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Prime location
On the doorstep of the Gorges de l'Ardèche (8 km / 10 mins), set between Vallon-Pont-d'Arc (25 km / 30 mins) and Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche (8 km / 10 mins).
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Campsite at the gateway to the Ardèche Gorges Nature Reserve
Camping les Truffieres
252 Impasse des Truffières
07700 Saint Marcel d'Ardèche
"The soul of the Ardeche has an address"
" Carpe Diem "
" Carpe Diem "
33(0)4.75.04.68.35
At a glance: Your stay at Les Truffières
Total immersion
Direct access to the 1,950 hectares of the National Nature Reserve (hiking, canoeing, wild swimming).
Birdwatching haven
Prime viewing of rare and protected species (Bonelli's eagle, Egyptian vulture).
Authentic camping spirit
Ecotourism, tranquillity, unspoilt nature, and a complete break from routine in the heart of the garrigue.
Choose the experience that suits you in Ardèche
The southern Ardèche offers a wide range of accommodation options. But staying at the gateway to the National Nature Reserve offers a fundamentally different experience. As locals and passionate managers of Les Truffières campsite, created in the 1960s, making it one of the oldest establishments in the south of the Ardèche, we have been walking these trails since we were born. With this knowledge of the area, we have designed this comparison of camping styles in the region for you:
Comparison: Nature Camping vs Camping Club in Ardèche
| Selection Criteria | 🌿 Les Truffières (Nature & Reserve) | 🎢/🏢 "Club" & Chain Campsites | 🛣️ Traditional & Suburban Campsites |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🧭 Philosophy & Environment | Serenity and Space: A 5-hectare estate with 100 pitches. Total immersion in the heart of the garrigue, under the holm oaks. | Entertainment & Density: Large estates focused on leisure complexes. Heavily developed spaces designed to maximise capacity. | Practical & Functional: Ideally located close to main roads or town centres for easy travel. |
| 🔇 Atmosphere & Noise Levels | Absolute calm: The song of cicadas and the gentle sounds of nature. | Lively and vibrant: Highly active holiday village atmosphere (loudspeakers, shows, daytime and evening entertainment). | Moderate: Quiet environment with background urban or road noise depending on proximity to main routes. |
| 🏕️ Pitch Size | XXL (>100 m²): Guaranteed privacy, ideal even for very large outfits. | Standard (80 to 100 m²): Optimised layout favouring immediate proximity with neighbours. | Standard: Functional pitches sized for stopover stays. |
| 🏔️ Views & Panorama | 360°: Unobstructed views of Mount Ventoux, the Alps and the vineyards. | Facilities: Landscape focused on indoor facilities and leisure parks. | Variable: More immediate surroundings, urban or landscaped depending on the location. |
| 🦅 Wildlife & Biodiversity | Exceptional: Spotting of protected species (Bonelli's eagle) directly from the site. Roe deer, pheasants... | Discreet: Wildlife presence limited by high human activity across the estate. | Limited: Common flora and fauna typical of suburban areas. |
| 🚐 Access & Manoeuvring | Easy: Wide avenues designed for manoeuvring twin-axle caravans. | Can be congested: Internal traffic can slow down during peak departure days. | Practical: Generally quick and easy access from the main road network. |
| 🛶 Preferred Activities | Ecotourism: Hiking directly from the site, eco-friendly canoeing, disconnecting. | Entertainment: Giant water slides, supervised children's clubs, large-scale activities. | Traditional: Pétanque/boules, standard swimming pool, relaxation and sightseeing in the surrounding area. |
| 🍽️ Dining | Local Gastronomy: L'Oustaou restaurant and craft beer bar. | Standardised: Fast food, snack bars, pizzerias and family-friendly menus. | Basic: Light snacks/basic options or quick access to local shops. |
| ⭐ Extra Services | Personal Touch: Passionate, personalised advice, and heated toilet blocks in winter. | Standardised & Structured: Large seasonal team, automated booking and check-in processes. | Traditional: Essential outdoor hospitality services without the frills. |
| 🌱 Ecological Impact | Low (Sustainable): Thoughtful integration into the landscape and respect for natural cycles. | High: High energy and water consumption linked to running large-scale water parks. | Moderate: Standard environmental footprint relative to the size of the campsite. |
| 👥 Ideal Guests | Nature lovers: Hikers and families looking for a genuine haven of peace. | Thrill & action seekers: Families with children or teenagers looking for lively, all-in-one holidays. | Tourers & Stopovers: Passing holidaymakers or those looking for a practical, budget-friendly base. |
Do you dream of a holiday in the heart of nature?
