Explore annonay, ardèche's hidden gems

Skip class a while and visit Annonay, from the Bernaudin school to the Van Gogh school.

The Big Ardèche Mountain-Bike Crossing runs from north to south, from Annonay to Bourg-Saint-Andéol, over more than 313km. If you like wide-open spaces, then this is a chance to see the Mézenc and Gerbier de Jonc Mountains, the Païolive Wood and the Ardèche Gorges. Up there, on the borders of the Ardèche and Haute-Loire regions, the foothills of the Massif Central will be your starting point for this adventure on the GTA VTT. Then it's on to the Ardèche mountains and their trails. Today, it's seen as a place of authenticity and freedom. Further south, people are happy to claim that they belong to the Cévennes Ardèche. And last but not least, you'll cycle through the southern Ardèche, the most highly-rated and coveted of the Ardèche regions, so full of treasures. Crossing the Parc naturel régional des Monts d'Ardèche, you'll set off for the Monts Mézenc and Gerbier de Jonc, the Tanargue massif, the Païolive wood and the Ardèche Gorges. You'll end up in the vineyards and orchards of the hillsides before reaching the banks of the Rhône. 313km in 7 stages in the heart of the Ardèche on the GTA VTT Stage 1: Annonay - Devesset: 58.3km Stage 2: Devesset - Les Estables: 47.5km Stage 3: Les Estables - Lanarce: 52.6km Stage 4: Lanarce - Montselgues: 39.5km Stage 5: Montselgues - Les Vans: 34.3km Stage 6: Les Vans - Vallon Pont d'Arc: 34.8km Stage 7: Vallon Pont d'Arc - Bourg-Saint-Andéol: 51.4km Note that there is a second start from Tournon-sur-Rhône to Devesset, a 105km variant in two stages: Stage 1 variant: Tournon-sur-Rhône - Saint-Félicien: 54.8km Stage 2 variant: Saint-Félicien - Devesset: 50.1km Signposting and layout of the GTA VTT The Grande Traversée de l'Ardèche VTT is signposted in the North > South direction. Signposting: FFC mountain bike signposting, red directional arrow on white background. The route is particularly suitable for mountain bikes or electrically-assisted mountain bikes. It mostly follows long-distance footpaths (GR4 and GR7). Terrain: Pebbles - Hard surface (tar, cement, flooring) - Earth Transporting luggage, bikes and people on the GTA VTT La Malle Postale accompanies you on the 7 stages from Annonay to Bourg-Saint-Andéol and can transport your luggage and mountain bikes between Annonay and Bourg-Saint-Andéol. Trains and stations to reach the GTA VTT - Saint-Etienne: TER 17 bus line Saint-Etienne-Annonay (40km) with free bike parking - St-Vallier-sur-Rhône: nearest train station is Annonay (23km) TER line Lyon / Avignon with free bike space - Pierrelatte: nearest station to Bourg-Saint-Andeol (6 km) TER line Lyon / Avignon with free bicycle parking. Routes linked to the Grande Traversée de l'Ardèche VTT - Via Fluvia (common section from Annonay to “Les Seux” - Boulieu-lès-Annonay) - Dolce Via (connection to Saint-Agrève) - ViaRhôna (connection to Bourg-Saint-Andéol)

This motorbike trail crosses Green Ardèche towards the Rhone valley with a panoramic view over the river.

This motorbike trail crosses Green Ardèche towards Lamastre, before going back via Saint-Agrève, Rochepaule, Lalouvesc and Annonay.

This motorbike trail to Mont Gerbier de Jonc at 1551m above sea level. This is a very popular spot in Ardèche because of its unusual shape and its extraordinary natural riches.

A motorbike trail leading to Antraigues-sur-Volane, home of the famous French singer, Jean Ferrat. The return to Annonay passes through Saint-Bonnet-le-Froid and the Vocance valley.

A beautiful ride towards the Cance valley with two fine viewpoints over the Rhone valley. Don't miss: the Cance gorges and the impressive, 39m-high Péréandre Rock - a "natural sculpture" standing apart at the river's edge.

