After a few summers of caravanning in the beautiful Dordogne, we fancy trying somewhere new this year and have settled on the Ardeche.
I'm looking for somewhere not too big (less than 200 pitches), spacious pitches, with a pool but fairly quiet. That is, I don't really want evening or children's entertainment. A site next to the river would be lovely, but realise that may be going some!
I've looked at a lot of sites, but they all look pretty busy (with the entertainment) during July and August.
Does anyone know of any hidden gems?
Any feedback would be appreciated.
Many thanks,
Rachel
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
You might like Camping Le Pequelet at Salavas, which is on the Ardeche on the 'less busy'side and doesn't (I think) organise entertainment and has just sixty pitches. But if it's a worry then I would ask in any booking email.
I think they do organise things like canoe trips, horse riding, etc., (as do most sites in the Ardeche) but most of this will be low-key.
Edit - I don't know when you are planning to go, but if you go outside peak school holidays then many sites don't have an entertainment programme. If you are going in high season then there is still some availability but I wouldn't leave it long before booking. It's a hidden secret site but many people love it.
As regulars to Salavas , there are several sites in that area that are small , French run, by the river, no entertainment. Camping Le Clapas is our favourite site and would probably fit the bill for you if you could l live without a pool. It does have it's own river beach. There is a small bar and in high season they do have very low key "entertainment" once a week but we don't usually go to it and are not disturbed by those that do. It's very peaceful and a lovely area altogether.
------------- XVI yes?
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
We went to Camping Domaine de Gill which is located at the tiny village of Ucel and within flat walking distance of the Spa town Val Les Bains, around 1 mile walk.
From there you can get the Autobus to the bustling town of Aubenas, just 1€ return!
Fact is we returned to the campsite 3 years on the trot, the ents were very low key, and from your pitch you would not even know anything was going on.
In fact the ents only took place on a Wednesday from what I can remember.
Domaine de Gill is a lovely 4 Star campsite, and was on the short list for 5 Star when we were last there in July 2012 review on here.
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Hi,
Thanks for the suggestions.
The sites we stayed at in the Dordogne were: Bel Ombrage
This is a simple site on the River Ceou, a tributary of the Dordogne, some very large pitches by the river, very relaxed.
and Le Capeyrou
Alongside the Dordogne, just outside Beynac, you can walk to the town from here. Very relaxed atmosphere, lovely bar.
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
We've also been to Le Clapas (also seen in Cool Camping!) and it is lovely. The fact there is no pool hardly matters, as Kelper says, with the river being on your doorstep! You could swim against the flow of the river and stay pretty much in the same spot! We went in June and it was very quiet.