Calais to Vallon Pont d'arc, Ardeche (1 Viewer)

[snowdrops]

We've decided to spend some of our hols next week on this part of the Ardeche, before we head down to our lovely Luberon area. Plan is a lovely campsite with nice view, chilling and kayaking from the site. We have a few in mind. Bearing in mind we travel via Reims, Dijon, Lyons, Montelimar route, does anyone know a good route to that part of the Ardeche ? Preferable on roads that don't bank bank the gorge, main routes would be great. Any advice appreciated. Thanks

 

[magicsurfbus]

We've done it more than once, and follow the autoroute until the satnav tells us to hang a right somewhere near Montelimar and go up and over the side of the Rhone valley heading westwards. The Ardeche Gorge (as in the scenic bit) is SE of Vallons Pont d'Arc so you're unlikely to go anywhere near to it on the way there.

As for stopovers, our usual first stop after Calais (assuming an early start) would either be the lakeside parking area near Mesnil-Saint Pere, or the aire near the Saone river at Seurre, just south of Dijon. However, the number of available spots at Seurre is reduced since they remodelled the gravel parking area opposite the official aire. The municipale aire/campsite near Lac Kir in Dijon is also worth a look, but beware of the approach to the entrance as one lane close to the site will take you under a bridge that's very low.

At Vallons Pont d'Arc there's an aire with services on the Chemin du Chastelas, to the east side of the town, payment by ticket machine, but as you've mentioned campsites I'm guessing you'll be looking for one of the many down by the river.

A tip if you're considering visiting the Caverne du Pont d'Arc cave art reconstruction site just outside Vallons - you need to book in advance for the English language tour if your French is limited. Don't just turn up. Well worth it if you have any regard for prehistory.

 

[big map]

The best site in our opinion for kayaking on the ardeche is http://www.camping-le-provencal.fr/en/

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[snowdrops]

Thank you for that. We'll be staying at Camping Mondial. We usually leave Calais at midnight and kip for a few hours in Service station around 0400 just before Dijon. Leaving again around 0700. Will write you info down fore we go re route @magicsurfbus. Thank you. @bigmap, have you kayaked from the top ? Looks fab.

 

[big map]

Thank you for that. We'll be staying at Camping Mondial. We usually leave Calais at midnight and kip for a few hours in Service station around 0400 just before Dijon. Leaving again around 0700. Will write you info down fore we go re route @magicsurfbus. Thank you. @bigmap, have you kayaked from the top ? Looks fab.

Yes many times. Camping Mondale is next door to Provençal. Go into Provençal and use their restaurant, food is fantastic.