Message Forums

Can anyone recommend a decent campsite in the Ardeche with a pool, suitable for families but which isn't too "commercial"?

Hi andee

You have probably just described most of the campsites in the Ardeche. They all tend to be less commercialised than the coastal resort sites. They are smaller on average and offer less in the way of entertainment. A lot offer services that focus on the outdoors such as guided walks or canoeing. There is a good selection here.

Carol

Hi andeee

The summer before last we stayed at Ranc Davaine.  Some of the pitches ajoin a river a some overlook a valley.  It is a large site, probably what you mean by commercial but good anyway.  I would rather be on small sites but our teenage boys (then 12, 14, 16) 'needed' the 'extras' that Ranc Daviane has.  We had plenty of peace and quiet where we were  (on the edge overlooking the valley) yet there was all the facilities the boys wanted.  It was a good compromise.

We have also stayed at Ranc Devaine and would agree that its a nice site from which you can easierly reach the famous parts of the Ardeche. Access to some of the pitches can be a bit difficult for caravans because of low stone walls but if you have a tent no such problem. Last year we stayed at Ardeche Camping at Privas which was also very nice and less commercialised.

David

Our favourite campsite is L'Ardechois near Vallon Pont d'Arc.

http://www.ardechois-camping.com/qtanglais/bienvenu.html

Medium sized site, river access, lovely pool, small shop and restaurant, very friendly, family orientated and fairly gentle low-key (but good quality) entertainment in front of the bar/restaurant each evening.

... and a shower block to die for!!! - piped music, pot plants, double-glazed, all automated flushing, looks like a roman villa, and feels like a trendy sports club.

Would highly reccomend Les ranchissess http://www.lesranchisses.fr/. We have stayed there twice and both times have had a lovely time. It is in a quiet spot in Largentiere where you do not get held up in traffic going to the Gorge.. The owners are very helpful and they have a good restaurant/auberge, the locals come to eat so it must be good! There are 2 swimming pools , mini golf and a basketball court. It is quite easy to visit the gorge and there are lots of lovely villages nearbye.

Julie

Quote: Originally posted by missmally on 09/7/2006

---

We stayed at Camping La Chareyrasse, Aubenas last year.for a couple of nights.  My boy's loved it as the river there has huge flat boulders which make stepping stones, with gulleys of water etc.  boy heaven, spent hours on the river.  Also has a small pool and a good mixture of nationalities, although didn't hear any English accents.  May have a web site but doesn't list it in Caravan Club Europe directory. 

---

Hi Kyla,

That's where we stayed the year before! It was lovely in the river, wasn't it  My boy even took up fishing. We couldn't get him out of the river for days on end!

I posted the link to our review above, but their actual website (all in French) is here: http://www.camping-la-chareyrasse.com/

Liz

Hi Liz,

River was great fun, wasn't just the boy's messing about, Hubby and I regressed a bit too, finding best routes across, making dams and just lying on a rock and looking at the fish. My brother and family will be joining us on our tour this year, and the boy's biggest request is that we take them back there!!  Funny how u can spend huge amounts on theme parks, activities etc but it's the simple things, like rivers with stepping stones that they remember most. Goin to look at web site now.....

Hi Julie

We are staying at Les Ranchissess for two weeks at the beginning of September but are not taking our own equipment.  We are staying in one of their chalet/mobile homes.  Glad to hear your comments on the site and surrounding area.

Jane

Thanks Julie, really looking forward to the trip.  Glad to hear to food was good too, will certainly try the menu of the day.

Jane