Ludo Camping ***

• A campsite away from the most touristy areas, this nature-focused setting allows families to enjoy activities like canoeing far from the usual holiday crowds. Ideal for discovering a wilder and calmer Ardèche.
• A small river that flows through the campsite, bringing freshness and charm. Its beautifully shaded banks provide the perfect peaceful backdrop for family picnics, relaxation, and games by the cool water.
• Simple activities accessible on foot, such as the Lussas Animal Park just 300 meters away, perfect for children.
• A canoeing experience between Balazuc, Chauzon, and Ruoms, in a magnificent part of the Ardèche, with significantly fewer people than the main tourist routes.

As a family with three children aged 5, 7, and 10, finding the ideal holiday destination is always a delicate balancing act. We were looking for a campsite that could offer plenty of amenities to keep everyone entertained, provide excellent value for money, and—crucially—grant us a much-needed sense of peace and tranquility.

Our search led us to select Camping Ludo in the Ardèche region for our vacation. What drew us here was its location, tucked away from the most crowded and famous tourist hotspots. Situated about 25 kilometers from Ruoms and Vallon-Pont-d’Arc, it offers a setting that feels deeply connected to nature. This strategic choice allowed us to experience canoeing in a completely different way: in wilder, quieter conditions, entirely far from the usual hustle and bustle.

During our stay, we thoroughly enjoyed the peacefulness and cool freshness of the nearby river. While we did go in for a swim, the spot is truly at its best as an area dedicated to relaxation, picnics, and casual play rather than just pure swimming. We took full advantage of the beautifully shaded riverbanks to gather all together for leisurely family picnics.

The campsite's amenities proved to be an absolute hit with the younger generation. Between the thrilling water slides, the main swimming pool, and the dedicated aquatic play area for our youngest daughter, every single one of our three children found their own piece of happiness.

While the kids were fully immersed in their aquatic adventures, we, as parents, were able to truly unwind. The clever layout allowed us to comfortably observe them from elevated sun loungers positioned perfectly in the shade, giving us a genuine opportunity to rest while keeping a watchful eye on them.

One of our memorable day trips was a visit to the Parc Animalier de Lussas, an educational animal park located just 300 meters from the campsite. At an affordable entry fee of €8 for the children, it was an absolute delight for them. They had a wonderful time interacting with the animals, which included llamas, camels, donkeys, and goats.

Although we happily spent most of our time enjoying the campsite facilities, we dedicated one grand day to a major canoeing excursion. We traveled to the village of Balazuc, where we rented our gear from the local provider, Le Fazao. From there, we embarked on a descent of approximately 7 kilometers, which we intentionally took very slowly. Alternating between picnics and swimming stops, the journey lasted over 3 hours! We were enjoying ourselves so much that time slipped away without us even noticing.

The stretch of the river winding through the gorges—specifically the section following the village of Chauzon down towards Ruoms—is absolutely magnificent. This part of the Ardèche is nearly as impressive as the famous main gorges, yet it benefits from having far fewer crowds. It is an experience we highly and wholeheartedly recommend to anyone visiting the area.

The remainder of our vacation unfolded with the absolute minimum amount of logistics possible, ensuring maximum rest for every single one of us. These holidays allowed us to discover another side of the Ardèche: calmer, close to nature, and far from the crowds. It was a holiday defined by fluid days without any strict scheduling, allowing us to simply slow down and savor the joy of being together as a family.

Anonymized interview conducted by the Camping Direct editorial team following a stay at Camping Ludo.