La Plage Des Templiers
Ardeche, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France
A naturist campsite at the bottom of the Ardeche canyon, reached only on foot, with a river that runs through the domain.
snapshot
La Plage Des Templiers is a clothes-free campsite at the foot of the Ardeche river canyon in southeast France. No motorised vehicles can reach the site. Guests park on the canyon rim, have their luggage lowered by cable cart, and walk a 15-minute trail to the riverbank. Rental accommodation ranges from equipped glamping tents to the more comfortable Amazone Lodge. River temperatures reach 22 to 24 degrees in summer. The site suits adventurous travellers and families seeking a remote, canyon-based clothes-free setting far from resort noise.
resort type
Small Campground
dress code
Clothes-Free
budget
Mid-range
When to visit
June to September
THE DESTINATION
THE DESTINATION & where to find it
La Plage Des Templiers sits at the base of the Ardèche canyon, one of the most dramatic river gorges in France. The campsite occupies a strip of riverbank with canyon walls rising on both sides and the river running directly past the tents and accommodation. Getting here is unlike arriving at any other clothes-free campsite. Guests drive to the canyon rim, where a car park marks the end of the road. Luggage is loaded onto a cable cart and lowered to the valley floor. The walk down takes about 15 minutes on a marked trail. The walk back up takes a little longer. Once settled, most guests stay put until departure. There is little reason to leave, and the uphill return to the car provides a natural deterrent to casual trips out.
THE EXPERIENCE
THE EXPERIENCE & what to expect
The Ardèche river is the core of everyday life here. Water temperatures reach 22 to 24 degrees through summer, and the main activity is swimming, floating, and sitting on the banks watching the canyon walls change colour through the day. The site has no road sounds, no amplified music from a neighbouring resort, and no artificial light at night. Stars are visible in a way that is not possible near towns or main roads.
A petanque court and a volleyball court are on-site for those who want structured activity. In high season, massage sessions and yoga classes are organised. The bar, restaurant, and a small shop cover food and drink without needing to leave the site. The guest mix is broad and self-selecting: people who are willing to hike in tend to be relaxed and good-humoured about the conditions. Ages range from families with young children to older couples. Nationalities include Belgian, Dutch, German, Spanish, Swiss, French, and Italian visitors, all in similar numbers.
Accommodation splits between tent pitches and three types of rental unit. The Amazone Lodge is the most equipped rental option. The Muscade tent is a step down in comfort. The Mayotte tent is the most basic: it has beds, a fridge, a stove, and cooking utensils, but guests must bring their own pillows and sheets. Only tents can be transported down via the cable system. No caravans or campervans can access the site at any point.
WHO THIS IS FOR
WHO SHOULD GO & who should not
Great for
- ✓ Adventurous travellers who want a clothes-free experience in dramatic, remote natural surroundings
- ✓ Families and couples willing to trade convenience for a river-based setting with no road noise or artificial sound
- ✓ Those who want dark skies, minimal distraction, and a clothes-free camp that feels nothing like a resort
not ideal if
- ✕ You are not comfortable walking uphill for 30 minutes or more each time you need to leave the site
- ✕ You want to arrive by campervan or caravan: no motorised vehicles can access the campsite
- ✕ You want a large site with extensive evening facilities: this is a small, nature-first camp
practical
GETTING THERE & what to know
getting there
The Ardèche region is in southeast France. From the north, take the A7 south towards Marseille and exit at Mondragon. Follow the D44 towards Pont-Saint-Esprit, which is the last town with a supermarket on the approach route. From there, follow the road up towards the canyon. GPS is recommended as the campsite is not well signposted on local roads. From the south, take the motorway towards Lyon and also exit at Mondragon. The nearest major airport is Lyon-Saint-Exupery. The nearest TGV station is Orange, from which a hire car covers the remaining distance. A hire car is essential.
