this summer we stayed at Camping Vivarais (part of Yelloh) in Sampzon. Had a great pitch overlooking the river. Has all the usual facilities you'd expect. Its well placed to get to Vallon and Ruom.
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Hello Val A. Please could you tell us more about Camping de l'Esquiras which you mentioned in yor post. I can't find it in any of uk.campsite reviews. We want to visit the Ardeche in 2017 and we are ACSI travellers (old f##ts) and want to explore the Ardeche region next summer using our ACSI membership. Looking at La Garenne in St. Lauren du Pape,at mo, but would this site be better?
I stayed at L'Esquiras with my wife and kids in 2012. It was our first camping holiday in France and we loved it. Great location to Vallon and the neighbouring villages.
We were the only English people on site but soon got speaking to the locals! I would highly recommend the site- nothing flash but very clean and welcoming.
Thank you everyone for the advice, it was all very helpful. I loved the look of camping Coudoulets but it was already full.
I have now booked Camping Mas de la Source. No reviews on here unfortunately but good ones elsewhere so fingers crossed.
http://www.campingmasdelasource.com/en/
Really looking forward to the kayaking. Anyone know if we can get one for 2 adults and kids 11 and eight or whether we will need two? Excited to be going to a new area for the first time! Thanks again 😀
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Thank you stirkmeister, for a time here I thought I wasn't getting thru! Tried to ask Val a couple of times but glad you responded cos now I know I'm read! Thanks
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Sorry Derek - I'm not sure how I missed your post but obviously did.
I would say it depends which areas of the Ardeche you want to explore. There are several 'distinct areas' - the mountains of the north, the central part and the south. I guess we like the south best, so tend to recommend sites in that area, but for exploring further afield then St Laurent du Pape puts you in a most convenient position. We have done the north and the central parts, but usually on long day trips out - or on our way to and from the south!
I don't know the site at St Laurent so can't compare but L'Esquiras has better scores on a Dutch review website and on the ACSI site - which usually gives an accurate representation *and it's 2 euros per night cheaper. However, I don't want to influence your choice one way or another so I'm glad Stirkmeister has been so positive in his recommendation.
Is it worth taking two inflatable kayaks? Not suggesting heading off down the Ardeche but is it possible to potter around locally or will we just be pushed downstream and unable to row back? Just take up a lot of space for the journey so only want to take them if worthwhile. Thanks
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No, take the kayaks. You'll find almost everyone on a site with river access spends more time 'messing about on the river' than in the pools. Before we had our canoe we used polystyrene bodyboards which we used to float about on the river(s).
There are other lovely rivers in the area - the Chassezac, and the Beaume - LaBeaume is also a delightful village and not far from your chosen site.
The one thing to be aware is to watch the weather forecasts. If rain is forecast in the area (or even in the mountains to the west and north, then don't take kayaks on the river - levels can rise VERY quickly.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Good base in the Ardeche
