Family Activity Holiday In France

Ex London passengers depart today on the Eurostar from London, travelling via Lille and then continuing onto the Province district and the historic town of Avignon, from where you will transfer by minibus to the small town of Lagorce, set amidst the picturesque landscapes of the Massif Central and the Ardechè river. The trip takes 1.5 hours from Avignon. The village has a few small shops and restaurants. Land only clients will rendezvous at the hotel in Lagorce later today.

Overnight Hotel (Standard) Included meals: Dinner Swimming available

Our first full day sees us departing after breakfast to take an optional walk up the gorge to a scenic viewpoint over the river and town of Vallon Pont d’Arc (walking time 2hrs) Whilst treks will be chosen in order to suit the interests and limitations of the group, it should be remembered that they will involve some uneven terrain and steep uphill sections. In the afternoon we will explore something of the scenic beauty along the Ardèche river in a canoe. In the company of an experienced guide we will canoe along the exhilarating rapids up to the Ponte d’Arc some 7km away, a natural limestone archway that reaches some 66m in height and spans the river at the entrance to the Gorges de l’Ardeche, affording us a spectacular perspective of the immense grandeur of the canyon. Or you may choose to spend the afternoon swimming and relaxing amongst the scenery around the Ponte d’Arc Beach.

Overnight Hotel (Standard) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch Swimming available

A morning of cycling sees us exploring some of the easy trails that crisscross the landscapes around the area, taking us along forest trails and quiet country roads. The biking is fairly gentle with a few uphill sections. This afternoon has been left free to enjoy some more exploration on two wheels, or perhaps relax with a swim or a gentle walk.

Overnight Hotel (Standard) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch Swimming available

This morning we visit the city of Avignon, the famous ‘City of the Popes’ lying along the left bank of the River Rhone. Surrounded by medieval walls and filled with a spectacular array of monuments, churches and Gothic architecture, the city is one of southern France’s glittering UNESCO gems, the city is home to no fewer than nine popes, beginning with Clement V in 1309 and ending with Benedict III some 100 years later. The city was renowned as a centre for artistic thought and during the 14th century it was one of the richest in Europe, its imposing centrepiece, the impressive Palais des Papes, one of the largest and most important Gothic buildings in medieval France, by its completion had nearly bankrupt the papal coffers. We spend the morning in the city and then head to the magnificent Roman aqueduct at Pont du Gard, also a UNESCO accredited site that is one of the county’s most popular ancient attractions. Built to transport water 50km from Uzes to Nimes, the structure has stood for over two millennia, its impressive span taking a labour force of 1000 men some 5 years to construct. Following our visit and a chance to explore its visitors centre, we will then head back to our hotel.

Overnight Hotel (Standard) Included meals: Breakfast Swimming available

This morning we head for the hamlet of Les Crottes, a village whose tragic history is forever linked with the struggle between the French Ressitance and the Germans during the Second World War. It was here that SS stormtroopers massacred the entire population of this tiny community in revenge for an ambush by the Marquis. From here we continue up to the beautiful manor house of ‘Mas de Serret’, set amongst a pretty forest. We then trek down to a quiet beach on the Ardèche River for lunch and a swim. This afternoon there is an option to enjoy a treetops aerial rope course, affording us an altogether different view of the surrounding countryside. Suitable for children aged 6 and above (be aware that there is a minimum height restriction of 1.30m) all instruction and equipment will be provided. Those not wishing to take to the trees might like to join an accompanied walk through the forest instead, before we return to the hotel.

Overnight Hotel (Standard) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch Swimming available

Barjac is a lovely Renaissance town located between the Ceze River gorges and the Ardèche and this morning we will visit to its Friday market. Once a centre for silk manufacture, the quaint town has narrow streets and picturesque architecture. Here we can stock up on local produce then head to a favourite picnic spot next to the cool mouth of a cave. After lunch we continue with a guided visit to the Orgnac caves with their spectacular stalactite formations. Known locally as the Abyss of Orgnac we descend 120m below the surface to the massive chambers and caverns that have taken over 6 million years to evolve. The journey ends with a sound and light show, after which you will return to the surface by lifts (no special equipment is need for this activity).

Overnight Hotel (Standard) Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner Swimming available

With a free day set aside for optional activities you can take to the water again and enjoy a 24km paddle along the gorge by kayak or canoe, taking in more of this spectacular canyon with grade 2/3 rapids. Other options for today include cycling, horse riding, rock climbing and swimming in the river.

Overnight Hotel (Standard) Included meals: Breakfast Swimming available

Included meals: Breakfast