Ardèche River Glamping

The Thines river is accessible on foot in five minutes via a private path winding through chestnut trees and between granite boulders; once there you can soak up the sun and go wild swimming in refreshing pools. All the adrenaline-inducing activities of the Ardèche Cévennes are within half an hour’s drive in Chassezac Canyon: kayaking, canyoning, mountain biking, paragliding, caving, climbing and fly fishing among others. The gorgeous hilltop village of Thines (15 minutes’ drive) has a 12th-century church set on a rocky outcrop – and the Auberge de Thines sells Ardèche charcuterie and cheeses for those who like a taste of local broduce. Nearby, you can buy tasty ice cream from Maison du Gerboul, which also sells regional crafts and local guide books. Both places have far-reaching views overlooking the spectacular Thines valley. You can also explore the bizarre rock formations at the Bois de Païolive (half an hour), or visit the big-hitting attractions of the Gorges de l’Ardèche a little further afield. A day trip here allows you to swim around the natural rock arch at Pont-d’Arc (50 minutes), and check out the replica paintings of prehistoric bison and mammoths at Grotte Chauvet 2 - Ardèche (an hour).