At daybreak, the Ardèche River winds gently through the morning light. On the still-quiet banks, a few fishermen set up their gear while the village of Ruoms quietly comes to life. Christophe Hennequin takes us here for a simple, authentic experience by the water, just a few steps from the Mon Village de Ruoms campground. A destination where a motorhome trip moves to the rhythm of nature.
In Ruoms, a small town in the Ardèche region located a few kilometers from Vallon-Pont-d’Arc, the river is a natural feature of the landscape. The Mon Village campground is located just about twenty meters from the water.
For RV travelers, being close to the river makes all the difference. Early in the morning, some quietly leave their campsites to head down to the riverbank. The day then begins peacefully, with the river still calm.
In this part of the Ardèche, the landscape features limestone cliffs, pebbles, and lush vegetation. It’s the perfect destination for those who like to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of travel.
The Ardèche River has long attracted fishing enthusiasts. With an average depth of about one meter—and sometimes two meters behind certain rocks—it offers areas ideal for a variety of fish.
Carp, roach, and barbel are commonly found in these waters. Upstream, the dam and its fish ladder help replenish the river and maintain a rich diversity of species.
At dawn, fishermen take their places along the riverbanks. To fish here, all you need is a fishing license, which can be easily obtained online at cartedepeche.fr.
Later that morning, Christophe Hennequin meets Édouard. At 82, this native of Lyon knows the river like the back of his hand. For over forty years, he has returned to Ruoms every summer to try his hand at catching the large wild carp of the Ardèche.
By his side is Noël, a Belgian retiree who shares his passion. Both of them fish with boilies and use barbless hooks.
Here, most of the catch is released back into the water. The catch-and-release policy is widely observed to preserve the river’s abundance. Only a few early-season trout are sometimes kept and enjoyed simply, grilled right by the RV.
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In Ruoms, fishing is a natural part of the motorhome travel experience. The Mon Village de Ruoms campground is a convenient starting point for exploring this destination in the Ardèche and fully enjoying the surrounding nature.
With the Access Card or the Digital Pass, travelers can easily access the network’s rest areas and services. And during peak periods, the Pack’Privilèges lets you reserve your spot in advance and arrive with peace of mind.
Along the banks of the Ardèche, the river continues to flow peacefully. For anglers and travelers alike, it serves as a gentle reminder that some of the most beautiful moments of travel are experienced by the water’s edge.
