Welcome to Ucel, the village where history leaves traces... of dinosaurs! Located a stone's throw from Aubenas, Ucel has a peaceful soul but a troubled past. Here, time stretches between the murmurs of the rivers, the high walls of the old mills and the fossilized footprints of gigantic visitors from another age.
It's a village where you can stroll, climb, cycle... and swim in unspoiled corners of paradise. Alone, as a couple, or with a group, Ucel offers you a beautiful Ardèche break, between nature, heritage and unexpected little gems.
Discover Ucel
A trip to the time of the giants
Only 5 km from Aubenas, Ucel has more than one trick up his sleeve : heritage, landscapes, clear water, secret trails and... dinosaurs. Yes, you read that right. Dinosaurs. And not just a few!
The Ucel geosite, opened in 2020 at Le Sartre, is a journey through geological eras. More than 300 dinosaur footprints are discovered there, revealed in the rock, like a thousand-year-old choreography frozen in time.
A viewing platform lets you admire all this without breaking your back, and the footprints are highlighted with paint to make observation easier (and avoid arguments about “no, but look, there’s a foot!”).
An ideal site for a family outing, as part of the "Prehistory, Milling and Landscape Interpretation" circuit. In short, you'll be walking in the footsteps of giants. Literally.
Silk and Whitewater Heritage
Before the dinos, well no... after the dinos, but before you: the mills ! Ucel, like many Ardèche villages, saw the silk industry flourish in the 19th century. tall chimneys and the wide windows spinning mills still betray the presence of this intense activity, installed in the valleys to take advantage of the water driving force.
Hilltop villages, alleys and surprises
Among the steep-sided valley of Sandron and the hamlets clinging to the wooded hills, Ucel is all about relief. The old village, with its stone houses, can be discovered by climbing cobbled streets (the famous calades). And suddenly, around a bend: theHermitage !
Walk, stroll, breathe
The shaded paths wind between hills, streams and small bridgesOn the agenda: gentle hikes, contemplation, blurry photos of squirrels.
And for those who love freshness, the “gours” (water holes in the rock) of Ardèche and Sandron serve as natural pools ideal for a wild and invigorating break.
The Via Ardèche passes through there!
Good news : the Via Ardèche crosses UcelThis quiet stretch of asphalt is perfect for a bike ride to the north or south of the territory.
Safety, scenery, a breeze in your hair and legs that move: the perfect combo to explore without rushing.
Things to see and do in Ucel
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Les Glaces de l’Ardèche
Shops
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Pump track -
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L’atelier de Moune
Shops
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A stroll under the full moon: Ucel -
Randonnée : L’Ermitage et site Paleontologique – Ucel
Moderate level
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See the route
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Bugnes Night -
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Soirée repas
Le 21 November 2026
Dinner
Sleeping in Ucel
Aire de service camping-car au camping de Gil
Motorhome service / reception area
