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Stage through the Rhône Valley
The arrival day is the longest drive of the trip; after that, every stage stays under three hours.
Set off early so you arrive at the pool before the afternoon heat.
Long stage — plan in some breaks.
This is where your trip begins. From Freiburg, you head south on the motorway towards the Rhône Valley.
A quiet stopover south of Lyon so the arrival day doesn't get too long. The site has a pool where the kids can splash about after the drive. The next morning, it's only around two hours to the Ardèche.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Base camp on the Ardèche
After setting up, the afternoon is free for settling in and swimming in the river.
You'll use this base camp for the next few nights, saving you the hassle of setting up and packing away each day.
The lively heart of the region and starting point for canoe trips and cave visits. In the village, you'll find bakeries, ice cream parlours and hire stations. Perfect for getting your bearings and catching your first glimpse of the river.
A family-friendly site right on the banks of the Ardèche with its own river access and swimming area. Ideal as a fixed base camp for several nights, with short distances to Pont d'Arc and the canoe hire. Shaded pitches make the roof tent comfortable even in the heat.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
The big highlight on the water
A full day out on the water with plenty of swimming breaks; start early to avoid the midday sun.
Sun protection, water shoes and enough drinking water are essential.
From here, you'll paddle a short, family-friendly stretch straight beneath the famous Pont d'Arc rock arch. The calm water and shallow swimming spots along the way are ideal for children. Life jackets are compulsory and provided.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
The 60-metre-wide natural arch is the emblem of the Ardèche, spanning impressively over the river. Beneath the arch lies a large pebble beach for swimming and relaxing. A place the kids won't forget in a hurry.
Prehistory meets the river
Visit the cave in the morning while it's still cool outside; cool off in the river in the afternoon.
You'll stay another night at the same camp.
The faithful replica of the 36,000-year-old cave paintings takes you through dark passages full of lions, rhinos and horses. The tour is well explained and staged in a way that's engaging for children too. Outside, there's an adventure trail about the Ice Age.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
A shallow, easily accessible river beach near Vallon, perfect for a relaxed afternoon after the cave. The water is clear and manageable for children. Shady trees make the midday heat bearable.
Viewpoints above the gorge
A leisurely day moving from viewpoint to viewpoint, with no time pressure.
The road has plenty of bends; a break and a look at the horizon helps if the kids are prone to travel sickness.
The panoramic road follows the gorge, passing spectacular viewpoints such as Belvédère de la Cathédrale and Balcon des Templiers. From above, you look steeply down onto the meandering river and the canoeists below. One stop after another rewards you with new perspectives.
The first major viewpoint past Vallon reveals a tight river bend far below in the gorge. A good photo stop with railings, safe for children too. From here, you get a sense of just how vast the Gorges really are.
Stalactite cave and new base camp
Short drives with the cave visit in between; in the afternoon, you'll set up your new camp.
When moving on, make sure the roof tent is well secured before setting off.
In this vast stalactite cave, you descend deep into the rock via staircases, passing giant stalagmites. The guided tour is impressively lit and an adventure for children. Above ground, a museum on prehistory rounds off the visit.
A family-friendly site on the river Chassezac, conveniently located for the southern villages like Labeaume and Balazuc. With a pool and river access, there's plenty of water fun for the kids. From here, the next excursions are all short.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Medieval villages on the river
Two villages in one day with plenty of time to wander and swim, no long distances.
Sturdy shoes are handy for the cobbled lanes.
An enchanting village built directly into the rock, with narrow lanes, archways and hanging gardens. On the river Beaume, a shallow bathing spot with a pebble beach invites you to splash about. A peaceful place away from the bigger crowds.
One of the most beautiful villages in France, perched spectacularly on a rock above the Ardèche. Medieval lanes lead you to viewpoints and down to the river, where you can swim. The contrast between old stone and turquoise water is unforgettable.
Château village and a day by the river
A quiet day of wandering the village and plenty of water time; the drives stay short.
Last night on the Chassezac before heading north.
The village nestles against the riverbank beneath its mighty château, with arcaded lanes and cafés by the water. The Château de Vogüé can be visited and offers a lovely view over the Ardèche. Right by the river, there's a wide bathing beach.
A wide, gently sloping river beach right below the château village, ideal for a long afternoon swim. The water is calm and clear, with meadows and trees all around for shade. A relaxed spot to simply be.
Waterfall and stopover stage
A bit more driving time than usual, but spread over the day with a nature stop in the middle.
The path to the waterfall is steep and uneven in places, so sturdy shoes help.
An impressive waterfall cascading over black basalt columns of an extinct volcano. A short, partly steep forest path of around 20 minutes leads down to the viewing platform. The cool mountain air is a lovely change from the heat by the river.
A peaceful site by a lake in the Ardèche highlands, ideal as a cooler stopover on the way back. The lake invites you to swim or take out a pedal boat. The altitude makes for pleasant summer nights in the roof tent.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
The journey home
The journey home is the longest stage; start early and take breaks at the service areas.
Before setting off, pack the roof tent away dry and secure.
Long stage — plan in some breaks.
This is where your round trip ends. Via the Rhône Valley and the motorway, you head back to Freiburg, with plenty of memories of turquoise water and ancient villages.
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