Webzine Ardèche

Andance bridge and village in the Ardèche

Andance, village in Ardèche (07340)

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Focus on the village of Andance, a commune in the north of the Ardèche in the Porte de Drôm-Ardèche community of communes, on the banks of the Rhône between Champagne to the north and Sarras to the south.

Town, village in Ardèche

Andance in the Ardèche

Andance is a French commune in the Ardèche department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. It nestles on the right bank of the Rhône River, halfway between Lyon and Valence, in the Porte de Drôm-Ardèche community of communes.

A municipality of less than 7 km², it has a population of nearly 1,000. Its identity is forged around its bridge over the Rhône, a direct link to Andancette via the D1 road, the Drôme department and theA7 motorway.

A little geography

Andance covers an area of 5.30 km² on the right bank of the Rhône. The altitude of the village varies from 130 metres (at river level) to 384 metres on the higher ground. The village sits on the first slopes of the Ardèche, offering uninterrupted views of the Rhône valley, the Pilat massif opposite, and sometimes even the Alps on a clear day.

The municipality is characterised by a mixture of urban areas, farmland (notably orchards and a few vineyards) and natural wooded areas on the higher ground. The Rhône, with its specific flora and fauna, is a key geographical feature.

  • Andance map (Géoportail, IGN) :

A touch of history

The history of Andance is closely linked to that of the Rhône. The site has been occupied since Antiquity, as evidenced by the Gallo-Roman remains that have been discovered, suggesting an activity linked to the river. Andance is mentioned as an important passageway and trading centre. In the Middle Ages, the commune developed an active port, essential for the transport of goods and people. The name Andance probably derives from a term meaning “ahead” or ” beyond”, reflecting its role as a crossing point.

The village grew up around its church and houses, often built on high ground to protect against flooding from the Rhône. For centuries, inland waterway transport was the main activity, shaping the character of its inhabitants and the architecture of its streets. The commune has managed to preserve its heritage and tell its story through its stonework and landscapes.

A zest for the local economy

Andance’s economy has long been dominated by activities linked to the Rhône: inland waterway transport, fishing and trade.

Today, economic activity is diversified. Agriculture still plays an important role, mainly in the cultivation of fruit (peaches, apricots, cherries) thanks to the fertile soils of the alluvial terraces.

The local service and retail sector is well established, meeting the needs of the local population. Tourism, particularly river and cycle tourism, thanks to the ViaRhôna, also contributes to the local economy, with the presence of gîtes, restaurants and shops linked to this activity in the Saint-Rambert-d’Albon catchment area.

The proximity of theA7 motorway also favours the location of certain businesses.

Places of interest in Andance


️ Historical and cultural heritage

  • La Sarasinière
    A bulky ruin on the side of the D86 departmental road in the middle of a field? A Gallo-Roman monument dating from the 2nd century, with an archaeological history described by Yves Burnand in Gallia
  • Andance suspension bridge
    On the site of a former tram ferry at Andance, the bridge was initially built in 1828 to a design by Bernon and Desblains, then raised in 1846. It was mined in 1944 by the Germans and repaired in 1946. This bridge is a remarkable example of a suspended structure in the Ardèche.
  • The Romanesque church
    The church of Notre-Dame d’Andance was built in the 12th century and has been embellished over the centuries. A religious building in the heart of the village, its architecture bears witness to local history.

Natural areas and leisure

  • Nautical pontoon
    For small boats under 7 metres and water sports, without mooring cleats.
  • ViaRhôna
    The cycle path runs opposite the village, on the opposite bank of the Rhône at Andancette. It can be reached from the village simply by crossing the bridge.
  • ➡ Find out more about the ViaRhôna from Sablons to Tournon
  • Hiking
    The trails from Andance are best imagined climbing the Châtelet and Montalivet hills with stunning views over the Rhône valley, or following the Torrenson valley towards Saint-Etienne-de-Valoux.
    ➡ Hiking trails around the Palais Idéal

Transport and access

The D86 departmental road (formerly the RN86) crosses the commune and links it to Limony and the Loire (north) or Saint-Désirat (south), to Annonay via the D820 at the bridge roundabout, or to Sablons to the east by crossing the Rhône. By motorway, theA7 exit is Chanas.

By train, the nearest SNCF stations are Saint-Vallier and Saint-Rambert-d’Albon, on the other side of the Rhône, with links to Valence and Lyon.

For public transport, visit the page dedicated to buses in the Ardèche.

Weather in the commune

And to help you organise your activities in Andance, here is the weather forecast for the next few days, including temperatures, wind and rainfall:

Where to sleep?

Looking for a hotel, apartment rental, BnB or other accommodation in Andance for a night, weekend or longer stay in or near the town? Here’s an interactive search and find map, according to your needs and budget:

Lien web

Andance on the map

Location of the commune of Andance in the Ardèche on the banks of the Rhône River: