Camping Les Chataigniers

Among the residents at the Parc Animalier des Gorges de l'Ardèche (45 minutes) are wild oxen, goats and peacocks. In addition to activities like pony rides and gold-panning sessions, there’s also a waterpark with spray jets. From there, it’s a five-minute drive to Accrobranche Indy Parc, with treetop walks and zipwires. On a sweltering summer’s day, you might like to head to Aven d’Orgnac (50 minutes), where you can explore subterranean caverns filled with stalactites and other rock formations – and where the temperature is a refreshing 12ºC. Activities here include an intro to caving for kids and (for the grown-ups) a wine-tasting session. The natural stone arch known as Pont d’Arc (50 minutes), on the Ardèche river, is a popular spot for swimming and picnics. Canoes and paddleboards are available for hire, or you can sail under the arch on a flat-bottomed boat with the moustachioed Dominique, also known as the Boatman of the Pont d’Arc.