An exceptional region

Let yourself be amazed by the Ardèche

An exceptional region

Let yourself be amazed by the Ardèche

Les Cruses Camping in Ardèche

A remarkable region to discover – explore the Ardèche

Dive into the heart of a land that amazes at every step: the Ardèche. Around Camping Les Cruses, nature unfolds before you with its spectacular landscapes, charming villages, and unmissable natural sites. Between majestic gorges, crystal-clear rivers perfect for water activities, and unique geological formations, each day becomes an adventure to experience with family, friends, or as a couple.

Explore the classified sites and natural treasures that make the region famous, such as the renowned Ardèche gorges, picturesque villages perched on the hills, and breathtaking panoramas. Whether you enjoy hiking, cultural discovery, swimming, or local gastronomy, the Ardèche promises rich and unforgettable experiences.

The Gorges The caves Charming villages Traditional markets Sports activities

Ardèche in video

Ardèche Gorges

Gorges de l'Ardèche à proximité du camping les Cruses de Ribes

Chassezac Gorges

A must-see natural site

A unique experience – the Ardèche Gorges

Located near Vallon-Pont-d’Arc, the Ardèche Gorges are among the most iconic natural sites in the region. During your stay at Camping Les Cruses, visiting them is an absolute must. Classified as a nature reserve, they offer spectacular landscapes with limestone cliffs, a wild river, and natural beaches, perfect for a day trip or a multi-day adventure.

Whether on foot, by canoe on the Ardèche River, by car, or by bike, there are numerous ways to explore this exceptional site. The famous Ardèche Gorges tourist route, connecting Vallon-Pont-d’Arc to Saint-Martin-d’Ardèche, stretches 29 km of breathtaking panoramas and features 11 scenic viewpoints offering unforgettable views.

The region’s flagship activity is canoeing or kayaking through the Ardèche Gorges, providing a total immersion in nature. Several routes are available, suitable for beginners to experienced adventurers, for a half-day, full-day, or multi-day trip. This is an unmissable experience during your vacation in Ardèche, just a stone’s throw from the campsite.

The Païolive Forest and the Chassezac Gorges

A tributary of the Ardèche, the Chassezac River has carved spectacular gorges lined with towering cliffs, renowned for rock climbing, via ferrata, and outdoor activities. This major site in southern Ardèche, near Les Vans, appeals both to thrill-seekers and families looking for swimming, relaxation, and wild landscapes. From the heights, the views over the river are simply breathtaking.

To extend your exploration, the Païolive Forest is a must-see. This natural labyrinth overlooking the Chassezac spans the communes of Les Vans, Banne, and Berrias-Casteljau. Three marked trails allow visitors to explore this unique site: the Vierge Circuit (green), the Saint-Eugène Circuit (blue), and the Corniche Circuit (yellow), all accessible to everyone.

The Païolive Forest

Chauvet Cave 2 – Ardèche

A unique experience

The caves and sinkholes

Chauvet Cave 2 – Pont d’Arc Cave

Located in Vallon-Pont-d’Arc, just a few kilometers from Camping Les Cruses, Chauvet Cave 2 – Pont d’Arc Cave is an exact replica of the original cave, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2014. This unique site allows visitors to travel back 36,000 years and discover the origins of prehistoric art through its frescoes, engravings, walls, floors, and archaeological remains.

Designed to offer an immersive experience, visiting Chauvet Cave 2 plunges you into the atmosphere of a real prehistoric cave, with faithful reconstructions of the floors, ceilings, and galleries. Open year-round, every day, this site has become one of the must-visit tourist attractions in Ardèche, attracting families, history enthusiasts, and art lovers alike.

To make the most of your visit, it is strongly recommended to book tickets online, especially during peak periods. Chauvet Cave 2 is the perfect addition to a day discovering Ardèche, alongside a trip to the Pont d’Arc, the Ardèche Gorges, or during a stay at the campsite.

All the caves

Aven d’Orgnac – a Grand Site of France to discover

In caving, a distinction is made between caves and avens: a cave has an entrance in a vertical wall, while an aven opens directly in the ground. The Aven d’Orgnac, recognized as a Grand Site of France, perfectly illustrates this phenomenon and offers a breathtaking natural spectacle.

The site includes the Aven d’Orgnac Cave and the Prehistory Museum, allowing visitors to discover impressive underground landscapes. Gigantic chambers unfold down to 121 meters deep. For thrill-seekers, guided caving tours by reservation are offered:

Underground Vertigo: exploring the cave ceilings
Panoramic Descent: 50-meter rappel through the natural entrance

A visit to Aven d’Orgnac is an unmissable excursion during a stay in Ardèche, just a few kilometers from Vallon-Pont-d’Arc and Camping Les Cruses, perfect for combining discovery, adventure, and culture.

