Balazuc, Ruoms, Labeaume, Vogüé

You open your eyes, everything is peaceful, the children are still sleeping. You squeeze a few oranges and prepare the breakfast table, whilst looking forward to the programme of day trips.

Four of the most beautiful Ardèche villages are on the menu, with so many others available to discover!

The entire family gets into the car – first stop: Ruoms, 15 minutes by car from La Plage Fleurie. This charming little village on the banks of the Ardèche river has a rich medieval past.

Within the ramparts, you’ll love strolling in the cool, shaded alleyways with balconies and terraces in bloom. Savour a small coffee on the terrace, before going down to soak your feet in the river.

Upon leaving the village, the road hollowed out into the rock in the 19th century, offers an exceptional view over the limestone cliffs. Around 10 kilometres further on, another medieval village clinging to the rock overlooking the Ardeche river awaits you: Balazuc.

Lose yourself in the maze of winding alleyways, vaulted passages, the castle and Romanesque church. Entrust the children with the task of finding a friendly restaurant for lunch at midday, preferably on the terrace and in the shade.

You continue your exploration up to the village of Vogüé, rated amongst the “Plus Beaux Villages de France” (the designation recognizing its beauty and cultural heritage). The renovated castle is worth a visit, as is the Romanesque chapel with its magnificent stained-glass windows.

Here, there are small tightly packed houses. Moreover, here is a challenge to delight children and adults alike: find the rue des Puces, France’s narrowest alleyway.

Take all the family for a bucolic canoe trip on the Ardèche river, or a sunbathing session on the sandy beach under the old bridge. Is the sun too warm? Feel free to cool down in the fresh waters of the Ardèche river.

Time for a snack. A creamy ice cream and you get back in the car headed for La Plage Fleurie. On the way, take a short detour to admire the village of Labeaume, an oasis of coolness in the Ardèche scrubland.

You arrive at the campsite, have a short shower and you dash to the River Bar for an aperitif with your feet in the sand by the river.

Today, rich in discoveries, has been perfect. Tomorrow, you’ll stay on the campsite but with morning stretching, Olympiads and the pétanque tournament, there’s no chance you’ll get bored!