TTF - Natural ups and downs

Tripping Through France - Chapter 2

France has a number of beautiful gorges, and we took a tour around one of them that was on our route.  The rock structure that allows a gorge to form can create a number of natural formations including high cliffs, caves, grottes, and canyons down to a river that may have caused rock erosion over the eons.  At least, these are features of the Gorges de l'Ardèche that we explored on this trip.

Thanks to Google Earth, Search, and Images, I will be able to explain more of what we saw on this trip than I understood at the time we were there.  I think knowledge behind the sights makes everything much more interesting.

La Guele d'Enfer

As I was happy just to be getting away from home responsibilities, I did not plan our trip, so I was pleasantly surprised by a few small detours, one being sections of this gorge.  We were surrounded by high cliffs, mostly limestone, although there are also basalt columns, such as this one called La Guele d'Enfer, which means Hell's Mouth.  Supposedly this whole area is steeped in legends, providing interesting stories today, but nobody seems to be putting this kind of info out into the cyber world.  This was still pretty awesome to see, though.

As we were following a winding cliff road high above the Ardèche River, we went through this pretty hole cut through the rock, and I caught a quick glimpse of an interesting mountain form I think is called the Cathedral (most web photos are from the other side).

Driving through the mountain

Cliffs, including the Cathedral, above the gorge

Grotte des Huguenots

Right on the side of this narrow road was this interesting looking grotte.  While the rock itself was pretty, it was the name that caught my attention.  A plaque calls it the Grotte des Huguenots.  The Huguenots were French Protestants during the 16th  century who were persecuted and massacred during the Wars of Religion.  Doc Leo's only claim to French ancestry just happens to have been one, thus the interest in this grotte.  According to history, it was used for religious services rather than as a dwelling.  We didn't know there was more to be explored, there really wasn't anywhere to leave the car, but I really like the striations on the rock, if nothing else.

Alpine Queen at the Pont d'Arc

Then we got to the object of this detour.  It's called Pont d'Arc (Arch Bridge), and it may be the largest natural bridge in Europe (I found conflicting info).  It's located right at a major bend in the river, a beautiful area, it must be really something to float under it from the vantage of a canoe.

It was pretty amazing to see, definitely worth the detour, and is apparently quite famous, although I sadly have never heard of it before.

A less adventurous Doc Leo enjoying the Pont d'Arc over the Ardèche River

As we aren't into water sports, I'm not familiar with all the best places to go, but this gorge is very popular for canoeing and kayaking, as it's not particularly difficult or dangerous since there are few rapids.

Enticing customers

Lining up to buy tickets

It was interesting to see how many opportunities there were to buy tickets and how the canoes were transported.

Ready for the next departure

Job done, back to get some more

Summer canoeing in the Gorge on the Ardèche River, a lovely vacation activity

Struggling over the rocks

I just happened to cross over a bridge right when this group was dragging their canoes down this very dry little stream.  It was funny to watch them struggle, but then I happened to catch them having succeeded!

Success!  Notice the tunnel on the left.

A pastoral view of nature

As we left the region to continue on our route, we passed this one last beautiful scene.  I love water in whatever natural state I come across it, so this particular section of our route was really delightful. 

Our next stop will be quite a different theme.

Remember, you can always tap a smaller picture to get an enlarged view.