Campsite Ardèche

Set atop a hill in Lagorce, Domaine de Sévenier & Spa is a 5-star rental estate of 56 eco-friendly chalets — no tent or caravan pitches — with a heated outdoor pool, a wellness centre on a panoramic terrace overlooking the Gorges and the Ibie valley, and a gastronomic restaurant. Rated 9.45/10 by 435 verified guests, it combines glamping comfort with one of the finest settings for camping in the south of France. Book direct with no booking fees and flexible conditions.

• A heated outdoor pool with paddling pool for children
• A wellness centre with jacuzzi, barrel sauna and massage treatments, on a panoramic terrace overlooking the gorges and the Ibie valley
• The gastronomic restaurant La Table de Seibel, plus bar, pizzeria and ice cream parlour
• A playground, mini-club during the summer holidays, mini-golf, pétanque and a bike park
• Selected dog-friendly chalets, including three disability-friendly units

Camping in the Ardèche at a glance:

• Region: southern Ardèche, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, around the Gorges and Vallon-Pont-d'Arc
• Our campsite: Domaine de Sévenier & Spa, 5-star rental estate in Lagorce — 2.5 miles from the Ardèche Gorges, 10 minutes from Vallon-Pont-d'Arc
• Accommodation: 56 eco-friendly chalets with air conditioning — no tent or caravan pitches
• Facilities: heated outdoor pool, spa and wellness centre, gastronomic restaurant La Table de Seibel
• Guest rating: 9.45/10 from 435 verified reviews (Camping2Be)
• Getting there: fly to Nîmes, Avignon, Marseille or Lyon (55–125 miles), or drive ~590 miles from Calais
   

Camping near the Ardèche Gorges puts Europe's most spectacular canyon on your doorstep. Stretching for some 20 miles, the Gorges are something you will quickly discover from a campsite near the Chauvet cave, home to the oldest decorated cave ever found. Climb the limestone cliffs, follow the footpaths of the Protected Nature Reserve with the whole family, or simply take in the view from the panoramic belvederes along the tourist road — the walking trails through the garrigue are equally rewarding with a dog on the lead.

Canoeing and kayaking on the Ardèche river

Descending the river by canoe is the classic Ardèche experience. From Vallon-Pont-d'Arc, the mini descent (about 5 miles) passes directly beneath the stone arch of the Pont d'Arc and suits families with children from around age 7, while the full descent of the Gorges (roughly 20 miles) can be paddled in one long day or split over two with a night at a riverside bivouac. Hire companies in Vallon-Pont-d'Arc provide canoes, kayaks, waterproof barrels and the return shuttle; the season runs from April to October, with water levels at their gentlest in high summer.

The Ardèche counts several of the officially listed "most beautiful villages in France" — a delight for heritage and history enthusiasts, all within a short drive of your campsite. During your holiday, allow time for Vallon-Pont-d'Arc, the gateway to the Ardèche Gorges and a centre of prehistory. From there, wander the narrow medieval streets of Balazuc, perched high above the river with panoramic views of the valley, before heading on to Saint-Montan, Banne or Ruoms. All are within easy reach of our campsite in Lagorce — itself just 10 minutes from Vallon-Pont-d'Arc.

The generous cuisine de of the Ardeche

The Ardèche table is hearty and proudly local — exactly what you want after a day on the river or the trails. Try the crique, a crisp golden potato cake, or the bombine, a slow-cooked dish from the region's farming tradition, paired with a glass of Ardèche wine from the vineyards around Lagorce. And leave room for the department's signature: chestnut cake and crème de marrons, made from the Ardèche chestnut, which holds its own AOP. Back at the campsite, the restaurant La Table de Seibel brings these specialities to the table without leaving Domaine de Sévenier.

The Ardèche is a department in south-eastern France, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, stretching from the Rhône valley in the east to the foothills of the Cévennes in the west. Its most visited corner — the Gorges, the Pont d'Arc and Vallon-Pont-d'Arc — lies about 590 miles from Calais. Most British visitors fly to Nîmes, Avignon, Marseille or Lyon (55 to 125 miles from the Gorges) and hire a car, or take the Eurostar and TGV to Avignon or Valence. 

> Book a campsite in the Ardèche

When to go camping in the Ardèche

The southern Ardèche enjoys a Mediterranean climate: hot, dry summers with temperatures regularly above 30°C in July and August, and mild, bright shoulder seasons. May, June and September offer warm days, quieter riverbanks and easier canoe bookings — ideal if you are travelling without school-age children. Domaine de Sévenier's heated outdoor pool and spa extend the season comfortably into spring and autumn.

What is camping like in the Ardèche?

The southern Ardèche is one of France's most popular camping regions, with sites concentrated around Vallon-Pont-d'Arc and the Gorges. Les Castels offers a different take: Domaine de Sévenier & Spa is a 5-star rental estate of 56 chalets on a quiet hilltop in Lagorce — the setting and outdoor life of an Ardèche campsite, without tents, caravans or crowds along the riverbank.

Where is the Ardèche in France?

The Ardèche is in south-eastern France, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, west of the Rhône valley between Lyon and Avignon. Its famous Gorges lie in the south of the department, near Vallon-Pont-d'Arc.

Is the Ardèche good for a family holiday?

Yes. The mini canoe descent under the Pont d'Arc suits children from around age 7, the Gorges offer easy marked walks, and Domaine de Sévenier provides a paddling pool, playground and mini-club during the summer holidays.

Can you swim in the Ardèche river?

Yes, there are supervised and popular bathing spots along the river in summer, including the beach beneath the Pont d'Arc. Water shoes are recommended, as the riverbed is pebbly.

Which airport is best for the Ardèche?

Nîmes and Avignon are the closest (around 55–60 miles from the Gorges), with Marseille Provence and Lyon Saint-Exupéry offering the widest choice of UK flights. All have car hire on site; the drive to Lagorce takes between 1 hr 15 and 2 hrs 15.

Do I need a car in the Ardèche?

A car is strongly recommended. Public transport in the Gorges area is limited, and a car lets you reach the belvederes, villages and canoe bases easily.