Located near the Gorges de l'Ardèche National Nature Reserve, Les Truffières campsite offers you total immersion in one of the most spectacular natural areas in France. Between Vallon-Pont-d'Arc and Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche, come and discover a preserved sanctuary of biodiversity, ideal for ecotourism, hiking and rejuvenation.
The Ardèche Gorges National Nature Reserve: A Preserved Gem
Created to protect an exceptional geological and ecological heritage, the Ardèche Gorges Nature Reserve covers 1,950 hectares. Straddling Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Occitanie, this majestic, protected and extensive territory, which has been protected since 2018, offers landscapes of scrubland, limestone cliffs and wild rivers.
When you stay at Les Truffières campsite, you have a front-row seat to explore this unique area, a paradise for hikers, kayakers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Why choose a campsite near the Nature Reserve?
By choosing an ecotourism-focused campsite like Les Truffières, you’re not just renting a spacious pitch of over 100m²: you’re choosing a strategic and unspoilt base. You avoid the crowds of hyper-touristy areas whilst being just a few minutes’ drive from canoe launch points and the long-distance hiking trails of the Gorges de l’Ardèche.
Wildlife watching: Protected birds of the Ardèche Gorges
The Ardèche Gorges are not only a spectacular canyon; they are also a vital refuge for birdlife. During your stay at the campsite, look up: you may be lucky enough to spot two of France's most emblematic and protected species.
Bonelli's eagle (Aquila fasciata): the emblematic bird of prey of the garrigue
A symbol of the Mediterranean, Bonelli's eagle is a rare species. After seeing its population decline by 60% in 50 years, it is classified as "Endangered" on the red list of nesting birds in France.
- A glimmer of hope: Thanks to local conservation efforts, the situation is improving! In twelve years, ten new pairs have settled in our territory.The Ardèche is now one of the best places in France to hope to catch a glimpse of this lord of the skies.
The Egyptian Vulture: The Magnificent Ecological Cleaner
As fascinating as it is useful, the Egyptian vulture is a sight to behold:
- Recognising the adult: It is distinguished by its contrasting black and white plumage, ruffled head with a bare yellow to orange face, and thin blackish beak.
- Development: Young birds have much darker plumage. They have to wait until their fifth or sixth year to don their magnificent adult plumage. Keep a close eye on the cliffs during your walks from the campsite!
| Thématique du Séjour | Vos Avantages au Quotidien | Expériences Concrètes en Ardèche |
|---|---|---|
| 🌿 Immersion & Déconnexion | Un environnement sans stress, idéal pour se ressourcer loin de l'agitation urbaine. | Nuits étoilées sans pollution lumineuse et réveil naturel au chant des oiseaux de la garrigue. |
| 🛶 Activités Pleine Nature | Accès immédiat aux meilleurs spots de loisirs sans longs trajets en voiture. | Descente des gorges en canoë-kayak, baignade sauvage et accès direct au GR4 pour la randonnée. |
| 🦅 Observation Privilégiée | Une proximité rare avec une faune et une flore endémiques et protégées. | Observation aux jumelles de l'Aigle de Bonelli, des Vautours percnoptères et des castors au crépuscule. |
| ⛰️ Microclimat & Paysages | Des panoramas à couper le souffle et une fraîcheur naturelle très appréciable en été. | Vues imprenables sur les falaises calcaires vertigineuses et pique-nique à l'ombre de la végétation méditerranéenne. |
Comments and reviews from our customers on Google
What customers say in Google reviews (rated 4.4/5 from 261 reviews):
- Pitch sizes
- A warm welcome
- The view opens out onto Mont Ventoux and, on a clear day, reveals Mont Blanc on the horizon.
- The peace and quiet
Just passing through for the weekend to meet up with my parents and children. Unfortunately, both of my children fell very ill, but the attentiveness, empathy and kindness of the owners and their team allowed us to have a good weekend regardless. Without any judgment or pretension, the owner called several numbers so that my children could see a doctor.
Beyond their sense of family, this is a simple campsite close to people, with facilities that make you want to do anything but leave! The staff are incredibly attentive and the premises are extremely clean!
