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An iconic spot in the heart of Drôme des Collines.
Created in 1974, Lake Champos is a must-visit site for both locals and travelers passing through the region. Ideally located in Drôme des Collines, this 9-hectare lake is a true haven of peace—perfect for families, nature lovers, and water sports enthusiasts alike. Since its creation, it has evolved into a major tourist destination, offering a wide range of activities set within an exceptional natural environment. Every summer, Lake Champos welcomes thousands of visitors seeking refreshment, relaxation, or simply a moment of tranquility.
50 years of stories and memories
In 2025,, Lake Champos is celebrating its 50th anniversary! Half a century of history marked by many events that have shaped its identity and its role at the heart of the region. This anniversary is the perfect opportunity to look back on its memories and appreciate its evolution over the decades. For fifty years, Lake Champos has continuously renewed itself to meet the expectations of its visitors.
Key dates:
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1980s: installation of water slides
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2000s: creation of the first chalets
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2022: launch of the Champos 2030 project
Among the site’s must-see features today:
• A developed beach with supervised swimming
• A variety of water activities: pedal boats, canoes, paddleboarding
• A 3-star campsite
and unique accommodations
• Picnic areas, shaded zones, and a friendly snack bar
• Hiking trails and mountain biking circuits around the lake
This controlled and environmentally respectful development has made Lake Champos an unmissable destination, cherished for its preserved nature and family-friendly atmosphere
A festive program for summer 2025!
In 2025, Lake Champos is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a program that promises to energize the entire summer! From May to September, experience a series of festive, cultural, and sporting events in this exceptional natural setting.
Highlights not to be missed:
From 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, come and try sailing and rowing during a day dedicated to water sports! Our team will offer a photobooth to capture the event, and you can discover the photo exhibition featuring the winners of the "Votre Champos" contest.
Fly over the lake on a giant 330-meter zip line!
For summer 2025, a brand-new attraction awaits you: a spectacular zip line crossing the lake over an impressive distance of 330 meters. Available from August 16 to 31, this temporary installation promises thrilling sensations.
Storytelling evenings
Join us at 8:15 PM on July 24 at the leisure center for a magical moment to share with young and old alike. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is mandatory at the MJC du Pays de l’Herbasse.
The Producers’ Market is back at Champos!
Join us on July 23 and August 6 for the Champos night market. Come meet local producers and artisans, enjoy on-site food, live music, and a zero-waste eco-friendly approach. A perfect outing to share with the whole family!
Show by the water:
On the program: a cultural journey with the Youth Taipei Dance Theater (Taiwan), a group performing traditional world dance and music. This event is presented in partnership with the International Folklore Festival Empi & Riaume.
A grand finale with “The Piano of the Lake,” a mesmerizing aquatic jazz concert!
The season will end on a musical note on August 30 with this unique show “The Piano of the Lake,” mixing piano, washboard, trumpet, and trombone, accompanied by a singing voice that brings the melodies of the Roaring Twenties back to life. The evening will be complemented by a local food truck for a friendly and tasty moment by the water.
Open-air Cinema by Lac de Champos
Get comfortable on the grass on Saturday, July 19 and August 23, and let yourself be carried away by the magic of open-air cinema. At nightfall, the lake becomes the setting for a friendly screening, with your feet in the grass and your head under the stars. A lovely way to enjoy summer with family or friends, in a soft and summery atmosphere.
A Storytelling Hike for the 50th Anniversary of Lac de Champos
As part of the "Partir en Livre" festival organized by Arche Agglo, the 50th anniversary of Lac de Champos will also be an opportunity to experience a magical evening on July 4. On the program: a twilight storytelling hike blending nature and imaginative tales, perfect for the whole family. Meet on site at 7:30 PM for a bring-your-own picnic, with drinks and dessert offered to all participants. The storytelling walk begins at 9 PM, narrated by two voices, hosted by Cécile Acquaviva and Claire Souben.
Not to forget the children’s activities, the "Gentle Thursdays " that will brighten up the entire summer. On the sports side, le triathlon du Domaine de Champos on September 21.
What to do at Lac de Champos?
Lac de Champos is a true playground for lovers of outdoor leisure and activities. Whether you’re looking to relax or seeking thrilling experiences, there’s something for everyone.
Swimming and water activities
Lac de Champos offers a wide range of water activities for the whole family. Enjoy swimming or rent a pedal boat, canoe, or paddleboard to explore the lake at your own pace. Kids will especially love the water slides and the paddling pool.
Camping at Domaine du Lac de Champos
For the more adventurous, the the Lac de Champos campground offers pitches, 21 lakeside chalets, 60 spots, and 4 equipped tents. You’ll have free access to the leisure area with breathtaking views of the lake.
Picnic areas and hiking trails
For nature lovers, numerous hiking trails are available around the lake, accessible via the Rando Ardèche Hermitage. And for a meal in the great outdoors, picnic areas are set up—perfect for enjoying a convivial moment.
Practical Information for Enjoying Lac de Champos
If you want to discover Lac de Champos during its 50th anniversary celebration, here is some practical information to help you plan your visit.
Access and transportation:
Lac de Champos is easily accessible by car, with free parking available on site. It is located in St-Donat-sur-l’Herbasse, just a few kilometers from Tournon-sur-Rhône. Public transportation options are also available.
"Pass’Champos": simplified access for residents
Arche Agglo is launching the "Pass’Champos": a seasonal card costing €20 per household (valid for the 41 municipalities in the agglomeration), offering unlimited access. It can be requested by email with proof of residence. For other visitors, access remains €6 per vehicle.
Come celebrate this iconic place and share your memories to write the next 50 years!
Gentle Thursdays at Lac de Champos
All summer long, Lac de Champos invites you to Gentle Thursdays: a weekly wellness gathering every Thursday from July 3rd to August 28th at 7 PM.
In a calming lakeside atmosphere, come and enjoy soothing and revitalizing activities led by passionate instructors. Sophrology, yoga, Qi Gong… each week offers a new opportunity to take care of yourself.
2025 Program – Every Thursday at 7 PM
– July 3 : Sophrology
Sophrology led by Myriam
A session to soothe the mind and release tension.
– July 10 : Hatha Yoga
led by Lorène
A gentle yoga practice to strengthen the body and improve flexibility.
– July 17 : Vinyasa and Yin Yoga
with Cécile
A balance between dynamism and deep relaxation.
– July 31 : Relaxation through Sophrology
with Céline
A moment of inner calm and letting go.
– August 7 : Qi Gong
led by Jacques
Energetic movements to harmonize body and mind.
– August 14 : Awakening the Senses through Sophrology
led by Céline
A sensory exploration to better connect with oneself.
– August 21 : Vinyasa and Yin Yoga
led by Cécile
A fluid practice combining strength and relaxation.
– August 28 : Sophrologie
led by Myriam
Support to regain serenity and well-being.
