Saint-Martin-D'ardèche: Hiking, River and Wine

Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche can be explored through several specific activities: a riverside bathing spot, trails with different route formats, a canoe trip and wine tastings. If you are looking for hotels in Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche, consider whether you want to spend your stay mainly by the water, on hiking trails or enjoying tastings.

Bathing Spot and Bathing Water

Plage du Grain de Sel is a riverside bathing spot and has been awarded the Pavillon Bleu label; the label status is reviewed regularly. At the end of 2023, bathing water quality was rated excellent. This rating was based on the average of the quality results from the four preceding years. Check the current seasonal notice before swimming.

For people with reduced mobility, the beach has a walkway and a Tiralo. Confirm the facilities and seasonal services locally before planning your visit.

Hiking Trails and Canoe Trip

The Sentier de la rando des Gorges de l'Ardèche is 24 km long in total and crosses the Réserve Naturelle des Gorges de l'Ardèche. It is a linear trail, not a circular route. Water levels and trail conditions can affect accessibility; check them before planning your hike.

Piboulette, by contrast, is an easy circular route. It passes Château du Bosquet and, on the return leg, follows the riparian forest along the quieter Ardèche, after the river has left the gorges. The practical difference is the route format: a 24-kilometre linear trail for the Sentier, and a loop for Piboulette.

There is also a clearly specified route on the water: canoe operators in Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche offer a 6 km downstream nature trip to Plage du Pont Cassé. Operators and route conditions can change; check the details before planning your trip.

Wine Tastings and E-Bike Tour

At Domaine de la Croix Blanche, cellar tours are followed by guided tastings of organic wines: Coteaux de l’Ardèche, Côtes du Rhône and Côtes du Rhône Villages Saint Andéol. A platter of local charcuterie and cheeses is included. The estate organically cultivates 22 hectares of vineyards and produces wines under the AOP Côtes du Rhône, Côtes du Rhône Villages Saint Andéol and IGP Ardèche designations. Booking arrangements can change; confirm the details in advance.

In the centre of Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche, Domaine Nicolas Croze offers cellar tastings of its Côtes-du-Rhône wines. The family winery, established four generations ago, produces Côtes du Rhône wines. VELŒnologie combines a guided e-bike tour with a wine tasting at Domaine de la Croix Blanche, attended by the winemakers. Availability and scheduling may change; check these if you want to include the tour in your stay.

History and Activities with Children

Château du Bosquet was built at the beginning of the 16th century and was once the summer residence of the bishops of Viviers. Children can try an orienteering course in Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche. Programme details may change; check the current offer before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Paul-Le-Jeune, Lavillatte, Peyraud, Savas, Châteauneuf-de-Vernoux, Planzolles, Saint-André-Lachamp, Davézieux

Return to the main travel overview: Ardèche.