The Ardeche - Active Adventure

Elaine Akam - Sep 10

 We arrived at the hotel Berneron after an easy drive over the plateau above the Ardeche Gorge as suggested by the Activities Abroad team. We received a friendly welcome from the hotel staff and after settling into our room set off to explore the town before the tasty welcome meal. 

Sunday saw us up bright and early for breakfast  in readiness for our walk along the gorge with our enthusiastic guide Francois  who gave us interesting geology lessons along the way. This was a perfectly relaxing way to ease ourselves into the holiday, and a chance to get to know our fellow group members. With a free afternoon there was plenty of time to relax around the pool and prepare ourselves for the next day.

Rising with the church bells chiming we were ready for our first water based activity. Donning our life jackets and carrying our paddles we headed off down to the river to jump into our awaiting canoes, for a gentle paddle down stream, interspersed with swimming and a picnic.

On the Tuesday we drove over to the nearby lake, taking a quick break for drinks and cakes at a local bakery before arriving at the lake to spend the late morning as we wished. In the afternoon we met local guide who showed us the way to the top of a canyon, where we climbed into our wetsuits before sliding, walking and jumping our way back to the bottom.

Wednesday was a free day, giving us chance to relax and recover from the activities of the week so far, and also explore the wider area including other parts of the Gorge.

Having had a day off we were up early for a short drive taking us to a local spot for climbing. Francois and Patrick were soon scaling the rocks, setting up the ropes for us to begin climbing and belaying each other.  In the afternoon we went out to a high ropes centre and spent the afternoon happily sliding on zip wires and walking on high wires in the trees.

Friday, we undertook a 14km canoe trip through beautiful scenery. A stop for a freshly cooked doughnut and a final slide down a chute to finish the day before the farewell dinner at the hotel where we were joined by Patrick our unassuming but watchful guide for the week. A wonderful climax to an excellent week!!!!