The Pont d’Arc: Europe’s largest natural arch, neighbour of Chauvet Cave

Some landscapes take your breath away at first sight. The Pont d’Arc is one of them: a gigantic stone arch 54 metres high, sculpted by the river over millennia, spanning the Ardèche in a setting of cliffs and garrigue. It is Europe’s largest natural arch — and, a further wonder, on its heights it shelters another world treasure: Chauvet Cave. Two masterpieces, one of nature, the other of humanity, united in one place. About fifty minutes from Mas Saint Antoine, here is our guide.

The Pont d’Arc, a monument sculpted by water

The Pont d’Arc is a natural arch located in the commune of Vallon-Pont-d’Arc, about 5 km from the village centre. Its dimensions are impressive: 54 metres high and nearly 60 metres wide. It is quite simply Europe’s largest natural arch, and one of the largest in the world.

What makes it unique: it is the only case in France of a stone arch overhanging a still-active river. Nicknamed the “natural gateway” to the gorges, it marks the start of the famous Ardèche canyon.

How was the Pont d’Arc formed?

The story of the Pont d’Arc is a wonderful lesson in geological patience. Originally, the Ardèche river traced a large meander here, a winding loop. Over hundreds of thousands of years (the arch is dated to at least 500,000 years), the water, laden with pebbles, gradually carved the limestone at the narrowest point of the loop. Until the day it pierced the rock right through, abandoning its old course to pass straight under the new arch. The Pont d’Arc is thus the magnificent result of this persistence of water — and it too is destined, one distant day, to keep evolving.

For millennia, this natural bridge served as a crossing for people and animals over the river. A presence so strong in the landscape that it gave its name to the village, then to the whole department.

Two wonders side by side: the Pont d’Arc and Chauvet Cave

This is where the place becomes absolutely exceptional. On the heights of the combe overlooking the Pont d’Arc lies the entrance to Chauvet Cave, the world’s oldest decorated cave, with its 36,000-year-old paintings. This is no coincidence: our prehistoric ancestors, tens of thousands of years ago, already lived at the foot of this spectacular arch. The Pont d’Arc was no doubt for them, as for us, a major landmark in the landscape.

Thus, in one and the same place, stand two exceptional wonders: one shaped by nature (the arch), the other by human genius (the paintings). The original cave is closed forever to protect it, but its replica can be visited nearby. To understand it all, read our article on the incredible discovery of Chauvet Cave and our practical guide to Chauvet Cave 2.

What to do at the Pont d’Arc?

The site is freely accessible all year round, and there is no shortage of activities:

• Admire the arch: you can already see it from the road (D290), but the best is to go down to the banks.
• Swim: the beach at the foot of the Pont d’Arc is one of the most popular swimming spots in summer, with an unobstructed view of the arch.
• Go canoeing: this is where the gorges descents begin. Passing under the arch by canoe, then continuing the 24 km of the canyon to Saint-Martin-d’Ardèche, is an unforgettable experience.
• Hike and enjoy the area’s viewpoints.

Tip: in summer, the crowds are heavy. Come early in the morning or late in the day to enjoy the site in the best conditions (and to find a parking space).

A wonder 50 minutes from Mas Saint Antoine

The Pont d’Arc is located at the entrance to the Ardèche gorges, about fifty minutes from Mas Saint Antoine. It is a must-see stop on any stay in the region, to combine with discovering Chauvet Cave 2 and the gorges descent. Find our accommodations on the our cottages in the Ardèche page, and all our ideas in Le Mag du Mas.

In conclusion

1. The Pont d’Arc is a natural arch 54 m high and ~60 m wide, the largest in Europe.
2. Carved by the Ardèche river into the limestone over at least 500,000 years, it is the “gateway to the gorges”.
3. On its heights lies Chauvet Cave: two wonders, nature and prehistory, side by side.
4. Swimming, canoeing, hiking: the site is freely accessible, very popular in summer (come early).
5. 50 min from Mas Saint Antoine, to combine with Chauvet Cave 2 and the gorges descent.

A giant arch sculpted by water, and just above it the oldest museum in the world: the Pont d’Arc and Chauvet Cave form one of the most beautiful duos that nature and history have ever brought together. A must-see from Mas.

✍️ Article written by Bernard Favre, owner of Mas Saint Antoine.