where to stay
The campsite has tent pitches for those bringing their own tents. Three types of rental accommodation are available: the Amazone Lodge (most comfortable), the Muscade tent (mid-level), and the Mayotte tent (most basic, with beds, a fridge, a stove, and cooking utensils; guests must bring their own pillows and sheets). Only tents can be transported down via the cable cart system.
when to go
The site is open from early June to early September. July and August are the warmest months, with river temperatures at their peak (22 to 24 degrees) and the full programme of activities including massage and yoga sessions. Early June and late August are quieter and a good option for those who want more space. This is a summer-only campsite shaped entirely by the river season. Rental units fill early for peak weeks, so book well in advance.
what to know
Plan the logistics of arrival carefully. All vehicles park at the canyon rim. Luggage goes down by cable cart and guests walk a 15-minute trail to the campsite. The walk uphill takes at least double the time, every time you need your car. Most guests arrive, settle in, and do not leave until departure day. Stock up on groceries in Pont-Saint-Esprit on the way in, as the site shop covers only basics. For the Mayotte tent, you must bring your own pillows and sheets. Confirm bedding requirements for other rental types when booking, as this was not confirmed for the Amazone Lodge or Muscade tent at the time of writing. Contact the site before arrival to discuss what to bring.
plan your visit
Book at La Plage Des Templiers
Book in advance for rentals and tent pitches during peak season. Enquire about the cable cart process for luggage when booking, particularly on a first visit.
virtual visit
HAVE A peek inside
Sometimes a two-minute watch tells you more than a page of text. Our video visit covers the setting, the facilities, and what the atmosphere actually feels like on the ground.
keeping you busy
FACILITIES & amenities
●River
Direct access from the campsite. Water temperatures 22 to 24 degrees in summer.
●Bar
On-site, clothes-free
●Restaurant
On-site, clothes-free. Covers main meals so guests do not need to leave the site for food.
●Shop
Small on-site shop for essentials. Stock up at Pont-Saint-Esprit on arrival.
●Petanque
Court on-site.
●Volleyball
Court on-site.
●Massages and yoga
Available in high season. Not available in shoulder weeks.
beyond the resort
NEARBY VISITS
Pont-Saint-EspritLast grocery stop on the approach road. About 20 minutes by car.
Ardeche canyonSurrounding the site. Kayak trips and cave visits accessible from nearby launch points.
Orange TGV stationAbout 1 hour 15 minutes by car
Lyon-Saint-Exupery AirportAbout 2 hours 20 minutes by car
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FAQ
most asked questions
Is La Plage Des Templiers suitable for first-time naturists?
Yes, with one practical caveat. The site is remote and self-selecting: guests who choose it tend to be relaxed and experienced with outdoor life, which creates a welcoming atmosphere with minimal self-consciousness. The main thing to prepare for is the physical access.
Is La Plage Des Templiers family-friendly?
Yes. Families with young children visit regularly. The active outdoor character of the site suits families who enjoy nature-based activity. The 15-minute hike to the site is manageable for most children.
What is the best time of year to visit La Plage Des Templiers?
The site is open from early June to early September. July and August offer the warmest river temperatures (22 to 24 degrees) and the full programme of high-season activities. Early June and late August are quieter and can offer more space.
Can I drive to the campsite?
No. No motorised vehicles can reach La Plage Des Templiers. All guests park at the canyon rim, load their luggage onto a cable cart to be lowered to the valley floor, and walk a 15-minute trail down to the campsite. The same hike applies every time you need to reach your car.
Is nudity mandatory at La Plage Des Templiers?
The site is a naturist campsite and nudity is expected as the standard throughout. This applies to the river, the communal areas, the bar, and the restaurant.
Do I need to bring my own bedding?
For the Mayotte tent, yes: guests must bring their own pillows and sheets. Bedding requirements for the Amazone Lodge and Muscade tent were not confirmed at the time of writing. Enquire directly with the campsite when booking.
