Activity Holidays
You'll be amazed at what you can do!
Always thought activity holidays were full of adrenaline junkies?
With Experience Ardèche you will have top quality instruction from highly experienced and qualified staff. However, our main benefit we feel is the atmosphere that is created. With group sizes between 6 and 12 people, there is ample opportunity for a peak adventure adrenaline rush but only if you are ready. The idea is for each individual to achieve as much (or as little) as they want. After all - it is your holiday!
The canoe trips are provided by ourselves with the experience of a Level 3 BCU (British Canoe Union) coach with over 12 years experience of the Ardèche River and surrounding area. All other activities are provided through Aigue Vive, a locally owned company that is one of the main providers in the area.
Our week long activity holidays in the Ardèche, France, are designed to create the perfect balance between adventure and comfort, the excitement of the activities and the luxury of the hotel. After a great day canoeing (for example) you will be brought back to your hotel to refresh for a relaxing evening in town, or a stroll along the beach, or even to sample the local wine!
Want to see what you can achieve?
Click the link to view the Activity Gallery; the List of Activities or view the Programme below.
Remember, don't just visit...Experience!
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If you are part of a group, family or club that wishes to keep the week for themselves, then please contact us or complete a group enquiry form.
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Sunday
You will arrive at approximately 4pm French time at the hotel where you will be welcomed, allocated your room and then left to settle in. Once everyone has arrived we will escort you to see the famous Pont d'Arc which is only a few hundred yards away. You will have the opportunity to take some photos and to get a real sense of the beauty that surrounds you. We will then return to the hotel for the evening meal.
Monday
The day starts at about 9:30am and you will be taken into the local town of Vallon Pont d'Arc for a brief exploration before heading down to the river for an afternoon of Canoeing A picnic lunch will be taken at the side of the river at a time and place suitable for the group. With the assistance of a British Canoe Union (BCU) Level 3 Coach you will learn how to control your canoe before heading down the first few rapids. This short trip is suitable for all abilities and culminates with paddling through the Pont d'Arc and finishing only a few hundred yards from the hotel. The evening is then yours to do with as you please.
Tuesday
Today starts with the morning spent Climbing at a local crag with a highly experienced English speaking instructor. The option of a picnic lunch is provided or you can choose to have lunch in one of the picturesque surrounding villages as the afternoon is free for you to explore the area; swim in the river; sunbathe; visit Places of interest or just rest and recharge. In the evening you will experience a tour of the area on Horseback providing you with a unique perspective. A great activity for seasoned riders and those who have never been in the saddle alike.
Wednesday
Halfway through the week we have a big day...Canyoning. Probably the fastest growing activity in the region and definitely one of the favourites! With the expert guidance of an amazing local English speaking instructor, you will travel up to the Cevennes Gorge where you will spend the day sliding, swimming and jumping your way down river! Although this is probably the most energetic activity, it is suitable for most. If you would rather, you can have the use of Bicycles for the day and take it at your own pace. The evening is much more civilised with a trip to a local Vineyard to try a selection of the great wines produced in the area.
Thursday
With the morning left free for you to spend as you please (or recover from the night before!), you will have the opportunity in the afternoon to go Caving and explore a local "grotte"with an experienced guide. You might have been to see the spectacular tourist caves that are lit and have steps to allow access, or seen the Chauvet Cave exhibition. There are many such caves in the area, a number of which were used to live in. It is commonly believed that there are many more great discoveries waiting to be found and this is your chance to get an insight into the experience of those who made the original discoveries!
Friday
The first days Canoe trip through the Pont d'Arc was a great introduction but stops at the entrance to the Gorge. Today you get to paddle from where we finished on the first day, all the way through the Nature Reserve and get to experience the magnificence and beauty of the Gorge. This 24km journey consists of a number of rapids interspersed with tranquil flat sections and takes the whole day to complete. Again you will have the benefit of an experienced Level 3 Coach for the duration of the descent and a picnic lunch is provided to eat beside the river. The evening is left for you to spend as you please.
Saturday
Sorry, but this is your departure day. You will be expected to leave after breakfast and to clear the rooms by 10:30am.
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Please note that all activities contain inherent elements of risk with some requiring greater levels of fitness than others.The ability to swim 25m is required for all water based activities. All activities are run by an appropriately qualified instructor/guide. If you require any further information about any activity please contact us.
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AM | PM | EVE |
| SUN | - | Arrival (approx 4pm). Walk to see the Pont D'arc before dinner | Welcome/ Group meal |
| MON |
Trip into Vallon first then start the Mini Descent
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Mini Descent (6km) |
Free |
| TUES | Climbing at local crag | Free | Evening Horse ride |
| WED | Canyoning | Canyoning | Wine tasting at local vineyard |
| THURS | Free | Caving | Free |
| FRI | Canoe the Gorge (24km) | Canoe the Gorge (24km) | Free |
| SAT | Leave after breakfast | - | - |








