Activity holidays - list of activities

Canoe/ Kayaking	Via Ferrata/ Corda
Bivouac- Camping in the Gorge	Horse Riding
Canyoning	Cycling
Climbing	High Ropes (Tree Top Course)
Caving

• Please use the above links to explore each activity or view the Activity Gallery. 
• Please note that this list is not exhaustive and other options can be available upon request.
  

Canoe/Kayaking

This is by far the most popular activity in the area with people coming from all over to "do the gorges" using Vallon Pont d'Arc as their centre. The upper section finishes just after the Pont d'Arc at Chames, which is about 500m from the Hotel Belvedere. It is a perfect section to introduce people to the sport of Canoeing and Kayaking with some flat sections and also half a dozen rapids for a slightly more exhilarating experience. Being only a 8km/2 hour journey means there will be time to develop your skills, have a swim, or laze next to the river watching others float by. The choice of whether you want to pair up and paddle tandem or prefer to go solo is left to you with advice and guidance from a highly experienced British Canoe Union (B.C.U.) Level 3 or Level 4 Coach.

The longer, second part to the river starts where the first one finished, just on the entrance to the Gorge. As soon as you start, you feel the gorge walls raising up until you are enveloped by their magnificence. This section can either be broken up with an overnight Bivouac (see below) at one of the two campsites within the Nature Reserve, or it can be done in a day. Although quite achievable in a day (24km/7 hours), it can be a bit strenuous for those less fit but is most definitely not one to be missed! The only way to see this amazing place from the inside is on foot or by canoe! The minimum age to go down the Gorge is 7 years old and everyone must be able to swim 25m and be water confident.

The majority of our river trips are two-day trips with an overnight camp in the gorge (bivouac). This covers the full 32km of the Gorges de l'Ardeche and we believe that this is the best way to do it, maximising your experience.

The Boats

The boats we use are sit-on-top kayaks and are available in singles or doubles. They are well designed to help protect you on the rapids and help to greatly reduce the chance of entrapment.They have specific areas designed into the boats that allow the waterproof barrel to be securely attached and are self-emptying. Buoyancy aids, paddles, barrel and boats are all included in the price. We can also provide trips in traditional open canoes but these must be specifically requested to check availability and are only possible with a guide.

Paddling along the flat sections allows you to marvel at the scenery while the rapids bring a little focus and help to add adventure to this memorable journey.

For more information visit the following link on the Rhone-Alpes Tourism website: The Legendary Ardèche Gorge.

To get a better feel of the journey you will take, visit the following Ardeche River Gallery.

Bivouac

The bivouac is the overnight camping in the gorge. To wild camp within the Gorges de l'Ardèche is illegal as is having any open fire. There are, however, two provided sites (Gaud & Gournier) situated within the gorge where people can camp, have access to toilet facilities, drinking water and BBQ's (charcoal provided). Recently the law regarding the numbers of people allowed to 'bivvy' at each location has been significantly reduced and as such there is a greater need to book in advance, especially over certain weekends and as the season gets busier (July/August).There is a charge to use the site although we do not add this to your holiday for week options but have it included as part of the service we offer to all those wanting this option.

Both sites are situated next to the river, just beach your boats and a short walk through the trees opens up to the bivouac site where you can set up your tent, hammock or just sleep out under the stars and relax and enjoy your evening. There are group tents (Marabou's) if you are happy to share and have no tent with you but these are basic shelters with a wooden floor and must be booked in advance. 

Nothing tops of the experience of paddling through the Gorges de l'Ardèche better than sleeping out in the middle of the nature reserve surrounded by sheer cliffs and the animals that live there such as the wild boar and goats. As night falls the sky is unbelievably clear with no light pollution for miles around and you will drop off to sleep watching the shooting stars and satellites above and with the constant lullaby of the cicarda's chirping around you.

Please note:      For short breaks Bivouac tickets cost £10 per person. For week long options they are included in the price.

