What to do in Ardèche with your family?

In short: Your family holiday in southern Ardèche

• Your base camp: Saint-Marcel-d'Ardèche (Les Truffières Campsite), ideally located at the crossroads of Ardèche, Gard, Drôme and Vaucluse.
• Nature highlights: Canoeing down the Gorges (accessible from 7 years old), guaranteed coolness in the caves (St-Marcel, Chauvet 2) and tailor-made hikes.
• Active leisure activities: Ultra-safe bike rides on the Via Rhôna (0% gradient), tree-top adventure parks (from 3 years old) and river fishing.
• Culture & Local Produce: Explore charming villages (Saint-Montan, Aiguèze), visit medieval castles and sample local produce at Provençal markets.
• Plan B weather: Whether it's 35°C or raining, there are always solutions (Aven d'Orgnac at 15°C, Ferme aux Crocodiles covered at 30°C).

Looking for the perfect getaway for your next holiday? Southern Ardèche is an exceptional, life-size playground. From Les Truffières Campsite in Saint-Marcel-d'Ardèche, discover a region where wild nature, historical heritage and local gastronomy come together.
Discover our selection of the best activities for young and old, designed to transform your stay into an unforgettable adventure.

The must-see sights of the Ardèche countryside

Descending the Gorges: Canoeing and Kayaking on the Ardèche

This is the region's most popular activity. Navigating the white waters of the Ardèche Gorges offers spectacular views, especially when passing under the famous Pont d'Arc. Whether you're looking for an introduction for children or a challenging day-long descent, there's a route to suit your level.

• Ideal for: Cooling off, enjoying sports with the family, admiring the nature reserve.
• Pro tip: The descent is accessible from 7 years old (swimming skills are mandatory). For a family outing, opt for the 8 km discovery course (about 2½ hours of paddling). The more athletic will aim for the 24 km descent (allow 5 to 6 hours). Book at reception to take advantage of our free shuttle service.

Aven et Caves: Journey to the Heart of the Earth

The Ardèche is home to some of the most beautiful caves in Europe. Perfect for escaping the summer heat or filling a rainy day, these visits immerse you in a fascinating geological world. Access is quick from the campsite:

• Saint-Marcel-d'Ardèche Cave ( 6 km away)
• Aven d'Orgnac, Grand Site de France ( 15 km away)
• Chauvet 2 Cave, replica of the famous prehistoric cave ( 20 km away)
• Pro tip: Constant temperature guaranteed! Whether it's 35°C outside or raining, it's always around 14°C to 15°C underground. Bring a light jacket. The guided tour lasts an average of 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes. But allow up to half a day for sites such as the Chauvet 2 cave.

Hiking: trails in the heart of nature

Put on your walking shoes! The campsite's privileged location offers you immediate proximity to the Ardèche Gorges Nature Reserve, an ideal playground for your walks in the heart of the Ardèche countryside.

• Ideal for: Reconnecting with nature and observing local wildlife.
• Pro tip: Take advantage of our exclusive QR code at reception, giving you access to 40 GPX tracks created by us, with loops from 2 to 80 km starting from the campsite.

Active leisure and shared moments

Activities and leisure parks for the whole family

Beyond its wide open spaces, the Ardèche is full of parks designed for children's enjoyment: tree-top adventure courses in the shade of pine trees, donkey rides, and leisure centres with supervised swimming. Everything is designed to create lasting memories.

• Pro tip: Most local tree-top adventure parks offer "ouistiti lines" secured by a continuous lifeline, accessible from 3 or 4 years old. Allow half a day (2 to 3 hours of activity) to enjoy it to the full.

Via Rhôna: An unforgettable cycle ride along the Rhône River

The Via Rhôna, a famous cycle path along the Rhône, is perfect for a safe family outing. From the southern Ardèche, cycle through unspoilt landscapes and historic towns such as Viviers and La Voulte-sur-Rhône. Mountain bikers will also find more technical trails in the surrounding hills.

• Pro tip: With 0% gradient on the developed sections, the Via Rhôna is ultra-safe. At a family pace of 10 to 12 km/h, allow about 3 hours round trip for a nice ride to Viviers.

Fishing in the Ardèche: A paradise for anglers

The region's many rivers (the Ardèche, the Baume, the Chassezac) and lakes are idyllic spots for anglers. Whether you are a fly fishing enthusiast or want to introduce your children to the sport, enjoy a moment of absolute tranquillity in unspoilt surroundings.

• Pro tip: The Ardèche is full of 1st and 2nd category rivers (brown trout, predators). A daily fishing licence is compulsory (around £11 to £14). Ask at reception for the best spots within 15 minutes of the campsite.

