The southern Ardèche is a land of garrigue and stone villages, carved by the gorges between Vallon-Pont-d'Arc and Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche. The river draws canoeists in summer, but it cools quickly once autumn arrives. We mostly found gîtes and farmhouses to rent with a heated private pool, often from April to All Saints' Day. I've selected 4 places, all rated at least 8/10; the top-rated is Mas ardéchois avec piscine chauffée (4.93/5).
Each city has its own selection, with a page for each type of accommodation.
Places are ranked from highest to lowest rated. The yellow bubble shows the advertised water temperature, when it's known.
4 places shown
The pool. Heated outdoor private saltwater pool, open from 1 May to 30 September according to the listing.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature. The pool comes up in 22 guest reviews.
Guide's tip. Outside May to September the pool is closed: check your dates.
The pool. Secure outdoor private pool, heated and available year-round according to the listing, with a cover.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature. The pool comes up in 12 guest reviews.
Guide's tip. If you're coming out of season, get the actual water temperature confirmed.
The pool. 6 x 3 m private pool heated to 28 °C from April to the All Saints' holidays, according to the listing.
Several guests talk of a well-heated pool; one measured 27 °C. Another mentions a pump breakdown lasting a day.
Guide's tip. The gîte only sleeps 4: book early for spring and autumn.
The pool. Stone house dating from 1872 with a heated pool shared between two houses, according to the listing.
Guests appreciate the pool and its setting during the heatwaves, without mentioning its temperature. One regrets that it isn't private and that the noise carries in the evening.
Guide's tip. The pool is shared with another house: ask who will be staying there on your dates.
These places don't have a confirmed heated pool, but they do have a hot tub: the water is hot all year round. A good way to relax in the warm.
These places were suggested to us directly by their owners. The heated pool is declared by them; they don't yet have enough guest reviews to join the selection.
In my selection, the top-rated is Mas ardéchois avec piscine chauffée (House for rent · Airbnb), with 4.93/5 (58 reviews · Airbnb). Next come Gîte de charme en sud Ardèche (4.93/5) and Un Brin d'été (4.8/5).
Yes at Gîte de charme en sud Ardèche: the pool is advertised as heated all year round. At Mas ardéchois avec piscine chauffée and Un Brin d'été, heating is seasonal (1 may to 30 september). Either way, ask for the heating dates before you book.
Advertised temperatures: 28 °C at Un Brin d'été. For the other places the temperature isn't published: ask the property.
Yes, 4 villas and holiday homes are selected: Mas ardéchois avec piscine chauffée, Gîte de charme en sud Ardèche and Un Brin d'été. Heating is sometimes charged extra: check the listing.
The word "heated" on a booking page isn't enough. Every place must have a rating of at least 8/10 (or 4/5) and carries one of these four levels.
Guests mention the heated water in their reviews, with the season when they say so.
A journalist or guide who stayed there describes the heated pool.
The hotel or the platform says so, but I haven't yet found a review that confirms it.
Heating isn't specified, but the water is sheltered from the wind and cold air. Ask for the temperature before you book.
I left these out because guests report water colder than advertised, or because no heating or indoor pool is mentioned.
| Place | What the sources say | Rating | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| L'Intemporelle | Pool from May to the end of September | 5/5 | Pool not heated, according to the listing |
| Sowell Hotels Ardèche | Seasonal outdoor pool at the Domaine du Rouret | 7,8/10 | Rating too low (Orbitz) |
| Sowell Family Le Vallon | Outdoor pool | 8,2/10 | Heating not confirmed |
| Sublime gîte sud Ardèche | Private pool open in summer | 4,92/5 | Heating not confirmed |
Sources: Gîtes de France, Orbitz, Kayak, Airbnb.
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