Canyoning

This activity takes place in the Chassezac Gorge, about an hours drive from Vallon. This is probably the most energetic of all the activities, although it will be tailored to the needs and abilities of the group. You will find yourself walking down a steep path to enter the gorge itself, then on reaching the bottom the fun will begin!

With exceptional guidance from your instructors you will find yourself sliding, jumping and swimming your way down the gorge following the water all the way! An amazing experience that really gets the heart pounding. Although alternate routes are sometimes possible they are not always available and a drop down through a waterfall may be your only choice. Canyoning is the newest activity to hit the Ardèche and is fast becoming one of the most popular. There are many optional jumps into pools but watching others can be almost as terrifying as jumping yourself! If you feel that this activity may be beyond your ability then you can contact us to discuss the activity in more detail. For the full canyon, 12 is the minimum age. A 'mini canyon' is available for younger children.

 

Climbing

With a multitude of sites all over the region, this is one of the most popular activities in the area. With grades to suit all abilities, the activity is under the supervision of a highly qualified local, English speaking instructor.

Whether you have a fear of heights but want to try and overcome this or are a bit of a seasoned climber. The Limestone crags, which draw almost as many people as the river does, offer an unforgettable experience.

Caving

Caving is one of the last activities that gives the experience of true exploration and discovery. The Ardèche is covered in caves and caverns with one of the largest caves in Europe (Aven Orgnac) and the oldest cave paintings in the world (Chauvet Cave). The Chauvet cave was found in 1994 by local cavers who found a previously undiscovered opening in a popular cave which led through to the amazing discovery.

Although there are some tourist caves in the area (such as Orgnac) which are lit and even have lifts to get you back to the surface, our Caving activity however, takes you back to the original feeling of discovery in small groups with a local English speaking guide. One of the caves we use is situated only a few hundred yards from the back of the hotel.

 

 

Via Ferrata/ Corda

This is Italian for "Iron Road" and refers to a mountain route that is equipped with fixed cables, ladders and bridges. The first Via Ferrata were built during the first world war to aid the movement of mountain troops. The Via Corda is the same as the Via Ferrata but with fixed ropes as opposed to cables.

They allow walkers and climbers to follow otherwise isolated routes without the need of ropes and belays, and without the risks associated with unprotected climbing or scrambling. The first Via Ferrata in the Ardèche is situated near Thueyts and crosses the upper Ardèche river. Another has recently been built by the Lac du Villefort. This aided climbing allows you to reach places that otherwise would be inaccessible even for the most advanced climbers and all you need is a good instructor and a head for heights! This activity is about an hours drive from Vallon.

Click on the images for a better look of what to expect.

Horse Riding

A local horse riding school situated near Vallon will provide this activity. An amazing way to explore the surrounding area from a unique vantage point. Irrelevant to your riding ability, this horse riding experience is a perfect balance to some of the more strenuous activities.

I had never ridden before in my life but was perfectly able to climb up and follow the horse in front. The journeys lasts for one or two hours and the horses are very friendly and make you feel comfortable after only a few minutes in the saddle. For younger children, Pony treks are available.

 

 

Cycling

The Ardèche is also famous for its cycling with the Tour de France having stages upon its winding roads in the past. There is also the "L'Ardéchoise " cycle race which has routes all over the Ardèche department and is open to non-professional riders from all over the world. Thousands of people come to discover the region by bike in one, two or three day routes which vary from 120km to 600km with height changes of up to 5125m!

Although we do not hire bikes directly, we can recommend a place in Vallon that can supply you with all your cycling needs.

High ropes (tree top course)

This local 'Tarzan' style tree top adventure is popular with all ages and has a number of various routes suitable for all abilities. It was created by a group of tree climbers and forestry workers who wanted to share the experiences they have on a day to day basis. You will be under the supervision of qualified professionals in a safe and secure environment. A great option for younger members of a group.

You have complete freedom to take the route that you want and therefore can decide how brave you are feeling and move at your own pace. Traveling from tree-top to tree-top gives you a unique experience usually left for monkeys or birds and is one you won't forget.