Campsite in the Ardèche Gorges

Perched on a plateau above Vallon-Pont-d'Arc, Domaine de Sévenier is a sustainable chalet village rather than a conventional campsite: 56 wood-built chalets spread across 15 acres of garrigue, vines and olive trees. Expect a heated outdoor pool with views over the valley, a wellness and spa area with sauna and treatments, and a restaurant serving Ardéchois produce. It is the only Les Castels estate in the Ardèche, and one of the few 5-star addresses this close to the Gorges — the entrance to the scenic route at Vallon-Pont-d'Arc is a 10-minute drive.

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Canoeing under the Pont d'Arc

Descending the Ardèche Gorges by canoe is the classic experience of the region. The most popular route starts near Vallon-Pont-d'Arc and passes directly beneath the Pont d'Arc before entering the nature reserve; you can paddle a short family-friendly stretch in half a day or take on the full 18-mile descent with an overnight stop at a riverside bivouac. Local operators provide equipment, safety briefings and minibus transfers back to your starting point, and the campsite team can help you book.

Chauvet Cave, hilltop villages and swimming spots

The Gorges are only the beginning. The Grotte Chauvet 2 replica, a short drive from the campsite, recreates the oldest known cave paintings in the world — some 36,000 years old — in remarkable detail. Explore the medieval lanes of Balazuc and Vogué, both listed among the most beautiful villages in France, browse the market in Ruoms, or simply find a pebble beach along the river for a swim in the clear, warm water of the Ardèche in summer.

By car, the estate is around 560 miles from Calais — a comfortable two-day drive down the A6/A7 with an overnight stop in Burgundy, where Les Castels' Château de l'Epervière makes a natural halfway point. By air, fly to Lyon, Marseille or Nîmes and drive to Lagorce in around two hours. By rail, take the Eurostar and TGV to Valence or Avignon TGV, then hire a car for the final 90-minute drive through the southern Ardèche.

When to visit the Ardèche Gorges

July and August bring the warmest river swimming and the liveliest village markets, while May, June and September offer quieter roads, lower prices and ideal conditions for canoeing and hiking. The scenic road above the Gorges, with its panoramic belvederes, is open year-round — and the vineyards around Lagorce are at their most beautiful during the September harvest.

Are the Ardèche Gorges suitable for a family holiday?

Very much so. Families can paddle the short canoe stretch under the Pont d'Arc, swim from the river beaches, visit the Grotte Chauvet 2 and enjoy the pool, playground and entertainment at the campsite.

What is there to do in the Ardèche Gorges besides canoeing?

Plenty. Drive or cycle the panoramic route along the top of the Gorges and stop at the belvederes, hike the trails of the nature reserve, try caving or climbing on the limestone cliffs, visit the Grotte Chauvet 2 and the Aven d'Orgnac cave, or explore hilltop villages such as Balazuc and Vogué — all within easy reach of a campsite near Vallon-Pont-d'Arc.

How many days do you need to visit the Ardèche Gorges?

You can see the highlights — the Pont d'Arc, the scenic route and a canoe descent — in two to three days, but a week at a campsite in the Gorges gives you time to add the caves, the villages, the markets and a few slow days by the pool or the river.

When is the best time to go camping in the Ardèche Gorges?

July and August are ideal for river swimming and family activities, while May, June and September offer warm weather, quieter canoe routes and lower prices. Most campsites in the area, including Domaine de Sévenier, are open from spring to early autumn.