Camping Les Truffières: 60 years of history and outdoor accommodation in the Ardèche

In brief: Camping Les Truffières

1. Expertise: 60 years’ experience in outdoor accommodation (family-run establishment founded in 1966).
2. Location: Saint-Marcel-d'Ardèche.
3. Opening times: All year round (365 days a year).
4. Rating: 3-star campsite.
5. Site: 5 hectares of woodland, panoramic views of Mont Ventoux.
6. Accommodation: 100 XXL pitches (>100 m²), air-conditioned mobile homes.
7. Key facilities: Swimming pool (evening swimming in summer), restaurant serving locally sourced produce, craft beer bar, heated toilet blocks in winter.

Welcome to Camping Les Truffières, a true haven of peace nestled in the heart of the Ardèche Provençale, on the edge of the Gorges de l’Ardèche nature reserve. Since its opening in 1966, our site has been much more than just a place to stay. Starting as a rustic guesthouse founded by a mushroom seller at local markets, the site has evolved over the decades to become an unmissable 3-star destination, popular with lovers of nature and authenticity.

The history of the 3-star Camping Les Truffières in southern Ardèche (since 1966)

1966: The founding of Camping Les Truffières in the Ardèche Provençale

The history of our family-run establishment began in the mid-1960s, at a time when the Ardèche was opening up to outdoor tourism. Jean-François, the founder and a key figure at Les Truffières, was then a vendor at the region’s Provençal markets. Faced with growing demand from travellers, he took a bold gamble: with the agreement of his farmer parents, he transformed part of the family farm in Saint-Marcel-d’Ardèche into a 10-pitch campsite. What began as a simple stopover to help out the first passing tourists quickly became one of the very first campsites in the Ardèche.

The evolution of our nature campsite in southern Ardèche

Over the decades, the campsite’s capacity has gradually increased from 10 to 30 pitches, reaching the current hundred or so XXL pitches. This expansion has allowed us to organise the 5-hectare site into terraces. From earthworks to stonework, Jean-François has built these different stages with the help of his children, guided by a strict principle: to preserve the natural wooded landscape of the Rhône Valley and to share this corner of paradise without spoiling it.

2007: The second generation and the award of 3 stars

In 2007, following the grandparents’ retirement, management of the campsite was handed over to Valérie (the founder’s daughter) and Stéphane Soulier (the son-in-law). Under their management, the site reached a new milestone by achieving a 3-star rating in 2012. Driven by a modern vision of outdoor accommodation, they have developed new facilities, notably the creation of a pub open all year round and a restaurant, whilst retaining the warm, welcoming spirit of the early days.

Our 5-hectare estate today: panoramic views of the Rhône Valley

Spanning five terraced hectares, Camping Les Truffières now offers an exceptional panoramic view of the vineyards of the Rhône Valley, the Alps and Mont Ventoux. It subtly combines nature and comfort to offer an unrivalled experience, embodying the legacy of a dream come true and a commitment to sincere hospitality.

The management team at Camping Les Truffières: 100% family-run

Jean-François: Founding father of Camping Les Truffières in 1966

Jean-François, the founder… and a true icon of the campsite! It was in 1966 that he launched the adventure of camping on the farm, on his family’s land, almost without realising it. A mushroom seller at Provençal markets, he simply began by helping out the first tourists passing through the Ardèche… and the story was set in motion.

Father to Valérie and five sons, he was the driving force behind this wonderful family adventure that continues to this day.

At first glance, a true Ardèche local, a bit rough around the edges… but behind this façade lies a huge heart, making him a character as endearing as he is unforgettable. Known to everyone as “Papy”, “Papy Lunel” or “Papy Jean-François”, he’s always up for a chat.

You’ll often find him in his garden, looking for someone to chat with, share a story with, or simply enjoy a friendly moment.

Jean-François is the soul of the early days, the campsite’s living memory… and an encounter you won’t forget.

Granny Jeanine

Jeanine is kindness and loyalty personified…

But with a hell of a lot of character!

Married to Jean-François for over 60 years, she has supported him in all his ideas, even the craziest ones, always with a smile.

At the markets, whilst he sold his mushrooms, she would knit and offer her lovely handmade baby clothes.

A real touch of tenderness amidst the hustle and bustle.

At the campsite, Jeanine has long treated everyone to her famous Saturday-night meals: paella, couscous, bull stew…

Warm and friendly moments, often accompanied by memorable disco nights!

But that’s not all: she also organised Tupperware parties and crochet afternoons, creating bonds and memories for young and old alike.

Even today, ever the stalwart, she drops by the campsite for her unmissable mint Perrier and a few good chats in the afternoon. Jeanine is a quiet but essential pillar, a living memory of the campsite…

And above all, a wonderful lesson in generosity and sharing.

Valérie Soulier

The founder’s daughter, Valérie — or ‘Val’ to the regulars — is the heart and soul of the campsite.

For her, this is much more than just a workplace: it’s her story.

The campsite once belonged to her grandfather, then to her father, so it’s fair to say she grew up amongst the pitches and holidaymakers!