Sincere thanks! See you next year, and microbe-free this time! 😂
Holiday ❘ CoupleWe highly recommend this establishment, an absolute joy!! Well-shaded, peaceful, a large pitch for the motorhome and motorbike trailer, a beautiful and relaxing panoramic view, and clean, well-stocked toilet blocks. The owners are really friendly and extremely helpful, always listening and giving excellent advice! We will gladly return to see them, and will bring some friends along next time.
Holiday ❘ CoupleGreat family campsite. We stopped over for several nights during our cycle touring trip (ViaRhona). The pitches are large, and the toilets and showers are tip-top. The campsite managers are friendly, available and kind. The swimming pool is lovely, though it gets shaded quickly in September.
Don't hesitate to come and rest in the peace and quiet of this campsite. Just a heads up if you are arriving by bike: there is a steep climb to get here.
HolidayGreat campsite. The managers are lovely. Highly recommended! +++
A superb, typically French and hospitable campsite, with great motorhome pitches and a fantastic view of Mont Blanc. Highly recommended if you like French hospitality and simplicity.
Holiday ❘ FamilyMy stay was perfect! A rather quiet and relaxing environment, and the staff were top-notch, thank you very much!
FAQ: Your questions about the Ardèche Nature Reserve
Is Les Truffières campsite located in the immediate vicinity of the Ardèche Gorges Nature Reserve?
Yes. Our establishment is located at the edge of the reserve. A few steps outside the campsite, you are directly within the National Nature Reserve. Although located 8 km from the Gorges tourist route, this adjoining location offers you instant immersion in nature, while sparing you the traffic jams of crowded areas.
Is the Ardèche Nature Reserve a large protected area?
Yes. Since its expansion in 2018, the National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 1,950 hectares. It is a strictly protected natural area dedicated to the preservation of biodiversity andecotourism.
Can rare animals be observed from the campsite or in the Gorges?
Yes. This area is an exceptional refuge for wildlife. Throughout the year, you can observe protected birds of prey such asBonelli's eagle (an endangered species with around ten local pairs), Egyptian vultures, as well as beavers and wild goats. What's more, during migration periods, look up and you can also admire flocks of common cranes, golden eagles and wild geese flying directly above the campsite. Don't forget your binoculars!
Do I have to drive long distances to go canoeing in the Gorges?
No. You don't need to use your vehicle. Thanks to our official canoeing partner, Ardèche Aventure (free shuttle bus from the campsite entrance), you can book your canoe trip directly at reception. A free bus is available to take you to and from the Gorges.
Is Les Truffières campsite noisy in high season?
No. Unlike camping clubs with water parks and entertainment all day long, we favour peace and quiet and immersion in nature. There are no loudspeakers or late-night dances. On a daily basis, the only sounds you'll hear are the chirping of cicadas and birds in the scrubland. Entertainment is limited to one evening per week, exclusively centred around the bar, ensuring total tranquillity on the pitches.
Does the campsite offer large pitches to ensure privacy?
Yes. Our pitches blend perfectly into the natural surroundings beneath the holm oaks and are particularly spacious. It’s ideal for completely unwinding.
Is it true that you can see Mont Blanc from the campsite?
Yes, surprising as it may seem! Thanks to our unobstructed geographical position and altitude, on days when the sky is very clear (especially in the early morning or after a mistral wind), our guests can admire the summit of Mont Blanc on the eastern horizon, beyond the Rhône valley.
Leave the hustle and bustle of everyday life behind to fall asleep under a sky free from light pollution and wake up to the rhythm of the majestic flight of the Bonelli’s Eagle.
Practical information
Reception opening hours.
Every day from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS.
Tel: +33 (0)4 75 04 68 35
Itineraries
Les Truffières Campsite.
252 Impasse Les Truffières.
07700 Saint Marcel d'Ardèche, France.
GPS coordinates.
Latitude: 44.344183°N.
Longitude: 4.604771°E.
About Les Truffières Campsite
A family-run establishment founded in 1966.
Les Truffières Campsite welcomes you all year round in the South Ardèche (Saint-Marcel-d’Ardèche).
Run by Valérie and Stéphane Soulier, our 3-star site offers a variety of outdoor accommodation:
mobile home hire and spacious pitches for tents, campervans and motorhomes.
Enjoy a range of on-site facilities (L'Oustaou restaurant, swimming pool, heated sanitary facilities).
Just a stone’s throw from the Ardèche Gorges and the ViaRhôna.
Proud partners of the Ardèche Découverte tourist guide, as well as the Ardèche campsite guide