What to see in France

Camping in the Ardèche, when the charm works

Paysage d'Ardèche
Paysage d'Ardèche

Located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, the Ardèche is one of the most forested departments in France. A real paradise for nature lovers, filled with preserved spaces, lakes and rivers, it is also a territory that conceals treasures such as medieval castles, caves, volcanic sites and picturesque villages. Camping in the Ardèche is a sure way to make beautiful discoveries.

Campsites in Ardèche

As far as accommodation is concerned, your stay in the Ardèche will be one of choice! Indeed, about 300 campsites in the Ardèche welcome you here for your holidays. Amongst these we recommend: the campsite La Plage Fleurie ***** on the banks of the river Ardèche, the campsite Bel Air Ardèche *** just a stone's throw from the Païolive wood and the campsite Domaine de Sevenier ***** on the top of a hill.

Discover the Ardèche during camping holidays

The majestic canyon of the Ardèche gorges, the magical concretions of the Orgnac cave or the famous Mont Gerbier de Jonc, at the foot of which the Loire rises, are undoubtedly must-sees in the Ardèche.

Discovered in 1994, the Chauvet cave is a wonder! Dating back to prehistoric times, and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this cave contains more than 1,000 engravings and paintings, including 425 representations of animals that are among the oldest in the world. In order to preserve it, the site is closed to the public but a replica of the cave has been open since 2015.

Classified as a Natura 2000 site, the ruins of the medieval fortress of Crussol Castle can be seen from afar thanks to its location on a rocky spur overlooking the Rhône valley and facing the town of Valence in the Drôme. It is on foot that one reaches it (30 minutes approximately) thanks to a path which takes along to the castle. From up there, you are rewarded by a grandiose landscape.

Another dome for sportsmen, Mount Mézenc, with its two peaks rising to over 1700 metres, is well worth climbing. Located in the heart of the Monts d'Ardèche Regional Nature Park, you will find not only an abundance of unusual flora (especially in spring) but also an exceptional panorama, from the orientation table, of the Alps, the Massif Central and the Rhône valley.

Another point of view on the Rhône valley, the Cévennes ardéchoises and the Alps, with the belvedere of the Pic, at 650 meters of altitude. It is located in Saint-Romain-de-Lerps and offers a 360 degree panorama. This place is really worth a visit!

Classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France, the small medieval town of Balazuc is perched on the heights of the Ardèche valley. You can stop to admire the feudal castle and the church of Sainte-Madeleine, then continue your walk through the lovely narrow streets with their vaulted passages, staircases and numerous arcades. There is even a beach here. A pleasant way to end your day is by cooling off in the river.

The village of Labeaume is situated on the river and at the foot of the limestone cliffs. To admire it before getting lost, go to the submersible bridge to enjoy a very nice view of the whole village. Then, you must walk inside the village and admire the Place du Sablas, the cobbled streets, the covered passages and other stone facades of this charming village.

 

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