Camping Les Rives de l'Ardèche

River fishing, canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing and hiking in the woods are all available close by, along with angling for trout in the Drobie river within a short drive, and climbing, cycling and horse riding in the Monts d'Ardèche Natural Regional Park. Drive for about an hour and 15 minutes south to reach the world-famed stone arch of the Pont d'Arc for access to canoeing along the 24-kilometre length of river through the Gorges de l'Ardèche. For châteaux and other historic piles in the region, take your history and heritage curiosity to Château de Ventadour, (25 minutes), the ruined castle on a rocky outcrop 323 metres up; the stylish buildings of Vogue (50 minutes) and Notre Dame des Neiges Abbey, within an hour. At Aubenas, 30 kilometres away, there's the famed 14th-century Château d'Aubenas, the Saint-Benoit Dome, the Cordeliers chapel and the Church of Saint Laurent. A few kilometres away are the traditional French towns of Vesseaux, Ucel and Saint-Privat. After your day canoeing, hiking or climbing around the Ardèche gorges, go subterranean for a spell at spectacular Aven d'Orgnac, one of the biggest caves in the world and a Grand Site of France. Guided tours are available all year round and the Museum of Prehistory is also on the site.