Camping du Vignal

The Rhône-Alpes is a land of extraordinary natural features: the meanders of the River Ardèche cut deep into its namesake gorge, spanned by the soaring Pont d’Arc limestone arch (40 minutes’ drive), and you can head up to the Belvédère du Serre de Tourre viewing point (45 minutes) to see ranks of forested peaks heading to the horizon. There are more gorgeous views throughout the Réserve Naturelle Nationale des Gorges de l’Ardèche (50 minutes), which is a hub for kayaking down white waters at Rapide de la Fare (also 50 minutes), canyoning and via ferrata rock-climbing courses (20 minutes) and mountain biking on challenging trails. Going underground, tour the vast cave complex at Aven d’Orgnac (45 minutes), and check out the replica prehistoric paintings at Grotte Chauvet 2 – Ardèche (40 minutes). Food buffs may like to potter around markets selling local produce like sweet chestnut jam and Picodon goats’ cheese at Lablachère (five minutes), Rosières (10 minutes) and in the cobbled alleys of Les Vans (20 minutes). Wine lovers can visit vineyards at Lablachère and Selve (15 minutes) for touring, tasting and buying.