Camping in Ardèche

Deep gorges, steep cliffs, dense chestnut forests and hidden valleys where time has stood still: the Ardèche department offers everything you need for an unforgettable camping holiday in one of France's most impressive regions. At PiNCAMP you will find the most beautiful campsites in the Ardèche.

Popular campsites in the Ardèche region

In the region between Vallon-Pont-d'Arc and Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche, there are a number of camping villages with pitches for caravans, motorhomes and tents. You can also stay in rented accommodation at most of the sites. The following campsites receive many good reviews from other campers on PiNCAMP.

Camping Arleblanc

Beautiful 4-star campsite by the water and ADAC tip. Camping Arleblanc is located in the southern Ardèche directly at the entrance to the Beaume Gorge, close to the sleepy village of Joyeuse. The pitches for caravans and motorhomes are shaded by pine trees. If you are going on holiday without a motorhome, you can also stay in the heated chalets or mobile homes with air conditioning.

Sunêlia Le Ranc Davaine

The fantastic 5-star family campsite Sunêlia Le Ranc Davaine is also located directly on the riverbank. There is also water fun to be had in the huge water park with two swimming pools, indoor pool, water slides and paddling pool for children. All pitches have electricity and can accommodate up to six people. The well-equipped mobile homes with kitchenette, several bedrooms and air conditioning are also very popular.

Camping La Roubine

Not far from Vallon Pont d'Arc at the entrance to the Ardèche gorges is another highly recommended 5-star campsite, Camping Le Roubine. Thanks to the water playground, children's entertainment and the numerous children's playgrounds, children in particular can enjoy an unforgettable holiday in a fantastic natural setting. Meanwhile, you can relax in the excellent wellness area with massages, in the sauna or on the sun terrace.

Camping Vieux Vallon

Close to the famous Pont d'Arc stone bridge in the heart of the Ardèche, this great family campsite offers fantastic views of the gorge. The site is one of the smallest camping villages in the region and boasts an intimate, family atmosphere. The site has a swimming pool, children's playground and a grocery shop. Right next door, you can book guided canoe tours and explore the Ardèche on the water. General information about camping in the Ardèche

The mountains and gorges of the Ardèche, Beaume and Chassezac rivers make camping holidays in the Ardèche department an unforgettable experience. The campsites for holidaymakers are mostly located in the green heart of the Ardèche, between wooded hills and in the middle of a nature reserve. The territory of the "Parc Naturel Régional des Monts d'Ardèche" covers over 180,000 hectares and includes 132 municipalities.

During your camping holiday in the Ardèche, there are numerous campsites available for spontaneous or planned visits. The holiday facilities are extremely varied and very close to nature. They range from luxurious 5-star campsites to family-orientated campsites where dogs are also welcome. Nature lovers in particular get their money's worth in the region and can look forward to a top-class nature holiday.

The campsites generally offer grass pitches. Deciduous and pine trees provide valuable shade in summer temperatures. Many of the pitches are also located on the banks of a river, so nothing stands in the way of a quick dip in the cool water. If you want to relax, you can go fishing at sunrise or enjoy a Vin de Pays des Côteaux de l'Ardèche in the evening.

The number of mobile homes on offer in the region is growing every year and is popular with campers without motorhomes. Services such as single or double beds, comprehensive kitchen areas, baby kit, final cleaning and provision of bed linen against a deposit make it easier for families in particular to plan their holiday. The cost per night is based on the facilities. New forms of accommodation that are becoming increasingly popular are bungalow tents, hire caravans or cosy cabins.

The range of leisure activities on offer is also impressive. Many campsites offer excursions to the natural beauty of the inland. Canoe tours on the Ardèche or its tributaries, which offer unique views of the landscape characterised by steep gorges, are particularly popular. Sports facilities and wellness areas round off the leisure activities. In addition, many camping villages have established children's clubs, which ensure a good time for young and old alike.

How to get to the Ardèche

Even the journey by car, motorhome or motorbike from Germany is exciting, as you pass through Liechtenstein, Switzerland and Italy on the most beautiful route. Depending on where you start, you will be travelling for many hours, which is why an overnight stay halfway along the route is a good idea. The best way to get there is of course with your own campervan, as you can then take a break exactly where you want. A stop in French-speaking Switzerland or Italian Turin is recommended. Travellers from Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland benefit from the proximity to the French border and can easily cover the 750 km in one day.

