we know.....
This holiday is based in one of France’s lesser known mountain regions - The Pyrenees Orientales. In our opinion it has some of the most beautiful and dramatic scenery in France. The town of Font Romeu, your base for the holiday is located between Andorra and the Mediterranean Coast and within reach from Barcelona Airport. This gives us more flexibility with flights from the UK.
Similar to Morzine, Font Romeu is a popular ski resort during the winter, meaning that the tourism infrastructure is brilliant for summer holidays and it is much quieter than during the ski season. The landscape here offers fantastic opportunities for activities and we have spent several years perfecting our itinerary here. This is one of our most popular destinations and offers a wide range of activities the whole family will love.
you know.....
“The quality and support from all the guides was first class. Favourite activities all different - hydrospeeding for me - because I thought I’d hate it and it was great! Mountain biking for my fearless husband and canyoning for my son who overcame his fears to jump the last jump! The balance and build of activities was spot on - wet one day; dry the next.” Jane Yarnell - August 2010
Suitable for
Families with children aged 12 years and older (this does not preclude families with children younger than 12 but they may not be able to take part in all activities).
saturday - arrival and welcome
Your group will be met at the airport by a guide for the private transfer to Font Romeu. This evening, the group will have a welcome meal and your guide will discuss the itinerary for the week.
sunday - gorge walk and hot springs
This 5km trek is set in a fantastic location – cut into the side of a gorge. It offers beautiful views across the mountain scenery and is a lovely introduction to the local area. This afternoon the group will enjoy a well deserved visit to the hot springs at Saint Thomas. With three outdoor pools at a constant temperature of approximately 37°C with jacuzzi and massage jets and several steam rooms this a fantastic place to relax.
monday - am: rafting and pm: hydrospeeding
Today you will have the chance to explore the exciting River Aude. This morning will begin with white water rafting with a guide to help you navigate this grade 4 river. This team building experience is always a favourite for families during the week. After lunch you get even closer to the water by hydrospeeding. From our experience, this awesome activity will leave you adrenaline fuelled, breathless and desperate to go again!
tuesday - mountain biking into spain
You will be transferred to the start point for this mountain biking adventure which really means we do all the hard ‘uphill work’ for you, leaving you with a 17km descent across the border back into Spain.You ride to the traditional Spanish town of Llivia set on the river Segre.
wednesday - adventure park
After breakfast you will visit a high ropes course near Font Romeu. There are several different levels of difficulty available and the whole family will try out a high ropes obstacle course, zip line and Tyrolean crossing. With several zip lines of up to 100m you get some great views as you traverse through the tree tops. This afternoon the group will have free time at the beautiful Lake Matemale.
thursday - free day
The choice is yours today and you can either relax by the indoor swimming pool or consult your guide about any additional activities which can be arranged locally.
friday - canyoning
A truly memorable way to end your week here in the Pyrenees with a fantastic canyon. Led by your guide your family will jump, slide, abseil and float your way downstream against the beautiful backdrop of the Pyrenees. This canyon rounds off with a real challenge - an 11 meter jump for those who are brave enough. This evening the group will enjoy one final farewell meal together to reflect on your adventures.
saturday - depart or extend your stay
Today you will transfer back to the airport for your return flights or alternatively we can arrange an extension for you either in the Pyrenees Orientales or the vibrant city of Barcelona. Please contact us for more information and a quotation on 01670 785 072.
Extending Your Stay
Many of our clients want to make the most of their time in Spain and extend their stay. We have some brilliant options for those who want to get the most value out of their flights. We are happy to arrange flights around any duration and your individual requirements. Our great value extensions include the option for a city break in Barcelona and some hidden gems on the Spanish Coast.
