Camping Le Mas des Chenes

A lovely, friendly campsite with very clean toilets. Just right for a short stop.

The peaceful feel was the first thing we noticed. There were few guests in early May, but the spacious, well-kept lawns and the rule that cars stay in the inner or outer car park made it feel calm and relaxing. Kids can run or ride bikes along the paths without worrying about traffic, which is a real plus for parents. We stayed from May 6 to 11, fishing for carp on the Gardon with two friends, and rented a cottage bungalow for four. The bungalows are modern and recent, unlike the ones at other nearby campsites we’ve tried in Anduze and le Cardet over the past few years. The brand-new wash block is roomy and spotless, and the washing machines and dryers are very up to date. We also tried the campsite restaurant, which was a nice surprise: the menu is clearly aimed at good-quality dishes, with care given to presentation. Prices seemed fair and reasonable. One evening, a huge 1.10 m pike from the Gardon gave us an excuse to share a lovely dinner, which the owners treated us to. The owners also keep a close eye on who comes and goes. There’s an electrified barrier at night to deter the many wild boars in the area. It’s harmless to people, though I imagine it could give anyone who blunders into it a jolt. Memphis, the guard dog, is adorable but can be quite a deterrent when needed. We couldn’t try the pool because it hadn’t been filled yet at that time of year, though its equipment looked very new too. The only thing we could fault was the shower in our bungalow, where the water pressure could have been stronger. In midsummer, I imagine some pitches might get very hot despite all the trees, but that’s a small point when you come here for the sun and warmth. There’s direct access to the beautiful river at the back of the campsite, and swimmers are welcome too. I’d gladly recommend this place and hope to return soon for another fishing trip with friends.

The river borders the site and you can swim there, though the bank is steepish and there’s no beach. The campsite is in the Cévennes, about an hour’s drive from the Mediterranean coast. It’s a very spacious, ecologically designed, car-free site, with clean facilities and friendly owners. There’s a small pool, playground, bar and terrace, plus a pétanque court. Fresh bread can be brought to your tent if you ask. The bar menu is limited. Its position by a main road is the one small drawback, but it didn’t cause us much trouble.

The pitches are really spacious, and the natural grounds are well looked after. A new owner is renovating the place, including the sanitary facilities, and there are new tents for families of up to five.