Always smiling and full of energy, Valérie is everywhere at once: at reception to welcome you, in the offices doing the accounts, by the pool keeping an eye on things, or in the mobile homes ensuring they’re spotlessly clean.

You’ll also spot her in the restaurant, where she carefully prepares delicious homemade desserts.

In short, Valérie is the beating heart of Les Truffières: a reassuring, dynamic and warm presence, thanks to whom everyone feels at home here.

Stéphane Soulier: Campsite Manager

He arrived at the campsite in August 1986… and never left!

This is where it all began for him, when he met Valérie. Since then, the story has continued with two lovely children, Joris and Anaïs, at the heart of a wonderful family adventure.

In 2007, he took up the torch by buying the campsite from Jean-François, his father-in-law.

Now the manager, he looks after the place with passion… and always with a good sense of humour, as he’s also the family joker!

You’ll often find him behind the bar, ready to exchange a few words (and a few jokes), or in the kitchen, where he works as head chef.

And when he’s not cooking or serving, he takes on the role of ‘inspector of finished works’, to ensure that everything is always spotless. In short, he’s a key figure: a blend of good humour, expertise and friendliness.

And no! Despite his lilting accent, we can assure you he’s not of Belgian origin, but very much a product of the Auvergne region

Joris Soulier

Joris is pure energy!

At reception and out and about, he cheerfully takes care of checking guests in, often dashing from one end of the estate to the other.

Like Sonic, he races down the paths at top speed to make sure everything is perfect.

In the evening, it’s a different story: you’ll find him behind the bar on the terrace, ready to serve you in a relaxed atmosphere.

Versatile, Joris is also our (more or less approximate) translator for Dutch and English.

A dreamer and a passionate soul, he brings a unique touch.

With him, good humour is always guaranteed.

Anaïs Soulier

Anaïs is the free spirit of the estate.

Although she isn’t part of the day-to-day operational staff (and there’s no point trying to speak English or Dutch with her)...

here, we mostly speak ‘Anaïs’!

A self-proclaimed “funny person who’s no use to anyone”, she’s nevertheless essential to the atmosphere.

Always up for a laugh, Anaïs fulfils her role perfectly and wields the pen with flair, as she manages the campsite’s social media.

In short, a memorable (and remarkable) presence that never leaves anyone indifferent! (Watch out for the noise levels!!)

Clémence and Tonin: The 4th generation of the family

Clémence (8) and Tonin (5) represent the fourth generation of the founding family.

Although they aren’t part of the active staff, they contribute daily to the family atmosphere of the campsite.

Rest assured, the future is in safe hands!

At just 8 and 5 years old, Clémence and Tonin are undoubtedly the future managers of the estate.

Behind their adorable smiles lie true little business leaders.

Always on the go, you’ll see them running everywhere. Do you think they’re just playing?

Not at all: they’re on a mission, keeping a close eye on ‘Uncle Baba’ (aka Joris).

Full of mischief, energy and already very involved, they’re an integral part of the scene and bring that cheerful family touch that makes the campsite so lively.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Planning your stay at Camping Les Truffières

Where exactly is Camping Les Truffières located?

The campsite is located at 252 Impasse Les Truffières, in Saint-Marcel-d'Ardèche (07700). This 5-hectare terraced site is situated in the southern Ardèche, 24 km from Vallon-Pont-d’Arc, on the edge of the Gorges de l’Ardèche nature reserve and right next to the ViaRhôna.

Does Les Truffières campsite belong to a large group?

No, Camping Les Truffières has been an independent, strictly family-run establishment for over 60 years. Currently, the second generation is at the helm, supported by the third, whilst the fourth (Clémence and Tonin) are already growing up amongst the paths of the 5-hectare site.

When is the campsite open?

Les Truffières campsite is open to the public 365 days a year, all year round. To ensure guests’ comfort outside the summer season, the site is equipped with heated toilet blocks during the winter months.

Who are the managers of the campsite?

The campsite has been run by Valérie and Stéphane Soulier since 2007. The campsite is a strictly family-run business managed on a day-to-day basis by the couple and their children (Joris and Anaïs). Valérie Soulier is the daughter of the campsite’s original founder.

What types of accommodation does the site offer?

The site offers air-conditioned mobile homes for hireas well as XXLpitches. These bare pitches measure over 100 m² and are suitable for tents, campervans and motorhomes.

What facilities and services are available on site?

The site features a swimming pool, the Oustaou restaurant (serving locally sourced produce) and a craft beer bar. The campsite also offers night-time swimming in summer and holds an official 3-star rating.

How long has the campsite been in existence?

The campsite was founded in 1966 by Jean-François. This market trader from Provence started the business by first setting up 10 pitches on the family farm’s land to welcome the first tourists to the Rhône Valley.

How can I contact reception or book a stay?

Reception can be reached by telephone on +33 (0)4 75 04 68 35, every day from 9am to 12pm and from 1pm to 8pm. The team, who can assist guests in French, English and Dutch, also offers a secure online booking system.