The best things to do in the Ardèche in summer, when you’re looking for something cool
What a pleasure it is to spend your summer holidays in Ardèche! With its lush green landscapes, exceptional heritage and nature reserve, you’re sure to be spoilt for choice. Not to mention the fact that the sun is often out… and sometimes a little too much. Like the rest of France, the Ardèche can experience heatwaves in summer. But it has one major advantage for holidaymakers: a wide range of activities to make the most of your stay, without suffering from the heat. Discover our selection of the best summer activities in the Ardèche, ranging from swimming spots and water sports to chilled-out visits.
The best bathing spots in the Ardèche
Inevitably, when we look for ways to cool off in the summer, we think of swimming. But where to swim in Ardèche? Ben, in the Ardèche, precisely! But not only. Here is a small selection of places to take a dip, which you will tell us about.
Swimming in the river
The river that gives its name to the department where our campsite is located offers unmissable swimming spots in Ardèche. Among them, the beach of the Pont d’Arc, which allows you to refresh yourself in a postcard setting. The water there is a unique color and the natural stone arch that overlooks it is of rare beauty.
But it is not the only beach to offer an extraordinary environment on the edge of the Ardèche. We advise you to discover:
- the beaches of Saint-Martin-d’Ardèche;
- that of Balazuc, one of the most beautiful villages in France;
- the beach of Pont Cassé in Saint-Just-d’Ardèche.
You can also soak (and sunbathe) in other rivers of the department. Among our favorites are:
- the swimming at the Pont du Diable in Thueyts;
- the sources of the Loire near Sainte-Eulalie;
- Labeaume beach, overlooked by a majestic cliff.
Take a dip in a lake
Because yes, the Ardèche is a land of rivers, but also of lakes. Among the lakes of the Ardèche where you will like to take a dip, we advise you:
- the lake Saint Martial, ideal for a relaxing day with family;
- the lake of Coucouron, where families, groups of friends and fishermen make a good marriage;
- the lake of Issarlès, a jewel of the Ardèche geological heritage.
Having fun in a water park
We cannot talk about the best activities in Ardèche in summer, without addressing the aquatic leisure parks. They will delight young and old alike during your vacation. There are many of them in the area, but we particularly appreciate:
- the Family Kids Parc of Rosières;
- The Crazy Park of Larnas ;
- the Air Jey d’O of Ruoms.
Not forgetting the one at our campsite, Le Ludo camping, reserved for our clients. The perfect address to find where to swim in Lussas.
Treat yourself to a relaxing moment in a spa town
Okay, we are not at a bathing site as such. And at the same time, during heatwaves, all means are good to cool off. In Ardèche, we have three spas that offer treatments, but also services for individuals. Do not hesitate to discover the thermal baths of Vals-les-bains and Neyrac-les-bains, as well as the thermal establishment of Saint-Laurent-les-bains.
The aquatic activities in the Gorges de l’Ardèche
To the question «what to do in the Gorges de l’Ardèche?» there is a wide range of answers. Are you more into nautical activities, unusual or thrilling? No need to choose, you can practice all 3!
nautical activities
One can say that there is no shortage of water activities in Ardèche. Some are even an institution, such as canoe descents and canoeing-kayaking. To this, one can add:
- the paddle,
- sailing,
- pedal boating.
The unusual activities in the river
The Ardèche, with its cliffs and watercourses, is the ideal playground for unusual activities in the river. During your vacation, you can test:
- the via ferrata, a wired altitude course, which can contain zip lines and suspended walkways. Don’t hesitate to rub yourself on the Devil’s Bridge circuit, the most famous in the region.
- The via cordata, whose altitude course is made on ropes. Here, we recommend two circuits: the one of the Pont d’arc and that of the garden of Endieu, above the river of Chassezac.
Sensational activities
The Ardèche Gorges are a bit of paradise for lovers of white water. Between rafting, canyoning and speleology, you will be spoilt for choice. The best activities in Ardèche summer to cool off while getting your adrenaline pumping.
The caves of Ardèche: perfect for a refreshing visit
You understood it, the Ardèche is the ideal region for aquatic leisure activities. But it is full of other activities that will make your vacation unforgettable. That’s good, we just talked about speleology. If you prefer leisurely visits to thrills, bet on the caves present in our territory, to offer you a cool corner in summer. There are 7 must-sees in the region:
- the Chauvet cave 2,
- the Cocalière cave,
- the Madeleine cave,
- the Saint-Marcel cave
- the Soyons cave
- the aven d’Orgnac,
- the aven Marzal.
📌 To stock up on ideas for visits before your holiday in Ardèche, discover the website of the tourist office!
The best activities in Ardèche in summer, to practice in the cool
Because there are not only water activities that allow you to find a bit of freshness, we offer gentle activities to practice at the most pleasant hours. On the way for hiking, village visits and local farmers’ markets! Not to be missed during your stay in Ardèche.
Hiking
Our department is necessarily a land of walking trails. However, in case of extreme heat, it is better to prioritize hiking along the water, such as the one that takes the canyon from Louyre to Lussas, where our campsite is located. You can also opt for nature walks, such as the circuit of the cave of Estinettes, in Balazuc.
Visits to typical villages
Impossible to present the best activities in Ardèche in summer, not to mention the villages to visit. In the morning, when the temperatures are still reasonable, they will immerse you in the authentic heritage of the region. Here is a non-exhaustive list of Ardèche villages to discover:
- Vallon-Pont-d’Arc, at the gates of the Gorges de l’Ardèche and a stone’s throw from the Chauvet 2 cave;
- Vogüé and its 12th century castle;
- Labeaume is its typical architecture;
- Banne and its 27 dolmens;
- Alba-la-Romaine, rich in 2 millennia of history;
- Montreal which lent its name to the capital of Quebec.
The markets of local producers
What a pleasant way to discover the region! During your summer vacation in Ardèche, you can not miss the farmers’ markets. Come visit them at the opening, to fill up on scents and flavors, in the fresh.
The fresh tip for your holiday in Ardèche: choose a campsite by the river
The advantages of a campsite by the river
It goes without saying, a campsite by the water has many advantages. Among them, we can mention:
- an easily accessible water point for swimming;
- a more peaceful atmosphere;
- the wealth of fauna and flora;
- an ideal spot for family picnics, without leaving the campsite.
Good reasons to book a holiday rental at our campsite in Lussas
We, we are the Ludo Camping, in Lussas, 3-star campsite, on the river bank, in Ardèche. A campsite of the Pausado group, with strong and authentic values. Opting for our domain is choosing:
- a quiet and simple holiday;
- an aquatic area and a river that winds through the campsite to soften the temperature;
- accommodations and locations in the heart of nature;
- a dedicated team and outstanding services;
- activities for young and old where conviviality is at the heart.
You are ready to fully enjoy your summer vacation in Ardèche. And this, whether you are a fan of sports tourism or idleness. With our selection of the best activities in Ardèche in summer, you can establish a refreshing and refreshing program, whether you are going with family, couple or friends. Now, you just have to choose your vacation rental. With our campsite by the river, you can combine business with pleasure. So book your stay in Ardèche at Ludo Camping now!