Aven d'Orgnac

village de Labeaume proche du camping les Cruses

Charming villages in Ardèche

Camping Les Cruses, located at the foot of the certified village of Ribes, is surrounded by charming villages

Banne is a must-see character village in Ardèche, nestled at the foot of the Cévennes and overlooking the Ardèche limestone plain. Its heritage is highlighted by the remarkable presence of 27 dolmens, witnesses of a unique prehistoric past. The village also hosts the Fort Stables, a venue for numerous summer events, topped by the remains of its medieval castle, as well as the Saint-Pierre Church, dating back to the 12th century.

At the foot of the village of Labeaume flows the Beaume River, lined with impressive limestone cliffs and dotted with caves. Climbing to the top of the village, visitors are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views. After the hike, it’s time to relax: the Beaume beach, located at the foot of the village near its restaurants, is one of the most beautiful swimming spots in the region. Nearby, the Récatadou Hanging Gardens also offer a striking viewpoint over the valley.

The most beautiful villages

Vogüé and Balazuc, among the Most Beautiful Villages of France

Listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, Vogüé and Balazuc are must-see destinations during a stay in Ardèche. Located on the banks of the Ardèche River, these characterful villages captivate visitors with their heritage, picturesque streets and spectacular landscapes.

In Vogüé, nestled against a cliff, the Château des Seigneurs de Vogüé with its four round towers overlooks the village and its amphitheatre-shaped streets, dotted with arcades and vaulted passageways. The warm-toned houses with traditional round tile roofs enhance the southern charm of this emblematic village of southern Ardèche.

Balazuc, perched above the Ardèche River, offers an equally remarkable setting. Its stone houses clinging to the cliff, shaded cobbled streets, secret passages such as the Fachinière, calades and craft shops invite visitors to wander and explore. Don’t miss the viewpoint from the bell tower of the Romanesque church, offering exceptional views over the cliffs, before enjoying a swim on the beach below, facing the river.

These villages are among the most beautiful excursions to enjoy around Camping Les Cruses, ideally located for discovering the treasures of southern Ardèche.

Discover Vogüé in Ardèche

Labeled “Village of Character

Ardèche markets, a must-see during your holidays

Discovering the local Ardèche produce and meeting local producers is a truly authentic experience to enjoy during your stay at Camping Les Cruses. Seasonal fruit and vegetables, goat’s cheeses, cured meats, honey, olives and local specialities come together in a festival of flavours, colours and aromas typical of southern Ardèche.

Morning markets around Camping Les Cruses:

Monday : Rosières, Saint-Paul-le-Jeune, Vogüé, Banne
Tuesday : Largentière, Sampzon
Wednesday : Joyeuse
Thursday : Vallon-Pont-d’Arc, Laurac, Berrias
Friday : Ruoms, Saint-Paul-le-Jeune, Jaujac
Saturday : Les Vans, Aubenas
Sunday : Lablachère, Vals-les-Bains, Payzac, Rocles, Sanilhac

Afternoon and evening markets:

Monday : Banne – craft market (from 11/07)
Tuesday : Les Vans, Vallon-Pont-d’Arc, Balazuc
Wednesday : Ruoms, Aubenas
Thursday : Rosières, Sablières – producers’ market (5pm–7pm)
Friday : Largentière, Laboule – producers’ market (6pm–9pm), Joyeuse – producers’ market (from 08/07, 7pm–10pm)
Sunday : Joyeuse – Place de la Garde (traditional market), Joyeuse – Old Town (craft market, 9am–11pm)

For sports enthusiasts

Activities to discover Ardèche while having fun

During your stay at Camping Les Cruses, explore Ardèche through a wide range of fun and sporting activities suitable for all ages and skill levels. Whether you enjoy thrilling adventures, nature, or family-friendly leisure, everyone will find something to make their holiday unforgettable.

Take advantage of the rivers for canoeing on the Ardèche or canyoning—perfect ways to discover the gorges and cool off during the summer. Adventure enthusiasts can try via ferrata, rock climbing, or caving to explore the region’s iconic cliffs and caves.

For gentler activities, choose bike or electric scooter rentals, or enjoy a unique ride on a rail bike—ideal ways to explore the Ardèche landscapes differently. Animal lovers will enjoy horseback rides, while fans of motorized thrills can try karting or quad biking.

Finally, Ardèche’s treetop adventure parks offer fun and safe courses, perfect for sharing a memorable moment with family or friends. All these activities are easily accessible from Camping Les Cruses, making for an active and unforgettable holiday in southern Ardèche.

Mountain bike trails Trail running routes

Via Ferrata near Joyeuse