Camping Le Peyrolais

Plenty of scenic strolls and bike rides are in the site surrounds, but if you're in this part of the world you'll probably want to zip along as soon as poss to the famed Ardèche gorges, so lush and well known that they're nicknamed Europe's Grand Canyon. Canoeing along the river and under the spectacular arch of the Pont d'Arc is the best (some say only) way to access the gorges: you can arrange a tour in the neighbouring town of Vallon Pont d'Arc, or ask at the Camping Le Peyrolais reception for details of canoe hire companies that can pick you up at the site and drop you off later. Close to Vallon are the Chauvet or Chauvet-Pont-d'Arc caves, acclaimed as having some of the best preserved prehistoric paintings in the world. To prevent damage to the paintings, the caves aren't open to the public, but visitors can – and should – wander around the huge replica of the caverns on site instead.