Camping Municipal Les Iles de Silon **

• Ideal campsite for a stopover on the way to holidays in the South of France and Spain, with easy same-day booking.
• Attentive and personalized welcome, with the team helping you choose the most suitable pitch.
• Pleasant natural environment with direct access to the ViaRhôna and several cycling routes.
• Convenient location close to the village of Saint-Vallier, the local market, restaurants, and activities such as the aquatic center.
• Excellent value for money for a municipal campsite, offering useful services for travelers such as a bread deposit, tourist information, and the "Accueil Vélo" cycling label.

In June, my wife and I were driving south towards our holiday destinations in Southern France and Spain. Traveling with our caravan, we had spotted a campsite along our route. On the morning of our drive, we decided to book directly on the campsite’s website, and our reservation was accepted very quickly.

Upon our arrival, the reception team greeted us warmly. They took the time to talk with us to find the pitch that best suited our needs. Together, we chose an available spot along the Rhône River that offered quietness, shade, and a beautiful view of the river and the hills of Ardèche, while also being close to the sanitary facilities for convenience. We found the amenities and sanitary facilities to be extremely clean and well-maintained.

Right at check-in, the staff informed us about their fresh bread service. By ordering the day before, guests can pick up fresh bread and croissants starting at 8:30 AM.

The campsite is located just a five-minute walk from the village of Saint-Vallier-sur-Rhône, making it very convenient to visit the newsagent and pick up a few groceries. From the village, we rejoined the local walking trail, which provided a lovely extension to our stroll. Since it was Thursday morning, we also took advantage of the Saint-Vallier market to buy delicious local wine and cheese—specifically Saint-Joseph, a red wine typical of this region.

Upon returning from our walk, we noticed a nearby aquatic center and asked the campsite staff for more information. They informed us that campsite guests benefit from a reduced entry rate (€3) and that an optional wellness area is available for an extra charge. We decided to visit the aquatic center the following morning, and after a relaxing swim, we fired up our electric barbecue at noon to prepare lunch at our pitch.

Since we had brought our bicycles along, we asked the staff for cycling recommendations. They suggested several options right from the campsite:

1. ViaRhôna (EuroVélo 17): A flat, calm, and secure route ideal for stretching our legs after a long drive or taking a 20 km round trip.

2. Ardèche Valleys Loop: A accessible 30 km loop through the Cance Valley—the historic home of Canson paper, famous among artists. This route is easily accessible with or without an electric-assisted bicycle.

We chose to ride along the ViaRhôna. During our stay, we also noticed that the campsite holds the official "Accueil Vélo" label. It offers dedicated facilities for cyclists, including bike storage and a small cooking area. We met several cyclists on site, and they were delighted with their stay after a long day on the road.

We also cycled to nearby Tain-l’Hermitage, where we spent a good portion of the day. Having spotted a local vineyard offering wine tastings, we stopped by and enjoyed some incredible wines. We liked them so much that we returned by car before continuing our trip to stock up on bottles.

While in Tain-l’Hermitage, we visited the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona, an enjoyable attraction where we bought chocolates for the rest of our holiday. It was a wonderful combination of nature and gastronomy that made our journey even more pleasant.

When we were preparing to leave, the reception team recommended a major tourist attraction to visit. They suggested visiting it before heading out or on our way back by staying another night at the campsite.

Ultimately, on our return trip from holiday, we decided to stay at the campsite for another night so we could visit the Palais Idéal du Facteur Cheval (The Ideal Palace of Postman Cheval)—a historic monument not to be missed. Discovering this unique site was a perfect way to end our stay in France.

Camping Municipal Les Îles du Silon proved that a low price does not mean low quality—quite the contrary. Between the quality of the reception, on-site services (ice creams, cold and hot drinks, and tourist information), and affordable pricing, it provided a budget-friendly and high-quality stopover for a night or two.

Anonymized interview conducted by the Camping Direct editorial team following a stay at Camping Les îles du Silon.