Annonay is one of the most vibrant towns in the Ardèche, with a unique history that you’ll love to discover. In fact, Annonay was a thriving town in the Middle Ages, built at the heart of seven hills, including La Cance and La Deûme.
Thanks to its rich heritage, this town remains a stopover for pilgrims traveling through France. During your stay, you can explore the remnants of the trades that once brought prosperity to the town (tanners, cloth merchants, shops, and artisans of all kinds). If you’re planning a trip to this unique town in the Ardèche, this article highlights the best activities to ensure you leave Annonay with unforgettable memories.
Explore Annonay: a town with a stunning heritage
Start your stay with a tour of the city, which has plenty to offer. Annonay is the birthplace of the hot air balloon! It was here that the Montgolfier brothers developed this uniquely innovative means of flight. You’ll naturally find plenty of guided tours and guides who will be happy to recount all the key events associated with each part of the city. You can even take a trip to Davézieux (5 km from Annonay) to visit the brothers’ birthplace, which has now become the Canson & Montgolfier Paper Museum.
We recommend starting your exploration in the historic heart of the city and venturing into its narrow streets. You’re sure to come across unique buildings that tell the story of Annonay’s rich history.
Don’t forget to stop by the Dumas tannery, which still produces a wide variety of products today, such as parchment, throws, cushions, rugs, and more. Interestingly, this tannery still supplies the drums for the Republican Guard! It’s a remarkable place where you can learn all about the craftsmanship of the artisans of yesteryear.
A short hot-air balloon ride to honor the two inventors
Continue exploring Annonay by paying tribute to the two inventors of the hot air balloon! Annonay naturally offers hot air balloon rides that let you admire not only the town but also the landscapes of the Northern Ardèche region. To experience this, head to Déomas Park at first light for a spectacle you’ll remember for a lifetime.
You’ll have the chance to help set up the hot air balloon by assisting with the setup, including preparing the basket, rolling out the balloon, conducting initial functionality tests, and more. Then, all that’s left is to enjoy your well-deserved flight for a few dozen minutes! The icing on the cake is that you’ll receive a flight certificate attesting to your skills as a pilot.
Treat yourself to a round of golf at Domaine de St Clair for a well-deserved break
What could be better than a round of golf to unwind and recover from the excitement of the day? It’s also a great opportunity to get some exercise while taking in the unique landscapes of the Ardèche—and hitting a few balls while you’re at it. For this, we recommend visiting the Domaine de St Clair, an exceptional venue offering a wide range of high-end amenities, including luxurious rooms, a relaxation area with a spa, hammam, and pools, and a refined restaurant.
For those with no golf experience, don’t worry! Domaine St Clair offers introductory lessons to help you develop a masterful swing under the guidance of certified professionals. Golf in the Ardèche can be a unique activity to enjoy between days of exploring Annonay.
Continue your stay with a few hikes around Annonay
For lovers of lush green landscapes, the Cance Valley is the place to go. There, you can admire lush vegetation that’s beautiful year-round. And that’s not all—you’ll come across several sights worth seeing, such as the Marc Seguin footbridge, a few buildings that bear witness to Annonay’s industrial past, and the Péréandre Rock, a 39-meter-high monolithic rock.
For a slightly more challenging hike, you might want to try the Mer de Glace hike. You’ll start your journey by heading to the Ruisseau de la Masse, which you can cross at certain times of the year. If you manage to cross it, you’ll be off on a 2.5-hour hike that will give you a bit of a challenge with its varied terrain dotted with rocks of all kinds. But the effort is well worth it, as you’ll have the chance to cross meadows, take in the views from high vantage points, or stroll through the woods.
Enjoy the region’s cuisine by dining at Annonay’s best restaurants
Annonay invites you to sample a wide variety of Occitan specialties. The region boasts a rich culinary heritage that showcases wild blueberries, cured meats, and chestnuts. Don’t forget that the Ardèche also produces its own wines (Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Le Chatus, etc.), which you can discover by visiting the region’s restaurants or directly at the nearby wineries and cellars.
Domaine St Clair invites you to discover the region’s specialties through its menu, carefully crafted by the establishment’s chefs. To do so, head to Restaurant le W at Domaine St Clair to enjoy cuisine that is both refined and creative. The restaurant uses only fresh, local ingredients to create dishes that will delight your taste buds. On the menu, you’ll find, among other things, smoked duck, chicken fillet en croûte, pollock fillet, slow-cooked pork tenderloin, and plenty of other creations to discover!
We also recommend taking a trip to Joyeuse, a small village known for its macarons, which date back to the 16th century. These cookies are made with almonds and hazelnuts. The village artisans prepare their macarons using a recipe that’s hundreds of years old!
Now you have plenty of interesting activities to try during your stay in Annonay. If you’re still unsure about where to stay, check out the Domaine de St Clair website, which offers all the comforts you need for a wonderful stay. You’ll find a wide selection of rooms, tastefully decorated and furnished to ensure your complete enjoyment.
