we know....
Quintessentially French with vineyards, lavender fields and sunflowers everywhere you turn. The Ardèche is a wonderful destination for a family holiday. Do not be fooled however by the gentle scenery, there are some fabulous activities here to satisfy the whole family. The Gorge d’Ardèche cuts through the region and provides a true activity playground.
At the region’s heart is the town of Vallon Pont d’Arc. Vallon is the hub of all Ardèche activity with restaurants, cafes, shops and, of course, a fabulous weekly market.
As this holiday is self drive it means that you have the freedom to explore the countryside and have your own adventures in your free time. Many clients also choose to extend their stay in France and perhaps hire a gîte for a second week.
you know......
"We thoroughly enjoyed the holiday. We were very impressed with the telephone advice when booking, with the information given before departure (packing lists etc), and with the guides used during the week." Joanne George - July 2010
Suitable for
Families with children aged 8 years and over (please note: this does not preclude younger children but participation in the activities will be at the discretion of our instructors).
Children under 1.3m tall are unable to participate in all sections of the high ropes course.
saturday - arrival and welcome
You will be able to check into your room from 5pm. This evening there is a welcome meeting with Pat, your local guide, to discuss the week’s programme before a delicious welcome meal served in the hotel restaurant.
sunday - canadian canoeing
This morning a five minute drive will take you to the start point on the Ardèche River where you will be given your equipment for the day. Following some simple instruction you set off canoeing down one of the most famous stretches of river in the Ardèche. You will stop for lunch and a refreshing swim normally around the famous Pont d’Arc, before continuing down the river.
monday - adventure walk
Your walk will follow the course of the river whilst exploring caves, rocky boulders and scrambling along rocky ledges. Your expert guide Pat will accompany you and share his fascinating knowledge of the local area, pointing out the local flora and fauna. This afternoon you have free time to explore or simply relax by the pool.
tuesday - the cevennes and canyoning
The best canyoning in the area is in the Chassezac River, which is approximately 90 minutes drive away.
The group will meet by the lake in Villefort this morning to take part in additional activities (payable locally) or just to relax on its beautiful sandy beaches or take a dip in the lake itself. You will then continue to the start of the canyon and get ready to make your way down river jumping, swimming, sliding and scrambling!
wednesday - free day
There are plenty of things to do in the area and having the freedom of your own car is perfect for exploring
today. Pat will be happy to advise you on areas of local interest. Alternatively many families choose to make use of the outdoor swimming pool at the hotel and spend the day relaxing.
thursday - rock climbing and high ropes
This morning the families will split into groups depending on their ability. After thorough instruction you will spend
approximately 3 hours practising your climbing skills with expert guidance from your instructor.
This afternoon a short drive will take you to a fantastic high ropes course in a thick forest. You will climb, slide, crawl and fly through this treetop assault course.
friday - ardèche canoe descent
Today your canoe descent will be of the upper Gorge d’Ardèche through beautiful scenery and with plenty of stops along the way for photos, swimming and a picnic. This is a fantastic final activity and will leave you with wonderful memories of this stunning area. This evening the whole group will meet in the bar for a farewell meeting with Pat to discuss and reflect on the week’s activities. The group will then enjoy a final farewell meal together in the fantastic hotel restaurant.
saturday - depart or extend your stay
Today you will return home or we can also arrange for you to extend your stay in The Ardèche.
Available
Limited places
On request
Pricing Notes
* Teenage Departures - 21 July 2012 - children must be 12 years and over.
Getting there
Fly-drive: This is a self drive holiday and clients will require a car during their stay. If you prefer to fly to France, we can arrange flights and car hire on your behalf. Please contact our reservations staff to discuss the options.
Self-drive (Source: Google Maps, March 2011):
Distance from Calais: 602 miles
Driving Time: 9 hours
Estimated fuel cost from Calais: £110.00 each way excluding tolls
Route: From Calais via Reims, Troyes, Dijon and Lyon.
Recommended stopover Dijon: http://www.visitdijon.com/en/
Fly-drive:
Nearest Airports:
Avignon 1hour
Nimes 1 hour 30 minutes
Montpellier 2 hours
Marseilles 2 hours
Lyon 2 hours 20 minutes
NOTES: We estimate that based on current flight prices and car hire rates that a family of 4 save approximately 60% by self-driving.
This family holiday is based near the town of Vallon Pont d’Arc in the Ardèche Region of Southern France.
We work and liaise very closely with local activity providers who are fiercely dedicated to ensuring that the balance between tourism and the natural integrity of the region is strictly maintained.
This means that the size of our family groups is kept to a maximum of 20 in any given week, which immediately removes the necessity to utilise large tourist transfer buses, whose presence can cause major congestion and air pollution during the height of the summer.
Equally and by consensus we have contracted with our local French suppliers to only include activities in our itineraries which have zero or absolute minimum environmental impact and do not in any circumstances involve any form of motor based activities. We also actively support and promote the policy of only utilising local guides and instructors, whose training and skills allow the local communities to benefit economically from the visitors who use their services.
The Ardèche as a region can become very popular in the summer and it is a cornerstone of our policy to educate our clients in their individual and collective responsibilities in setting an example as to how tourism can impact positively on an area e.g. sensible disposal of waste and garbage.