There are deeply rural areas where one never gets bored, because the cultural life is rich, because the range of leisure activities is abundant, because the community life is extraordinary, because all year round there are women and men deeply involved in local life.
a calendar that vibrates all year round
Whether you come in summer, autumn or even winter, we usually say that in the Aubenas-Vals region there is always something happening . Festivals, exhibitions, concerts, sporting events, theatre, shows… Even though we are a rural area, culture here never stops, thanks in part to an exceptional network of associations.
Théâtre de Vals, Château d'Aubenas, Place d'Antraigues, performance venues, media libraries, community centers: the events are varied and vibrant . You'll discover local and international artists, world music, socially engaged theater, independent films… The atmosphere is welcoming, the venues intimate. You don't just come to see a show, you share an experience.
A wide range of leisure activities
It's hard to get bored when nature becomes your vast playground . Hiking, mountain biking, canyoning, climbing, river swimming, horseback riding, cycling, treetop adventure courses… you're in a kind of outdoor paradise, as they say in good French. It has to be said that southern Ardèche was a pioneer in the culture of outdoor activities. You can feel it when you talk to the locals: it's not uncommon for the farmer in the hamlet to also be a canoe instructor or for the village schoolteacher to be a caving pro.
In this whole range of leisure activities, everyone will find their moment of happiness: whether you like thrills to the point of attempting an 8-meter jump into the Besorgues, or you prefer the calm of a photo outing with Simon Bugnon to go and meet the marvelous yellow-bellied toad... in any case you will make beautiful memories.
events worth the trip
A half-marathon that takes you from Aubenas to Antraigues via the summit of a volcano. A festival that immerses you in the cinemas of Europe for 10 days. A weekend in the heart of Jean Ferrat's village to celebrate French song and friendship. Village festivals that attract thousands of visitors to celebrate the sacred fruit of the Ardèche: the chestnut. A festival that successfully brings great classical musicians to unusual and isolated locations in the Secret Ardèche.
Whether it's the Ardèche Run , the Rencontres des Cinémas d'Europe , the Ferrat Festival , the Castagnades , the Katok Festival … and other unmissable events , it's also a good way to immerse yourself in the Secret Ardèche.
