Medrose Camping

Ardèche is a place full of natural wonders, exceptional architecture and great food – no surprise then that this is one of France's favourite spots for camping breaks. There's a thriving cultural scene here too – Saint-Thomé is only a 10-minute drive from the small town of Alba-la-Romaine, where every year a summer festival plays host to all sorts of creative performances. Ardèche is perhaps best-known for its gorges though, so make sure to earmark at least a couple of days to explore the region's geology. Take a self-driving tour between Vallon-Pont-d'Arc (40 minutes) and Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche (35 minutes) and follow the river's zigzagging course, or hire kayaks and canoes in the pretty town Vogüé (30 minutes) to see the landscape from the water. Once back on dry land, there are lots more sporty pursuits to try out, from caving (book an expert guide in Vallon-Pont-d'Arc) to mountain biking (cycle hire is available in Alba-la-Romaine, with further options 30 minutes down the road in Montélimar). And after expending all that energy? Rest, relax and soak up the sights and sounds of nature at the foot of the Cascade du Ray-Pic waterfall (an hour and 20 minutes).