Destinations in the Ardèche

The Ardèche is particularly famous for its scenic diversity. This is why people like to combine nature experiences with sightseeing. The riverbanks of Beaume and Chassezac are particularly worth seeing. Privas, the main town in the department, has numerous attractions. A proud 13 villages in the Ardèche department also bear a special quality label - villages with charm and character. A visit to is particularly worthwhile:

Labeaume

Les Labeaumoises is the name given to the almost 700 inhabitants of the municipality. Built into the slope of the Gorges de la Beaume, the village square is located directly on the River Beaume. Here you can enjoy a wonderful swim and sunbathe, which is why a visit is a highlight for many campers. We also recommend a hike from the square to the small village, where you can marvel at the pretty architecture.

Vogüé

With around 1,000 inhabitants, the village is considered very idyllic. This is further emphasised by its location on a limestone cliff face. The mighty 17th century castle towers over the heart of the community, which is characterised above all by winegrowing. Changing art exhibitions invite visitors to the listed historic centre of Vogüé. A visit to the Romanesque chapel in the Château de Vogüé is a must for holidaymakers. Long walks through the alleyways are ideal for romantics.

Privas

Privas is a little-known town in the region, although it is the main town in the department. The town is also the gateway to the Monts d'Ardèche Regional Nature Park. In the past, Privas was known as the capital of the Huguenots.

The Gorges of the Ardèche

The great gorge of the Ardèche is undoubtedly the region's main attraction. The canyon winds for almost 30 kilometres from Vallon Pont d'Arc to Saint Martin d'Ardèche in the south of the department and offers a unique natural spectacle. Every year, thousands of holidaymakers travel along the river by canoe or kayak. No less attractive are the hiking trails that lead from the riverbank up to the high plateaus and give you completely new perspectives.

Pont d'Arc

The Pont d'Arc is a 30 metre high rock arch located in the municipality of Vallon Pont d'Arc and marks the entrance to the Ardèche Gorge. The impressive rock formation stretches across the river like a natural stone bridge and makes for a wonderful photo opportunity. There are also numerous sandy beaches at the foot of the bridge where you can relax and unwind.

Balazuc

The pretty little town of Balazuc is perched high on a rock above the Ardèche and is one of the most beautiful villages in France. The best way to explore the winding alleyways of the charming old town is on a long walk. You can also take the opportunity to visit the many protected monuments, including the Romanesque church of Sainte-Madeleine. You can also go swimming here, as there is a beautiful beach on the riverbank.

Top 5 sights

• Escale Aventure: A trip to one of the stalactite caves such as the Grottes de Saint-Marcel-d'Ardèche is spectacular. These are magical worlds that can be explored together with a tour guide.
• Silk museum in Largentière: Silk was produced in the region at the time of the French Revolution. Mulberry trees and silkworms helped make the region rich and you can still see the golden trees today.
• Parc Naturel Régional des Monts d'Ardèche: The 6th nature park in the Rhône-Alpes region is an impressive nature reserve covering 132 municipalities. Safe and beautiful hiking routes lead through the picturesque villages.
• Largentière: The Romans mined lead here, which is why the former mines are still visible. The historic town centre makes for impressive photographs and the narrow alleyways are perfect for exploring.
• Ardèche and Loire spring: Natural springs of the Ardèche and Loire rivers await you on the highest mountains of the Ardèche. Here you can have a wonderful picnic and sunbathe with the whole family.

Top 2 insider tips

• Weekly markets: Holidaymakers can experience a special atmosphere at the small markets, which are only open until 12 noon. The best time to visit is in the hot months of July and August.
• Caves: The Chauvet Grotto was discovered on 18 December 1994 in Vallon Pont d'Arc and has 32,000-year-old wall paintings. The real cave is not open to the public. However, there is a replica, the Grotte Chauvet-2, right next to it.

