Discover Ardèche and the
surroundings of the campsite
Camping Le Ceytrou is ideally located in the heart of the
, an exceptional area spanning 570 km² at over 1,000 m altitude, on the border of Haute-Loire and Lozère. Here, nature is unspoiled, the scenery is spectacular, and there are countless treasures to explore: spa resorts, long-distance hiking trails, characterful villages, UNESCO-listed geological sites, one of the most beautiful starry skies in France… Our campsite in Saint-Laurent-les-Bains, Ardèche, is your ideal base camp for exploring the region.
Visiting Saint-Laurent-les-Bains,
a renowned spa resort
Just 2 km from the campsite, the Saint-Laurent-les-Bains spa resort is one of the jewels of the Ardèche mountains. A member of the Chaîne thermale du Soleil, it is undoubtedly the wildest and most authentic of its establishments: nestled in the heart of the Ardèche mountains, surrounded by preserved natural areas, it treats rheumatic conditions and fibromyalgia in a setting of rare beauty. Very popular with hikers who combine treatment and discovery, it welcomes spa guests from all over France every year.
Le Ceytrou offers a direct shuttle to the thermal baths (€30/person) and special spa guest packages tailored to the length of thermal stays.
Just nearby, the Notre-Dame des Neiges Abbey, which is administratively part of Saint-Laurent-les-Bains, is well worth a visit. This 19th-century Cistercian monastery, nestled in a haven of conifer forests, is a place of peace and spirituality. Its abbey church, gardens, and shop selling monastic products make it a soothing stop, reachable on foot or by bike from the campsite.
The Regional Natural Park of the
Monts d’Ardèche
Camping Le Ceytrou is right in the heart of the Regional Natural Park of the Monts d’Ardèche, an area awarded the UNESCO Global Geopark label (international recognition for the richness and rarity of its geological heritage). For 550 million years, volcanoes, granite, and metamorphic rocks have shaped these unique landscapes, which you can explore via marked geological hikes. The Park is also home to exceptional biodiversity: golden eagles, otters, bats, mountain flora… a true paradise for nature lovers and fans of slow living.
The Park provides a “Rando Monts d’Ardèche” mobile app to help you plan and follow your routes independently.
The most beautiful towns and villages
in Ardèche
The Ardèche mountains are a land of authentic, preserved villages. Around Le Ceytrou, several towns are well worth a visit:
- Langogne (20 km, Lozère): a stopover town on the Stevenson Trail, with its lake, markets, and shops
- Villefort (32 km, Lozère): a characterful village on the edge of the reservoir lake, gateway to the Ardèche Cévennes
- Nîmes (1 h 30): for a city break with its UNESCO-listed ancient monuments
- Grenoble (2 h): for those who want a taste of an Alpine city at the end of their stay
Must-see places to explore
in Ardèche
From Le Ceytrou, Ardèche and the surrounding area open up to you:
- La Garde-Guérin (23.5 km) — a medieval hilltop village on the high plateaus, with breathtaking views over the Chassezac gorges
- Lake Villefort (31.8 km) — a man-made lake nestled in the Lozère countryside, perfect for a family day of swimming and picnicking
- Cocalière Cave (around 40 km) — one of the most spectacular in the region, with its stalactites, stalagmites, and underground river
- The “Rond des Fades” miniature village in Pierre (40.5 km) — a hand-crafted local curiosity, ideal for a family outing
- Les Vans (50 km) — a charming Ardèche market town with its Provençal market and the nearby Chassezac gorges
The best activities to do
around the campsite
Le Ceytrou is certified as a Compagnon de route by the French Hiking Federation, an official stopover point for hikers and touring cyclists. The GR7 and GR72 trails pass directly through the campsite—great news if you want to link up stages without taking the car.
Here’s an overview of the outdoor activities and sports available in the area:
- Hiking: dozens of marked trails for all levels, from family walks to multi-day treks on the GR routes
- Cycling and mountain biking: the Ardèche mountains have a network of roads and tracks suited to cyclists, including e-bikes (available to rent at the campsite)
- Downhill and cross-country skiing: the La Croix de Bauzon resort, a few kilometres away, opens its slopes in winter for skiing and snowshoeing
- Water activities: swimming, fishing, and canoeing on the La Borne River, accessible directly from the campsite
- Stargazing: the Monts d’Ardèche area has very low light pollution — an exceptional night sky, ideal for astronomy
- Walks with animals: donkey rides and other animal-based activities offered by local providers
