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Les Rives de L'Ardèche

Ardèche, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
1 acre hosted by Alexandre M.
Secluded riverside camping in the tree-dotted valley of the upper Ardèche

Dramatic limestone gorges steal most of the tourist glory along the Ardèche River. The famous Pont d’Arc – a rock arch spanning some 60 metres over the river – is splashed across the visitor’s pamphlets and kayaking day-trippers pour down the river each the summer. Head upriver, however, into the quieter beginnings of the waterway and the scene is altogether different. Rocks and sandbars break up the space, making it unnavigable for canoes, and numerous waterfalls spill their way down the valley to form natural pools that are perfect for swimming. It is here, around five kilometres from the river’s source in the Massif Central, that Camping Les Rives de L'Ardèche is found.

Set along a gently curving riverbank, with its own little beach and paddling spot, Les Rives de L'Ardèche accommodates around 60 camping pitches along with a small clutch of static mobile homes. Three different tiers each provide a perfectly flat space for tents, while mature trees cast ample dappled shade (welcome during the midday heat of summer). While the best pitches are undoubtedly those right beside the river, being near the reception block has its rewards; there’s free Wi-Fi, an ice-pack freezer, a small shop and tourist information – plus you don’t have to walk far to collect your freshly baked croissants in the morning.

Beyond the on-site entertainment – pétanque, ping-pong, a playground and hours spent pool-hopping in the river – there’s plenty to do nearby. Walk into the local village of Mayres for a bite to eat or hike further into the hills behind the campsite. The surrounding area is all part of the Parc Naturel Régional des Monts d'Ardèche, an area particularly famed for its limestone caves and waterfalls. For the very best of the lot, though, leave the limestone behind and drive the 40 minutes north to Cascade du Ray Pic, where the River Bourges splashes its way over two ginormous waterfalls that have formed on a dark volcanic rock that was once the longest lava flow in all of France.

Activities
Biking
Fishing
Hiking
Horseback riding
Natural features
Cave
Forest
Lake
River, stream, or creek
Not currently accepting bookings on Hipcamp
More camping spots nearby
Location
Ardèche, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, FranceTraditional, ancestral territory of various First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Alexandre M.Joined in November 2017
From the host
Would you like to go camping in the beautiful Ardèche region of the South Of France? Les Rives de l'Ardèche is a campsite which represents great value for money and is situated on three shaded and tiered hectares (7.413 acres) of land. You may choose to rent one of campsites' mobile homes or bare tents (tents can be rented per day or per week: to know more, contact us) or use your own caravan or tent. Les Rives de l'Ardèche campsite is located in the heart of the beautiful Ardèche Valley just 10 kilometres from the mouth of the river and is situated in a 'no flooding' area. The campsite offers a peaceful environment for a quiet and tranquil sojourn in this beautiful area of the South of France. The French campsite is located circa 30 kilometers from Aubenas with the village of Mayres just a few minutes away.
Nearby attractions
The local village of Mayres is a delightful, if fairly sleepy, place. It's easily reached on foot from the campsite. Take a stroll up the road away from the river and 450m from the campsite entrance there is a footpath on your right which leads first through a field and then through the trees to the village. If you're really adventurous you could just rock hop your way down the river instead directly from the campsite. The town has a bakery, restaurants, post-office, a nice old church and town hall and there is also a horse-riding/trekking centre too, just outside of the village (ask at the campsite reception). If you feel you've exhausted the local walking routes and river fun, hop in the car and drive to the Ray Pic Waterfall (45 minutes), visit the ruined Château de Montlaur and le Château de Ventadour (0033 4 7538 0092) or head to renowned Pont d'Arc and the famous gorges to paddle down the best of the Ardèche River on one of the well-organised kayaking trips.
Food and drink
The campsite sells ice-creams and snacks and there is fresh bread delivered from the local bakery each morning (order the afternoon before). For everything else, walk or drive into Mayres (see above) where there are a couple of small restaurants and a bar.
Video
https://www.youtube.com/embed/_3swUAJxLiQ

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