Activities and excursions

The region east of the Cévennes is one of the most impressive natural landscapes in France. Natural river courses and chestnut forests offer the ideal activity area for active holidaymakers and outdoor fans. Numerous hiking trails lead inland and make you want to go on extensive exploratory tours. Many holidaymakers take advantage of the proximity to nature around the campsites in the Ardèche and go on extensive cycling tours. Climbing and fishing are also high on the list of leisure activities.

Canoeing and paddling on the Ardèche

The Gorges de l'Ardèche gorge is the perfect spot for water sports enthusiasts and tours on the water. Depending on your preference, you can spend a few hours on the water or cross the entire gorge in three days. The Pont d'Arc is a good starting point and is ideal for relaxing on the banks of the river. You can usually book guided tours directly at the campsite of your choice.

Fishing and swimming

At the lakes and rivers of the Ardèche region, you can unwind and enjoy the marvellous surroundings in peace. White fish, giant carp and trout bite here and are perfect for the barbecue at the campsite. On nice days, the waters are of course also perfect for swimming.

Cycling and mountain biking

A well-developed network of cycle paths will delight cyclists of all ages and sporty mountain bikers will also get their money's worth. Special routes for mountain bikes run through the mountains and hills of the Ardèche. You can hire suitable bikes at almost all campsites. So you don't have to take them with you in your camper.

Hiking, mountaineering and trekking

The limestone gorges of the rivers, lonely mountain peaks and the densely overgrown high plateaus make the Ardèche a great area for exploring on foot. Hiking through the Ardèche gorge is a real adventure. There are also a number of beautiful circular hiking trails and opportunities to climb the mountains. A day trip to the Tanargue massif is recommended for trekking enthusiasts. The mountain range reaches up to an altitude of 1,500 metres and offers an unforgettable view of the region.

events

June

• Festival Aluna: A modern festival in Ruoms for music fans of techno, hip-hop and more attracts tens of thousands of people every year.
• L' Ardéchoise : More than 15,000 cyclists gather for the international cycling event. There are various courses and activities for every fitness level.

July

• Le Festival d'Alba: In the historic setting of the town, the festival attracts visitors with exciting circus shows. Artists and entire circus troupes present their skills to a wide audience.
• Festival International des Arts: Concerts and exhibitions delight visitors to the art festival in Saint-Agrève. Bilberry Festival The colourful programme of the festival in Péreyres, which is also accompanied by an art market, revolves around the bilberry.

August

• Désaignes Medieval Festival: Known far beyond the city limits of Désaignes, the medieval festival delights visitors with knights' games in a historical setting, equestrian parades and much more. Fun for the whole family.
• Labeaume en Musiques Festival: This music festival, which presents music in complete harmony with nature, has been organised in the south of the region since 1997.

Gastronomy

The culinary delights of France are world-famous and should not be missed when camping. In the morning, a fresh baguette with pâté or honey from the Monts d'Ardèche will delight you with its delicious chestnut flavour. Chestnuts are served with food in every form, whether in soup, as nutty bread or in cheese. Typical dishes in the restaurant not far from the campsite include civet de lapin (rabbit), as well as beef, lamb and fish. It is French custom to savour several courses, but dessert is never left out. Apple or blueberry tart, ice cream, profiteroles or chestnut cream with whipped cream are considered unforgettable.

In the Ardèche, the olive plays a leading role and there are several mills producing the aromatic oil. The spicy fruit of the olive tree is often used in sausage specialities and freshly baked olive bread is also heavenly. You shouldn't miss a visit to the oil mill, for example Moulin des Gorges in Vallon-Pont-d'Arc.

Best time to go on a camping holiday in the Ardèche

The sun is an inseparable part of the Ardèche region, which is why holidaymakers love to come back time and time again. Located in the south of France, it is one of the most popular holiday destinations, not far from Provence and the coastal towns. The best time to go camping in the Ardèche is from the beginning of June to the end of September. It tends to be cooler and wetter from November to January, which is why camping holidaymakers should stick to the summer months.

The Mediterranean climate of the southern Ardèche favours day trips such as hiking tours or relaxing with the whole family by the riverside. The northern part can be harsher, especially if you are a hiker exploring the higher altitudes. However, the wide-ranging Ardèche offers a suitable area for every taste, depending on the activities you are planning.