Camping Castanhada

Start off your scenic Ardèche strolls and hikes in a gentle way with an amble to the stunning surrounds of the Chassezac river a few hundred metres away, and then more heady stuff at the Chassezac gorges within a few kilometres. Camping Castanhada staff can suggest routes or book trips. Hikes in both chunks of gorge are easily accessible from the site, as are the paths of the Pays des Vans, the Serre de Barre and the Bois de Païolive. You could also let the adrenaline soar with paragliding, climbing, mountain biking and other assorted gorge-based activities, or have a serene town and city time at Chambonas 10 minutes' drive away or Vogüé within 45. A must around this part of the country is a jaw-dropped look at the Ardèche gorges, among the most scenic sights in all of France (and the planet). The gorges run for about 40 kilometres from the Pont D'Arc, the famed stone archway that you very much must canoe under during your trip; book your watery trek at the gorges' main access town of Vallon Pont d'Arc a few kilometres from the arch. Another must-see is the Cave of the Pont d'Arc, a spectacular replica of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the caverns and ancient paintings of Chauvet Cave. Or set off on a southern Ardèche village adventure: Naves, Labeaume, Balazuc and Thines are all within 10 to 30 minutes' drive.