Population - 286,000   (1,067,000)

Area - 5,529 km²   (1,663)

Population density - 52   (642)

(comparative figs - Surrey UK)

Towns with over 3,000 people

Annonay   17,522
Aubenas   11,018
Bourg-Saint-Andeol   7,768
Le Cheylard   3,514
Guilherand-Granges   10,707
Privas   9,170
Saint-Peray   6,502
Le Teil   7,999
Tournon-sur-Rhone   9,946
Vals-les-Bains   3,536
Viviers   3,413
La Voulte-sur-Rhone   5,168

Main town

Privas

555 miles - 8 hours - from Calais

What is it really like for holidays in the Ardeche

The west bank of the Rhone as it drops down into Provence - technically part of the Rhone-Alpes region - geographically the eastern slopes of the massif central - for residents and holiday makers a special place with a quality all its own

Limestone rock with dramatic valleys and gorges carved out by fast flowing rivers across ions of time

Rugged beautiful countryside - popular parts a bit too crowded in August

Have a look at ardeche affairs website for a good feel of the region
ardeche affair

Must visit places

Aubenas

Quite a busy town with its own economy gives it a more real feel than some of the heavy touristy parts - pretty cobble and bridges

Gorges de l'Ardeche

The Pont d'Arc is a natural limestone bridge at the top a the world' prettier valleys

Ardeche Holidays - b&b

Ardeche Holidays - cottages

Ardeche Holidays - tourist info