Ardèche Hermitage

Activities

Steam train, rail-bike, safari, chocolate — experiences that mark a stay in Ardèche Hermitage.

This guide helps you explore the beautiful Ardèche Hermitage. Distances from La Grange de la Chouette, our renovated farmhouse near Saint-Félicien, designed for groups.

Steam train, rail-bike and Peaugres safari — three experiences everyone remembers. Around them, the Cité du Chocolat, cellars and markets fill the days effortlessly.

Book ahead in high season for the train and rail-bike.

Train
Vélorail
Safari

🚂 Expérience signature · 30 min

Train à Vapeur « Le Mastrou »

The region's iconic experience. A historic steam train that climbs through the Doux Gorges between Tournon and Lamastre. Viaducts, tunnels and spectacular landscapes. Many visitors combine it with lunch in Lamastre. Bikes are accepted on some trains.

~2h par trajet · Gare de Tournon (30 min) · Réservation recommandée

⭐ Incontournables

Sorties signature

Vélorail
1h30–2h3020–25 minRésa obligatoire

Doux Gorges Rail-bike

Fun and spectacular. Pedal on the old railway line suspended above the Doux. Tunnels and viaducts in the heart of deep gorges.

Each rail-bike accommodates 4 to 5 people — ideal for groups. Spots sell out very quickly.

Peaugres Safari Park
35–40 minDemi-journéeFamille

Peaugres Safari Park

The largest wildlife park in the region — over a thousand animals on 80 hectares. Drive-through safari to see bears and giraffes, then walking route for big cats, monkeys and penguins.

Plan at least half a day. Book online. Picnic areas and catering on site.

🍫 Escales gourmandes

Chocolat & vin

Deux fiertés locales, côte à côte à Tain-l’Hermitage. Easys à combiner dans une même sortie.

Cité du Chocolat
2–3h30 min

Cité du Chocolat Valrhona

Interactive space dedicated to chocolate in Tain-l'Hermitage. Tastings, workshops and historic shop — a favorite stop for enthusiasts.

Caves
1–2h par cave25–40 min

Caves & dégustations

Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, Saint-Joseph, Cornas. Cellar visits, tastings and stunning views of terraced vineyards.

Guide vin détaillé →

Château de Tournon

🏰 Patrimoine · 25 min

1–2hCulture

Château-Musée de Tournon

Medieval castle overlooking the Rhône, listed as a Historic Monument. Art and history museum, hanging gardens and exceptional panorama of the Hermitage vineyards and valley.

Tournon-sur-Rhône · 25 min · Ouvert toute l’année

Au quotidien

💦

Baignade

Plan d’eau de Retourtour, 30 min

Guide →

🛒

Marchés

Chaque jour un village s’anime

Jours & villages →

🥾

Balades

Easy walks along the Doux

Guide →

Quand y aller ?

🌸

Spring

Équilibre idéal entre météo douce et ouverture des attractions.

☀️

Été

Haute saison ; réservation fortement recommandée.

🍂

Autumn

Vendanges et atmosphère plus calme.

❄️

Winter

Train fermé ; caves et Chocolat restent ouverts.

Continuer l’exploration

Go Further

Activities are only part of the experience. Here are the others.

Your Basecamp

La Grange de la Chouette

All activities are less than 40 minutes away. Come back, settle in, enjoy the group — the house is made for it.

Learn More

Office de tourisme

The Ardèche Hermitage Tourist Office is a goldmine for discovering markets, events and outing ideas.

ardeche-hermitage.com