This holiday is based in the Roya Valley approximately one hour north of Nice. Despite its proximity to the crowded Riviera and its undeniable beauty, the valley remains largely undiscovered as a tourist destination.

There is a good chance that the only English speakers you will meet during your stay will be your hosts and our activity guides. Naturally, it is in our interests as an activity holiday provider to protect the environment in which we work and we always endeavour to do so in any destination. However, the main positive impact of this holiday is the effect it has on the local rural economy.

Our accommodation is a family owned Logis de France hotel and local activity providers ensure that the tourism spend reaches the community in which we work rather than large hotel chains or other organisations. Consequently, there is a knock on effect with the accommodation owner using local food suppliers who in turn buy from local farmers etc.

Our activity providers employ and fully train local residents to act as qualified guides hence creating employment in a village where the drift of young people might otherwise be towards the more affluent Riviera.
 

Saturday: Arrival and welcome
On arrival at the hotel there will be time to settle into our rooms before a meeting with our guide and dinner.

Sunday: Canyoning level 1
There are seven canyons in the Roya Valley affording some great canyoning opportunities. Our local activity guides will select one that they feel is appropriate to the whole group. From our start point we will use a variety of methods to descend, sliding down natural water chutes, abseiling and simply jumping into clear deep pools. A picnic lunch included.

Monday: Mountain biking
We are driven to the summit of the Col de Brouis to collect our mountain bikes. There are a few climbs today but for the main part it's steadily downhill on pisted tracks taking in some of the local sites and villages. There are plenty of opportunities to stop and admire the wonderful scenery or enjoy a refreshing drink on the terrace of a local café. A picnic lunch is included.

Tuesday: Tubing
We head for the narrow but fast flowing River Roya today for a fun descent using inflatable rubber rings. Tubing is a great favourite amongst both children and adults as we twist and turn your way downstream. Quite simply it's just great fun.

Wednesday: Free day or optional activities
Today is free to relax or try additional activities which can be paid for locally. Alternatively, why not get out there and explore? Provence, the Riviera, the Parc National de Mercantour and Italy are all within an hour's drive.

Thursday: Kayak tuition and kayak rafting
The morning is spent on the lake at Breil-sur-Roya learning and refining our kayaking techniques. In the afternoon we take to the river to test out our newly acquired skills on the fast running and more challenging waters of the Roya.

Friday: Canyoning level 2
More challenging and certainly more adrenaline fuelled than the first experience, this canyon descent will leave you with some unforgettable memories. Picnic lunch included.

Saturday: Depart
It is time to bid farewell to your hosts at the Hotel Mirval and either head home or on to your next destination.

Would you like this holiday tailor made especially for your friends and family?

If you have a group of at least 4 people then please contact one of our travel experts to discuss the options of a private or tailor made programme.
 

The Roya Valley is renowned for its activities, beauty and weather, so it isn't a bad place to spend a week! With a fast flowing river, mountain scenery and a tiny French hamlet as our base, this is the perfect location for an exhilerating family holiday.

The Roya Valley is a closely guarded adventure sports secret. At first sight, the narrow, but fast flowing river seems an unlikely candidate for some exhilarating activities but delve a bit deeper and you'll find that fun and excitement await in equal measure.

There's so much to do and see and with this being a self-drive holiday we urge you to explore to the north where you'll find the rugged mountain scenery of the Parc National de Mercantour. A hike through the Vallee des Merveilees with its 100,000 bronze-age rock engravings is rather like stepping back in time.
 

Families with children aged 9 years and over. (Please note that this does not preclude children under 9 years but participation in the activities will be at the discretion of our instructors).