This 45 km circuit will take you from discovery to discovery. First, in Boulieu, a recognisably medieval village, and then the Ternay dam, in its beautiful green setting. Other remarkable point of view, Saint Jacques d'Atticieux from where you will enjoy a magnificent view on the Rhône valley. This tour will also enable you to discover two jewels of our territory, the castle of Célestin (only the main facade because its a private property) and the Campo Santo of Saint-Cyr. Push the door which gives access to the church, you will be surprised !

"My God, the mountains are so beautiful!" - as Jean Ferrat, the famous French singer, once sang. Here's a chance to see why. At the exit of Annonay, in the direction of Le Puy, follow the Cance valley. Formerly, this river fed in energy numerous textile workshops.The activity disappeared and the river is now very frequented by fishermen. Arrived at the Baraques pass, where the river takes its source, take the direction of Lalouvesc. Few kilometers after the crossroads, take the direction of Saint-Pierre-sur-Doux. The road is narrow, sinuous, but she will enable you to discover magnificent landscapes along the valley of Doux. It will lead you up to La Chapelle sous Rochepaule, then Lalouvesc, by crossing charming undergrowth.

This motorbike tour crosses Green Ardèche via Saint-Bonnet-le-Froid. Beautiful views, particularly at the Charousse Pass.

Trachin Chapel is the town's oldest chapel, dating from the 14th century. It can be visited by request.

L'Air du Tan is a town guesthouse, next to Parchment and Leather centre housed in the last animal hide drying establishment in Annonay. 2 guest rooms. Room 1 (double bed), en-suite bathroom, WC. Family room 2 (double bed, 2 single bunks in alcove), en-suite shower room, WC. Free tour of museum for BetB guests. Lots to see and do in Annonay or nearby: Peaugres Safari Park, museums, hot-air balloons. Wine Route (Crozès Hermitage, Condrieu, St Joseph). Courses possible. Many restaurants nearby. Easy access on N82, St Etienne via Col de la République. Lyon and Valence 1 hour. 15km from Chanas exit off A7 motorway.

His privileged situation, at the heart of a residential area, unless 10 minutes of the city center, knew how to protect a haven of tranquillity. Closed private parking lot.

Fast food chain with burgers-fries, salads, desserts and milk shakes.

Accommodation and catering in an enclosed leafy park. Numerous work rooms. Bike-friendly approved.

The Jardins de Brogieux offer breathtaking views of the Alps. Created in the 18th century, these private gardens are laid out in French-style terraces embellished with ponds. Home to citrus trees, laurels and palms in Anduze vases, adorned with boxwoods

Old farm in the middle of nature. A self-catering gîte, available for rent on a self-catering basis, with a capacity of 15 beds, adjustable from 2 to 4 people per room, meeting room, swimming pool, 40 hectares of private woodland, on the edge of marked trails.

At 2km from the medieval village of Boulieu, this renovated holiday cottage is situated in a former stone farm in the middle of nature (field and wood).

Notice in carnivores : the restaurant is specialized in exceptional meats ... such as Black angus , dry old-looking beef, Boeuf Wagyu and old -fashioned cold meats typical of Ardeche area and home-cooked. Local cuisine "Around a meat" Cold meats home cooked. Simple, authentic and friendly.

The church's belltower catches the eye thanks to its multicoloured roof tiles in slate. The porch is remarkable every way and never fails to amaze visitors; it is known as the Campo Santo.

Statue of the two brothers : Etienne and Joseph de Montgolfier who realized in 1783 one of the old dreams of Man: rise and fly freely in the air thanks to the first flight of the hot-air balloon.

This park of almost 7,000 m2 features a magnificent formal garden around two ponds, as well as a wilder section. It is without doubt the town's most beautiful public park, listed in the "Parcs et Jardins de France". Before it became a public park, Mignot was a private garden. All of the town's current public parks are of private origin, as they are the result of the sale or donation of former estates surrounding middle-class villas, which had found themselves off-centre during the industrial revolution so as not to have to suffer the inconveniences of the latter (stench, for example). The Mignot family kept the garden for 150 years until 1943, when the town of Annonay acquired it and turned it into a public park (7 May). The park has kept the family name.