Culture, Local Produce and Places of Interest

Villages of Character: Immerse yourself in history

Our exceptional location allows you to explore the architectural gems of the region, from the cobbled streets of the Ardèche to the towns of the Gard, Drôme and Vaucluse. Here are the must-see attractions nearby:

• Less than 20 km away: Saint-Montan (4 km), Aiguèze (8 km), Montclus (17 km).
• 20 to 45 km away: Bollène (24 km), Vallon-Pont-d'Arc (25 km), Ruoms (34 km), Orange (34 km), Vogüé (44 km).
• More than 50 km away (ideal for a day trip): Antraigues-sur-Volane (54 km), Aubenas (64 km), Joyeuse (64 km).
• Pro tip: Allow 1 to 3½ hours to stroll around each village. Be aware that the medieval streets (particularly in Saint-Montan and Aiguèze) are cobbled and sloping: opt for a baby carrier rather than a pushchair!

The Castles of the Ardèche: A Medieval Getaway

Whether impregnable fortresses or elegant Renaissance residences, the châteaux of the Ardèche often dominate breathtaking landscapes. Their guided tours, often animated in summer, will delight history buffs and budding knights alike.

• Pro tip: Guided tours generally last 45 minutes to 1 hour. Good to know for your budget: admission is often free for children under 7.

The Markets of Provence: Flavours of the South

At the gateway to the Ardèche, Gard, Drôme and Vaucluse regions, enjoy a terroir of incomparable richness. Stroll through the local markets to taste caillette, picodon cheese or chestnut cream.

• Pro tip: To avoid the summer heat and find a parking space without stress, arrive at the market before 9 a.m. This is also the ideal time to choose the best fresh picodons!

Ardèche wines: Wine tasting in Saint-Marcel

Don't miss out on exploring the surrounding vineyards: there are many cellars in the immediate vicinity that welcome visitors for friendly tastings of Ardèche wines, French wines and Côtes du Rhône wines.

• Pro tip: Local wineries offer tastings of their AOC Côtes du Rhône, IGP Ardèche and Vin de Pays wines. Allow 30 to 45 minutes for a guided tasting. Several estates are located less than 5 km from the campsite.

La Ferme aux Crocodiles (Pierrelatte)

Located just 14 km away in the neighbouring Drôme department, this is the perfect family outing. Step inside a giant tropical greenhouse and marvel at hundreds of crocodiles, giant tortoises and other reptiles. An educational visit not to be missed.

• Pro tip: Allow half a day for your visit. It's a bioclimatic greenhouse, so the temperature stays at 30°C all year round. It's the ideal Plan B if it rains, and the site is 100% accessible with a pushchair.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Organising your stay in Ardèche

Is summer the only good season to visit the southern Ardèche?

NO. Spring (May-June) andlate autumn (September to November) are ideal for hiking, cycling along the Via Rhôna and visiting listed villages, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer remains the best season for swimming and canoeing.

Are there any indoor activities around Saint-Marcel-d'Ardèche when it rains?

YES. The underground Ardèche is your best bet. You can visit the Grotte de Saint-Marcel (6 km away), the Aven d'Orgnac (15 km away) or the Grotte Chauvet 2 (20 km away ) without getting wet. The Ferme aux Crocodiles in Pierrelatte (14 km away) is also a fully covered tropical greenhouse.

Is it easy to find activities suitable for young children near the campsite?

YES. You can enjoy safe carriage rides on the Via Rhôna, a visit to the Crocodile Farm (very family-friendly), and walks in nearby villages such as Saint-Montan (4 km) with ice cream breaks.

Is the famous Chauvet 2 Cave far from Les Truffières campsite?

NO. The Chauvet 2 Cave is located just 20 km from the campsite. The journey is quick by car, making it an unmissable half-day excursion to discover this exceptional prehistoric replica.

Do you need to be very fit to cycle along the Via Rhôna with your family?

NO. The Via Rhôna is a flat, fully secured greenway, ideal for families. In addition, many rental companies near the campsite offer electric bikes or trailers for children.

Is it possible to book a canoe trip directly from the campsite?

YES. You can book your boat for the descent of the Ardèche Gorges directly at the reception of Les Truffières campsite. We will provide you with advice on the route and you will have access to a free bus to make logistics easier.

Are there any beautiful villages of character within 10 km of the campsite?

YES. The campsite is ideally located: you are only 4 km from the medieval village of Saint-Montan and 8 km from Aiguèze, listed as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France.

Is La Ferme aux Crocodiles accessible with a pushchair?

YES. The Crocodile Farm, located 14 km away in Pierrelatte, is a single-level site, making it perfectly accessible for pushchairs and people with reduced mobility.

Are there any wine estates open for tasting near Saint-Marcel-d'Ardèche?

YES. The campsite is located at a strategic crossroads (Ardèche, Gard, Drôme, Vaucluse). You will find many wineries in the immediate vicinity where you can taste (in moderation) Ardèche wines, local wines and Côtes du Rhône appellations.

Does the campsite offer ready-made hiking routes?

Yes, at reception, we provide you with an exclusive QR code giving you access to 40 GPX tracks created by us. These loops range from 2 to 80 km and start directly from the campsite to make your explorations easier.