Flower Camping Les Plages de l'Ain ***

With our 5 and 9 year old kids

• A campsite located on the banks of the river Ain, just 25 minutes from Lyon, in a preserved natural setting of water, forests, and wide-open spaces.
• Nestled in a peaceful, lush environment with direct access to the river, it is ideal for swimming, relaxation, and outdoor family activities.
• This shaded and secure site is surrounded by century-old trees, making it perfectly suited for families with children.
• The campsite features a swimming pool, an educational farm with ponies and other animals, and nature-based activities with a strong educational focus.
• An ideal setting to discover the Ain and the Lyon region in a new way, among picturesque villages, natural sites, outdoor activities, and cultural heritage.

Just twenty-five minutes after leaving the vibrant, bustling streets of Lyon—where we had spent the previous day exploring—our family of four crossed into a completely different world. It was a transition so sudden and complete that it caught us beautifully off guard. We stepped out of the car and found ourselves enveloped by a lush, tranquil sanctuary of pure nature. To our absolute delight, the gentle murmur of the River Ain drifted through the trees right alongside the campsite.

France was in the grip of an intense summer heatwave, but the moment we arrived at our designated pitch, a profound sense of relief washed over us. We were nestled under a magnificent, dense canopy of centuries-old trees—stately lindens, maples, catalpas, and plane trees. The immediate drop in temperature, the soothing coolness of the deep shade, and the secure, welcoming layout of the site instantly reassured us. As parents of two young children aged five and nine, knowing they could safely explore was the ultimate comfort. The setting was, quite simply, idyllic.

Our first Sunday morning began with a leisurely one-kilometer stroll from the campsite to the nearby village of Saint-Maurice-de-Gourdans. The local market was alive with color and aroma, offering an abundance of exceptional regional delicacies that we eagerly gathered to kick off our holiday feast. In the afternoon, drawn by the heat, we made our way down to the riverbank. The water was breathtakingly translucent, holding a perfect temperature between 20°C and 22°C. It provided the most refreshing, revitalizing escape from the scorching summer sun, and the children splashed happily for hours.

By Monday, we fully surrendered to the relaxed pace of camp life, completely charmed by its unique Amerindian-inspired theme. The children were absolutely captivated by the resident farm animals, horses, and ponies. They even got to feed them by hand! The onsite animator, Jessica, explained that the camp hosts a dedicated 90-minute animal care session every single day. Through grooming, feeding, and interactive discovery, the children forged a beautiful connection with the animals—a genuine highlight that filled their mornings with joy.

Seeking to explore the wider region, we reached out to Françoise at the front desk, who curated a wonderful selection of family-friendly excursions. Following her expert advice, Tuesday afternoon saw us making the short 25-minute drive to the Bird Park (Parc Ornithologique) in Villars-les-Dombes. It was a spectacular day out, culminating in an awe-inspiring, breathless finale as majestic birds of prey swept gracefully just inches above our heads during the evening flight show.

That evening, the magic followed us back to camp. After browsing a vibrant evening market featuring local producers right on the grounds, a wonderful surprise awaited the kids: a crackling campfire complete with toasted marshmallows. As the embers glowed, Jessica spun captivating legends of little Native American braves, leaving the children with eyes full of starlight.

On Thursday, we took a short ten-minute drive back in time to the medieval walled village of Pérouges. Walking along the cobblestone streets, the rich, chivalric atmosphere completely immersed us in another era, sparking the imaginations of both our five and nine-year-olds. Returning to the campsite, we enjoyed a delightful family lunch on the restaurant terrace before spending a lazy afternoon unwinding by the swimming pool—a perfect, soothing reward after a morning of historical exploration.

The true emotional peak of the week, however, belonged to the horses. Our youngest was absolutely thrilled by a gentle horse-drawn carriage ride, while our elder child set off on a pony trek. It was his very first time in the saddle. Though initially quiet and visibly impressed by the scale of the animal, he steadily gained confidence under careful guidance. By the end, he was beaming with pride, utterly enamored with the experience. The campsite's owner, Jean-Luc, shared some exciting news with us afterward: next season, Jessica will be expanding the program to offer horseback trail rides for adults. It is an experience we are already eager to try on our next visit!

Our adventures also took us deep into the earth at the Grotte de la Balme. The kids were completely fascinated by the intricate underground natural labyrinth and the thrilling historical tales of Mandrin, the legendary smuggler and bandit who is fondly remembered as the French Robin Hood.

For our final full day, Jean-Luc kindly arranged a booking with a trusted local canoe rental company. This set the stage for a spectacular three-hour family paddle down the Ain River. Flowing gently with the current, we took several breaks to swim in the clear waters, surrounded by untouched landscapes. It was a profoundly peaceful, refreshing experience, and the perfect, unforgettable exclamation point to our holiday.

Reflecting on our time away, Camping des Plages de l'Ain delivered everything we could have hoped for and more. Between the cooling canopy, the pristine river, the inviting pool, the secure environment, and the immersive nature and cultural activities, it provided our family with a deeply restorative, enriching, and truly magical retreat.

Anonymized interview conducted by the Camping Direct editorial team following a stay at Camping des Plages de l'Ain