You'll see, it doesn't happen overnight. And that's a good thing. Because coming to us is already a change of pace. It means leaving behind the straight highway for a road that winds between the mountains, or a bus that stops in villages. The secret Ardèche is something you have to earn. And that's good news. We'll explain everything to you.
Free like air
By car or motorbike
There are no highways in the Ardèche, and you'll discover that's not such a bad thing. From the main roads, the scenery is beautiful. The curves are gentle (or almost), the landscapes change, and the music keeps playing. By car or motorcycle , you choose your own pace. And the best part is, you can stop at the first viewpoint, or at the Picodon cheese producer by the roadside.
I have an electric vehicle. Can I charge it on site?
Of course! To find out the exact addresses of the terminals, go to the interactive map.
What are the roads like in secret Ardèche?
The roads are sometimes winding, often beautiful, and occasionally… closed for roadworks or landslides (that's the charm of the hidden Ardèche!). Before setting off on your adventure, take a look at the interactive map : you'll find real-time information on road closures, detours, and the best access routes. A short detour, and you're good to go!
Are snow tires mandatory?
The mountain law only applies to the towns north of Vals-les-Bains, Saint-Julien-du-Serre, and Vesseaux . Indeed, from November 1st to March 31st, if you plan to travel through this area, it would be best to have snow tires (but a pair of snow socks or chains in your trunk will also be perfectly acceptable from a legal standpoint). And if you're not exactly a winter rally driver and would rather avoid driving in the snow altogether, you can check road conditions before you leave, thanks to the webcams installed throughout the area.
Carpooling with a local twist
Do you want to share your journey to reach the Aubenas-Vals region?
Yes, it's true, there's BlaBlaCar . But here, we also have MOV'ICI: the local carpooling platform with no commission, launched by the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region. Drivers, passengers: in just a few clicks, you can find each other.
Land softly
Train + bus
In Ardèche, there's no train station, but don't panic: the train takes you to nearby major stations like Montélimar or Valence. Then, it's time for the regional bus to take over, taking you to the heart of the secret Ardèche. It's a bit like a well-orchestrated ballet: you glide from one mode to another, letting time stretch out, and observing the passing landscapes. Not ultra-fast, but ideal for disconnecting before you even arrive.
I arrive by train at…
Tell us which station your train arrives at, and we'll tell you which bus can take you to us!
Our advice
- Coach connections from Valence and Montélimar are treated like TER journeys. You can therefore, when booking on SNCF Connect Or at your train station ticket office, choose Aubenas as your arrival station. And there you have it: no more hassle with timetables and endless connections!
- Aubenas – bus station ou Aubenas – Peace Square : Which arrival station should you choose? With some exceptions, most lines serve both stations. The difference for you: The bus station is convenient, a little out of the way from the city center, but with plenty of services in the immediate vicinity (SNCF shop, car rental companies, etc.), while Place de la Paix is right in the city center, a 5-minute walk from the castle! The choice is yours.
And once in Aubenas, what do I do?
You're almost there. Just a few more kilometers before the holidays! In Aubenas, the local Tout'enbus network takes over (even on Sundays in July and August !), with regular routes to Vals-les-Bains, Vesseaux, Saint-Privat, and more. Is your destination not on the list? Don't worry! Some routes, usually primarily for school groups, continue to serve a few villages during the holidays and remain accessible to everyone.
On-site services
Services
Services
Still have questions?
Can I take my bike on the buses?
- On the lines X73 (Valence) and X74 (Montélimar) is possible if there are still seats available. To avoid any problems, we advise you to book at least 48 hours in advance with the transport provider. (Contact details can be found in the "Practical Information" section for each route.)
- On the lines E13 (Alès) and E15 (Avignon), it is possible only during the summer holidays, and by booking at least 48 hours in advance at +04 80 00 70 00 (the number of bicycles on board is limited)
- On the local Tout'enbus network, it's a resounding yes, with however a few small conditions.
How does it work for disabled travelers?
- The bus lines and the local bus network are accessible to people with reduced mobility. On some of them, the accompanying person can even travel for free! To properly prepare for your trip, get information on the accessibility of stops, and reserve your adapted seat on the bus (48 hours in advance), just call 04 80 00 70 00.
- To make travel easier for people with mental disabilities, there is a travel diary. FALC. to download here.
Can I take my dog on the bus?
Coaches and buses don't allow dogs (or iguanas), even the cutest ones. It's not against them, it's just the rules of a tidy and pleasant journey for everyone (including the driver who vacuums the bus every evening).
And above all, don't hesitate to contact us . We'll do everything we can to quickly find the information you need.
It works (still)
Hitchhiking
It's not a myth: in the Ardèche, sticking out your thumb really works. We can't promise the first car will stop… but here, people still have the instinct to help each other out. A backpack, a smile, and off you go, hopping into a C15 for an Ardèche adventure. It's slow travel, thumb-up style.
Nomad without fear and without reproach
Roaming
Are you hitting the trails? Are you touring Europe in a campervan and planning a stopover in our country? Whatever your road trip style, we've gathered as much information as possible to make your life easier.
Far from the tarmac, close to the heart
By plane
Let's be honest: airports are few and far between around here (or practically nonexistent). You'll probably have a hard time finding a flight to Antraigues-sur-Volane on Kayak. However, you can obviously park your private jet at Lanas airfield , a few kilometers from Aubenas 😉.
We still need to talk about it
Your carbon impact
Still hesitating? Because, car, carpooling: every choice counts. To help you see things more clearly, we've included a little tool just below. It compares modes of transportation based on their carbon impact. Not to make you feel guilty, mind you. Just to make more environmentally friendly choices, when possible.
