Setting out to meet
a living land
The Ardèche, unspoilt
and within reach
Mas de Louise sits at the heart of one of France's most unspoilt territories — limestone gorges, hidden rivers, free-roaming wildlife, world-class prehistoric art. Here are the two experiences Louise organises to take you there, with the right people.
What the territory
has uniquely to offer
Two experiences selected by Louise with local providers she knows personally. Not tour operators — passionate people who live here and share their territory with the pride of those who would never leave it for anything.
The Ardèche lands
at the pace of a horse
A local equestrian provider comes to the Mas with his horses. Setting out from the estate, you traverse the vineyards and ridge paths overlooking the Coiron valley — a landscape you can only cross at this pace on horseback.
The ride is tailored on request: introduction for the youngest guests, half-day trek for experienced riders. Louise has known the provider for years — his horses are calm, and his territory he knows by heart.
The decorated caves,
36,000 years beneath our feet
The Ardèche is home to some of the most important prehistoric sites in the world. The Caverne du Pont d'Arc (official replica of Chauvet) is less than 40 minutes from the Mas — a full immersion into Aurignacian cave art, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Even closer: the Orgnac cave and Grotte Baume are accessible for a day visit. Louise recommends a guided tour with a local prehistorian for those who want to go beyond the standard visit — a completely different perspective on what you are seeing.
Further invitations
to explore
No particular organisation needed — explore at your own pace.
Canoe or kayak from Vallon-Pont-d'Arc to Saint-Martin. 30 km of limestone gorges, wild bivouacs, pebble beaches, sun. Equipment hire on site. 45 min from the Mas.
Aubenas on Saturday mornings, Privas on Wednesdays. Chestnuts, black truffles in season, plateau goat's cheese, natural Ardèche wines. Louise can share her favourite spots.
The Ardèche is one of France's most under-the-radar wine regions — granite syrahs, viogniers, basalt gamays. Several estates welcome visitors by appointment, 20 min from the Mas.
Prepare
your territory
Louise can organise the rides, book the visits, select the guides. Tell her what draws you to the Ardèche — she will build a programme made entirely for you.