Barcelona City Break
It would be a shame to be so close to Barcelona and not visit this vibrant and family friendly city. We can arrange for you to extend your stay either before or after your activity holiday in a central hotel. You can then choose to explore on your own or take advantage of our bike tour. The price includes return airport transfers and two nights' accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis. We have two 4 star hotels to choose from:
Ayre Rosellon
This new 4 star hotel has 105 en suite rooms. The hotel offers a restaurant and coffee shop with terrace overlooking Gaudi's world famous Sagrada Familia. The hotel provides easy access to some of the cultural delights of this vibrant city.
Ayre Caspe
There are 145 en suite rooms at this modern 4 star hotel. The hotel is within 15 minutes walk of Plaza Catalunya (the old town) and it's only 5 minutes via public transport to the city beaches. The hotel's central location is ideal for those who want to get out and about in this fantastic city.
Northern Spain Coastal Extension
After an active week in the mountains of Spain or France we find that many people like to relax on the coast for a week and explore the Catalan coastline on their own. We offer two coastal hotels in Calella de Palafrugell; a small fishing town and relatively undiscovered by British clients. If you do not have your own vehicle in Spain we can of course also arrange the necessary car hire. The prices include seven nights' accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis. We have two hotels to choose from:
Hotel San Roc
This family run hotel boasts one of the best locations in Calella de Palafrugell, situated on the cliffs and just 300m from the centre of town. The hotel has 47 rooms and there are two restaurants serving a variety of cuisine.
Hotel Garbi
This is a family run hotel set amidst beautiful pine trees and boasting an impressive outdoor swimming pool. The hotel has 52 en suite rooms. The hotel is just a 10 minute walk to the town centre and the beach.
Available
Limited places
On request
Pricing Notes
Please note a standard €300 deposit is payable on arrival at the apartments which will only be used in case of breakages or to cover additional cleaning costs.
Prices include all activities. If you do not wish to take part in one or more activities please let us know at time of booking as this may reduce the price.
Getting there
Flexible durations and extending your stay: Many of our clients extend their holiday in France or Spain and particularly Barcelona.
Self-drive (Source: Google Maps, March 2011): Distance from Calais: 715 miles
Driving Time: 11 hours
Estimated fuel cost from Calais: £130.00 each way excluding tolls
Route: From Calais via Paris, Orleans, Limoges and Toulouse.
Suggested stopover: Around Limoges.
NOTES: We estimate that based on current flight prices and car hire rates that a family of 4 save approximately 60% on travel costs by self-driving.
Our holidays are based in the newly formed Parc Natural which is made up of thousands of acres of existing conservation area. It is home to a number of rare and endangered fauna species including Lynx, Brown bears and the tiny Desman.
To promote responsible tourism we try to keep to small sized groups, as we believe that the growth of adventure tourism can lead to the over commercialism and overcrowding of these sensitive areas. With small groups participating in carefully chosen locations, or walking on established marked out trails, we can introduce our clients to this spectacular area without compromising the environment and the finely balanced eco system.
When out on a walk we will always discuss the impact that the increased footpath traffic is having on the environment, and our guides will lead by example in collecting litter left by less well informed parties along the way, and our clients are encouraged to do the same. We also try, wherever possible, to avoid tourist bottlenecks at peak times and a trip with us gets you away from the main GR hordes.
During the holiday all clients are briefed fully on the correct procedures for taking their ablutions whilst in the wilderness, and are educated in the devastating implications of the incorrect disposal of waste.
Our hotel is privately owned with as much purchasing as possible from local suppliers and where possible local agricultural produce and local market stall holders rather than supermarket chains. The majority of cheese used comes from the excellent local fromagerie. All house hold waste that can be re-cycled, is, through the local commune scheme.
In introducing this area to the UK market we can help local economies that normally would not have a chance to benefit from this sector, in what has traditionally been a subsistence level farming community. This has allowed for greater opportunities and increased wages for younger people who now do not need to leave the mountains to search for careers, which means that the population of the villages is now actually increasing for the first time in over 100 years and the future of local schools and medical services are safe guarded.