in the world, providing exceptional evidence of prehistoric art.

The department also has a rich medieval heritage, with numerous castles, hilltop villages and historic sites dotted around its territory. Villages such as Balazuc and Vogüé are listed as some of the most beautiful villages in France, offering visitors a journey back in time to the heart of the Ardèche’s heritage.

The Ardèche gorges seen from above
The Ardèche Gorges

Towns and villages in Ardèche

On a departmental scale, the Ardèche is adjacent to the Rhône river. Most of its streams and rivers are tributaries, coming from the mountains and the Cévennes ardéchoises via the valleys that criss-cross the area.

On the ocean side, the Loire River rises at Mont Gerbier-de-Jonc, not far from the watershed in the Ardèche.

There are 335 communes, towns and villages in the Ardèche, with a total population of 329,325 in 2020.

Here is a list of towns and villages in Ardèche in alphabetical order:

Map of towns and villages in the Ardèche

To get a better idea of the département, here’s an interactive map of towns and villages in the Ardèche, with a link to a practical information page for the towns listed.

In addition, you will find on this map of the Ardèche :

  • Natural sites and leisure activities
  • transport in the Ardèche

Map, instructions for use

Conurbation, community of communes

And to find out more about the department, here are a few informative links, including the population census and the towns and communities of communes in the Ardèche:

Lien web

Routes to the Ardèche

How to get to the Ardèche Itineraries to towns, villages and sites in the department: