Sporting activities

Walking and horse riding

At the campsite "Les Marches du Tanargue" you are in the kingdom of hill walkers, ramblers and mountain bikers !

No need to look any further for an attractive place to indulge your favourite activity. You can start out from the campsite, with walking boots on your feet, for the assault on Tanargue. This starts with the healthy walk to La Cham du Cros which you have scoffed at since you arrived.

Cyclists have no less of a choice, provided they are reasonably fit.

But unless you set out with your horse and knapsack, you will have to make a little effort to get to the nearest horse riding centre.

The map of "400 walks and horse rides in the Southern Ardèche" (La carte des 400 randonnées pédestres, équestres et en Vtt en Ardèche méridionale) can prove very useful for organising all your activities.

With the help of César, our walks in the mountain are always succesfull ! And you cannot imagine how many friends César can have among the kids.

The group Mountain bike excursions are always much appreciated.

Le canoë/kayak

Once a week, we organise a descent of the Ardèche in one day, starting from Vallon-Pont-d'Arc.
You don't have to worry about equipment since the price is inclusive of:

- Departure from the campsite by bus (about 8.00am)
- Hire of equipment
- Return to the campsite by bus (about 8.00 pm)

This activity is available for groups of 12 people.

If you prefer to go by yourself, you can start from one or two places according to your requirements:

Along the Ardèche river

The water is relatively calm and the scenery is very varied. Four towns are worthy of a detour:
Aubenas, Voguë, Balazuc et Ruoms.
These towns are also boarding points for a number of equipment hirers. There are many excursion possibilities. In general, the routes extend only as far as Ruoms, but you can choose to make the complete descent of the Ardèche which will bring you to Saint Martin d'Ardèche at 50 kilometres from your departure point. In this case, plan overnight accommodation at a "gïte d'étape", for example.

The Ardèche gorge

You enter the "sporty" section of the route at Vallon Pont d'Arc.
The water is very turbulent in the rapids. In the spring, the water level is raised to that of a torrent and assures an agreeable descent.

Paragliding

The "col de Meyrand" is the ideal take-off place for those fools under their funny umbrellas!
The rising air currents from the Beaume valley, keep you in the air far longer than you would have ever imagined.

Natural bathing areas

You can swim in shady places along the course of the Beaume; the water is appreciated for its coolness and purity.

There are 5 kilometers from our campsite to the entry of the Gorges of the Beaume. You can park your car before the Pied de Boeuf and descent by foot to the torrent. And you see the paradise : crystal-clear water with 24-27degres. The depth is 3 meters, so you are able to dive.

For childrens or persons who are not able to swim, you have to descent more down by foot or by car.

Cultural activities

The very beautiful old stone...

A few steps away from La Marette you find the village of Joannas with :

› An 11th century castle with its renaissance courtyard and its beautiful vaulted rooms

› An 11th century church

A little further down the valley you will be surprised by the charm of Largentière - the bishop's castle (late 11th, 15th and 16th centuries), the church of our lady, the 15th and 16th century town hall, the gateways of Recollets and Tauriers, the hotels full of character...

The Chestnut grove museum

In Joyeuse the museum displays the rich Ardèche culture.

In the restored building of the convent of the Oratoriens, you can discover memories of days gone by.

Gastronomy

around to the campsite, you will find restaurants with good menus and good value.