The church dates 1912 ( 1904-1912 ). It was previously situated place de la Liberté, since 584. It was destroyed to leave more space to the market and to facilitate the traffic.

Thanks to the illustrious Boissy d'Anglas, this old chapel of Notre-Dame de l'Aumône hospital, the first hospital of the city (1188), will become an official place of worship for the Protestants.

In Mayol square, you can see an ancient house of the 16th century adjoined by a tower (monogram on the balcony), and a very beautiful door studed in parecloses. The tower confers it a small medieval charm.

The Colonjon tower, just like the Martyrs tower, is one of the last vestiges of the old ramparts of the city.

This square is created in 1480 to leave more space to the market, place de la Liberté. Here will take place from now the grain market. The fountain dates 1726.

Trachin Chapel is the town's oldest chapel, dating from the 14th century. It can be visited by request.

Statue of the illustrious inventor, inaugurated by Alexandre Millerand in 1923, President of the Republic at that time.

Boissy d'Anglas bronze statue, illustrious Protestant lawyer appointed by the inhabitants of Ardèche to sit in the Constitution, was inaugurated in 1862.

For fans of raviolis, it's the best place

Sun-filled cuisine : pizzas, ravioles, pastas, paninis, salads ans new creation all the month Fresh products all the year ! Pizzas, ravioles, salads, paninis new : lyveat delivery on your workplace or at your home

Colors, spicy and spices : Tex Mex dishes.

Very nice adress where we cook fresh products to vary seasonally with finess. Think to make a reservation because the address is known. Traditional cooking, market cuisine.

Located in the heart of Annonay, let yourself be tempted by traditional French cuisine. Daily menu, evening and weekend menus, salads, burgers, à la carte dishes, homemade desserts, ice cream sundaes. Wine by the glass.

In summer, enjoy a fresh meal on the terrace, with the sound of running water in the background... Zen attitude.

Come and enjoy a delicious meal at the place where the first hot-air balloon took off!

Receipt in the Italian colors with a large choice in pizzas and pasta. Buono appettito!

Hotel situated in a traditional building in Annonay town centre near restaurants, bars and shops. Generous breakfast and overnight packages.

The agrotechnologique high school is situated near the city center of Annonay. The establishment proposes accommodations in free management, half board or full board.

L'Air du Tan is a town guesthouse, next to Parchment and Leather centre housed in the last animal hide drying establishment in Annonay. 2 guest rooms. Room 1 (double bed), en-suite bathroom, WC. Family room 2 (double bed, 2 single bunks in alcove), en-suite shower room, WC. Free tour of museum for BetB guests. Lots to see and do in Annonay or nearby: Peaugres Safari Park, museums, hot-air balloons. Wine Route (Crozès Hermitage, Condrieu, St Joseph). Courses possible. Many restaurants nearby. Easy access on N82, St Etienne via Col de la République. Lyon and Valence 1 hour. 15km from Chanas exit off A7 motorway.

His privileged situation, at the heart of a residential area, unless 10 minutes of the city center, knew how to protect a haven of tranquillity. Closed private parking lot.

Independant house with large garden in a very quiet neighbourhood.

Stone house of country, built by our family at the beginning of the 18th century, which opens on countryside. Very comfortable rooms which keep old charm. Delicious breakfasts.

Accommodation and catering in an enclosed leafy park. Numerous work rooms. Bike-friendly approved.

Bed and breakfast in a contemporary loft, located in a restored hangar combining modernity and tranquillity. 5 minutes from Annonay and 10 minutes from the Peaugres Safari. Ardèche cuisine and massage on request.

Situated in a quiet and raised place, near the playground, she is equiped by 6 spacious locations with equipment for draining and filling in drinking water.

Old farm in the middle of nature. A self-catering gîte, available for rent on a self-catering basis, with a capacity of 15 beds, adjustable from 2 to 4 people per room, meeting room, swimming pool, 40 hectares of private woodland, on the edge of marked trails.