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 perched on a rocky outcrop – and if you’ve a taste for quality local produce, the Auberge de Thines sells Ardèche charcuterie and cheeses. Nearby, you can buy delicious 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 explore the bizarre rock formations at the Bois de Païolive (half an hour), while the big-hitting attractions of the Gorges de l’Ardèche are further afield. A day trip allows you to swim around the natural rock arch at Vallon-Pont-d’Arc (50 minutes), and check out the replica paintings of prehistoric bison and mammoths at Grotte Chauvet 2 - Ardèche (an hour).