Tracée sur les contours de l'ancien pays du Vivarais, l'Ardèche est avant tout une terre de contrastes.

Contraste climatique tout d'abord entre le Nord et le Sud du département, entre ses montagnes presque «alpines» et

ses chaudes garrigues méridionales, contraste paysager ensuite entre ses hautes collines verdoyantes et ses plateaux arides,

contraste socio-économique enfin entre ses landes désertées et sa surpopulation estivale...

The modern-day Ardèche follows the outline of France's ancient Vivarais region and is first and foremost a land

of contrasts. These are the contrast of climate, between the north and the south of the department, between the

almost 'Alpine' feel of its mountains and its warm southern garrigues; a contrast of landscape, between its green hills and

arid plateaus; and ultimately a socio-economic contrast, between its deserted heathlands and the crowds of summer

visitors...