Camping Les Chênes

For days when a cooling splash is required, a splendid swimming spot along the near-flowing Ardèche river is a short stroll from base, and you can be at the Isla Cool Douce river beach for more swims and canoeing/kayaking options within half an hour’s walk. Elsewhere, clambering peeps can try out the routes at nearby Cirque de Gens, while horsey sorts can organise hacks locally too. Surely next to be tackled on the holiday ticklist should be Vallon Pont d'Arc, a short pootle away, for canoe and kayak trips under its giant natural bridge, a marvel at the wondrously well-preserved prehistoric paintings of Chauvet Cave, and aimless wanders around the town’s Thursday market. For more subterranean sightseeing, head swiftly to Aven d'Orgnac. Other spots a short drive from base include the beaut little village of Balazuc, Domaine Eyguebelle distillery in Valaurie (the monk-made liqueurs and elixirs here are outstanding), plus Grignan Castle and Miniature Village. For wildlife spotting options and fab family days out, make tracks for Lussas Wildlife Park and Gorges d'Ardèche nature reserve.