Les Coudoulets is a beautiful site on the Ardèche river, just East of the Gorges centre. It is perfectly located for near access to the gorges, without having to endure the highly youthful scene of many of the more central Ardèche (Gorges) campsites. The pitches are large, flat and lightly hedge screened, some of which sit overlooking the Ardèche itself. There is moderate mature tree cover to most pitches. Toilet and shower facilities are excellent, as is the welcome from the extremely pleasant and accommodating owners. I arrived on a Sunday, and was unable to find a Supermarket open. The owners gave us the last of their bread (which we were able to take with some cheese and meats we had in our fridge). The site has a beautiful pool and children’s adventure pool area, although you can also swim in the Ardeche if you wish. The most impressive thing about this site is their bar prices (beautiful terraced area close to the pool). We had 2 Cokes, 3 wine kirs and 1 bottled beer... the price was 5 euros (about 3). I had to question the bill as I felt the owner had made a mistake, although it was quite correct. I found this extremely refreshing, as I expected a bill of around 12 euros. The owners are also wine producers (their own red, white and rose wine being quite excellent quality and value), so perhaps this had something to do with the cheap bill (as concerns the kirs). Occasional events are apparently held in the evenings (I believe mainly high season), such as musical interludes and barbeques, although discos are not (which suits me well). The site also hires out canoes at reasonable cost (either the local 8km descent, which is suitable for novices, or the grand Gorges descent). My daughter and myself did the local descent and had a fabulous time (we will do the Gorges next time). Being a seasoned French camper, I find it difficult to recognise individual points of merit as concerns this site. I believe that this is because Les Coudoulets were so excellent as concerned all our requirements. This coupled with the extreme and quite genuine kindness shown in all things by the owners. This is an extremely beautiful, reasonably priced and quietish site with excellent facilities and owners who bend over backwards to ensure that you have a pleasant stay. It stands out in my mind as one (of very few) that I will definitely be returning to.
|
