About the activities

We aim to make your Ardeche getaway fun, exciting and above all adventurous.

Paddlesports Day

We are very fortunate to have a riverside centre, with its own private facilities, from where we run your watersports activities.

Your day will be filled with instructor lead activities, you will be learning how to to Stand Up Paddleboard with style, on our fleet of boards, Learn as a team how to build and pilot your own raft, and enjoy a silly session with lots of LOL’S on our MEGASUPS.

 

Kayaking Adventure

The pinnacle of your time with us is the 2-day long kayak descent down the awesome Ardèche gorge and its river rapids. Often referred to as Europe’s Grand Canyon, kayaking the river is one of the only ways to access the heart of this incredible nature reserve.

One of many highlights for your family during the river adventure is the thrill and excitement of spending a night camping in the gorge. Don’t worry, creature comforts such as showers and toilets are available on site. Your experienced river guides will get you from our base  down the river to the campsite, show you around the campsite and ensure your camp is in order, before bidding you farewell for the evening, they will meet you in the morning and guide you from the campsite down the second half of the river to the get off point where you will be transported back to our centre.

Treetop Adventure Course

Time for some fun in the forest! A short drive from our centre sees us at our high ropes course. Climb in the treetops and navigate this incredible obstacle course of zip wires, rope ladders, skateboards… and Tarzan swings.

Chauvet2 Cave and Vallon Market

After the excitement of the river trip you will need a little adventure break, so we have planned a couple of relaxing self guided activities. firstly a trip to Vallon, our local town, where the market will be in full flow. explore it’s narrow streets, restaurants and cafes and hunt down souvenirs of your time in the Ardèche. After lunch you will have tickets booked for a visit to the breathtaking Chauvet2, which is a replica of the UNESCO listed Chauvet cave, discovered in 1994, and inaccessible to the general public. The guided trip around the cave is truly amazing, and the 30,000 year old cave art is just spectacular.

Our Activities are ideal for families with children. We recommend that your children are aged 7 and above, due to the strenuous nature of the activities on offer. Children younger than this will not be allowed to take part in the water based activities. 

 

Supervised activities, equipment, and excursions are included. Our team will provide picnic lunches on the River decent. 

Availability

June 20th, June 27th, August 3rd, August 10th, August 17th, August 24th

Your Stay with Us

Welcome to Base du Cros – your haven of tranquility nestled on the banks of the Ardèche River, just a short drive from the charming town of Vallon Pont d’Arc. Get ready for a camping experience like no other, where comfort meets adventure in our chic canvas bell tents.

Accommodation:
Your glamping-style retreat awaits in our stylish canvas bell tents at Base du Cros (pronounced ‘bas doo crow’). Immerse yourself in the serene ambiance, complete with comfortable beds, all bed linen, and an electricity power socket for your convenience. Customize your stay by specifying double or single beds in your booking notes during checkout. For families, multiple tents are available, allowing you to choose your preferred setup from the booking options.

Dining Options:
Indulge in the culinary delights of the region as your holiday is fully self-catered. Within a short walk or a refreshing swim from our center, discover a plethora of stunning dining options. If you prefer the comforts of your campsite, we provide a fully equipped kitchen and BBQ for your use.

On-Site Amenities:
Base du Cros offers more than just accommodation – it’s a family-friendly space designed for relaxation and recreation. Enjoy riverside views in our lounge and bar area, engage in friendly competition on our beach volleyball, boules, and basketball courts. And, being situated on the riverbank, access your own private beach for a quick dip in the refreshing waters of the Ardèche.

Whether you seek the vibrant atmosphere of nearby eateries or a cozy evening by the campfire, Base du Cros provides the perfect setting for quality family time.

Book your stay now and immerse yourself in the beauty of Ardèche, where adventure and relaxation seamlessly come together at Base du Cros!

Indulge in a holiday filled with thrilling adventures, where each day promises a new and exciting experience!

Kayaking Adventure:
Prepare for the highlight of your holiday with a 2-day kayak descent through the awe-inspiring Ardèche gorge and its exhilarating river rapids. Often hailed as Europe’s Grand Canyon, kayaking is your exclusive gateway to the heart of this remarkable nature reserve. Your journey begins with a comprehensive half-day training session, ensuring you’re ready for the challenge.

Setting off from our private beach, the first day takes you through a series of rapids, gradually increasing in difficulty until you reach the breathtaking Pont D’Arc – a colossal natural arch designated as a UNESCO site. After an exhilarating day, we pull into the bank for a well-deserved break.

Day two kicks off from the same point, leading you deep into the gorge for a full day of paddling along the mighty Ardeche. Under the vigilant guidance of experienced instructors, you’ll navigate the river, soaking in the scenic wonders and thrills along the way.

Paddlesports Day:
Immerse yourself in a day of water-based excitement at our riverside center, equipped with private facilities. Our expert instructors will guide you through various activities, including mastering the art of Stand Up Paddleboarding, team-building to construct and navigate your own raft, and a laughter-filled session on our MEGASUPS.

Wild Swimming:
Unwind on our exclusive riverside beach, perfect for a refreshing spot of wild swimming or leisurely sunbathing. Embrace the tranquility and let yourself unwind amidst the natural beauty.

Treetop Adventure Course:
Take your adventure to new heights with a treetop escapade! Navigate through an incredible obstacle course featuring zip wires, rope ladders, and Tarzan swings. It’s a delightful journey through the forest that promises fun for all ages.

Note: The minimum age for water activities is 7 years old, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Get ready for a holiday where every moment is an adventure – reserve your spot now for an adrenaline-packed getaway filled with unforgettable memories!

How to find us

TRAVEL BY TRAIN

  • Why not make your journey as relaxing as possible and Catch the Eurostar from London to Paris, then the TGV to Avignon, or the SNCF train to Montelimar. for the Ardèche
 

FLY DIRECT

  • Lyon from Birmingham, Bristol, London (Luton), Manchester
  • Avignon from Birmingham, Southampton
  • Montpellier from London (Gatwick, Luton)
  • Marseille from London (Gatwick, Luton, Heathrow, Stansted), Bristol, Manchester, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dublin
  • Nimes from London (Luton, Stansted), Liverpool
  • Bezieres from London and Manchester

CAR HIRE

We highly recommend that you hire a car to get the most out of your Ardèche adventure. By having a vehicle at your disposal, you will be free to explore beyond the Ardèche Adventure site. Public transport is very limited, so a car is essential in order for you to experience the surrounding natural monuments, scenery, and picturesque medieval towns.

Self Drive

We are located around 40 minutes from the A7 Autoroute de Soleil so can easily be reached by car. If you are travelling from the UK, we recommend that you allow at least 10 hours to drive from the French ports.

Base du Cros, 2035 Rte du Chassel, 07150 Salavas, France