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This holiday is designed to cater both for families and adult parties with the activities being geared to the requirements and ages of clients .Our base is the comfortable and well situated Hotel Clos des Bruyeres in Vallon Pont d'Arc .Please have a look at the website for the hotel on www.closdesbruyeres.com... Please note that the photos of the hotel have not yet been uploaded onto this website. . Your rooms are comfortable and well equipped and the restaurant provides good meals eaten on the shady terrace . There is a pool and extensive shaded gardena at the rear of the hotel. The price includes7 breakfasts
and 4 dinners. The hotel can provide very filling lunch packs. What
could be nicer than to relax in the shade at the end of the day
watching the canoeists on the river or having an evening dip .A great advantage regarding the hotel is that it is only 6 or 7 minutes stroll to the center of Vallon which is a delightful small town with plenty of shops , restaurants and bars .Live music is often available in various locations . Programme.
| Saturday .. Clients should plan to arrive at the Hotel at 5 . At 6.30 pm there is a meeting to plan the week's activities and provide as much information as possible. Dinner is provided this first evening at the hotel restaurant .. |
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Sunday. An introduction to canadian canoeing
on the Ardeche with a 7km , 2hrs 30 descent of the upper part
of the gorge included .This usually includes much splashing
and swimming as the emphasis is on fun and games for the family
.A picnic lunch is provided by our team . All equipment is included
as well as a vehicle return to the start point . Again we allow
plenty of time for swimming and jumping off the rocks.Please
note that there is an age limit of 7 yrs enforced by the authorities.The
aim is to introduce clients to canadian canoeing , turning ,
stopping , reaction to capsizes , how to descend rapids
Kit provided..Canadian canoes , paddles , life jackets, waterproof
containers.Helmets ,compulsary for children.
Client needs ….old trainers for use in the water, hat ,
sunglasses with attachment cord , swimming trunks , tee shirt
.spare clothing in waterproof container..water bottles,snacks . We usually finish this fun introduction at about 2.30pm thus allowing plenty of time to relax by the pool or visit Vallon..
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Monday am. Adventure Walk along the river .A great way to
explore the rocky shore , hidden caves and even climb up into the
famous Pont d'Arc arch traverse over the river and end up in a secret
cave with an ancient little lake …Its fun and , if its hot
, there's always the river close by !!There is one tricky section
at the start but we can arrange a lift in a canoe to avoid it .Usually
starts at 9.30 and finishes at 12.30
Kit provided..Climbing harness and ropes .
Client needs ..good pair of walking boots or good trainers with
tread , small rucksack , hat , hand or head torch . Clients return
to the hotel for lunch/picnic . Afternoon. We offer an introduction to caving/potholing in a local cave with some muddy squeezes and limited rope work . It IS an adventure so it is not for those who do suffer from claustrophia. The guides are real experts and know the caves very well. They are also part of the mountain /caving rescue team so you are in safe hands . The activity usually lasts about 3hrs maximum. Please provide old clothing and old boots or trainers. Overalls and all specialist gear are provided.
Tuesday..The Canyoning day ..We drive to the Chassezac Gorge
which is 1hr 30 mins drive up onto the beautiful Cevennes plateau .This is a totally different environment, wild and rugged and will leave a lasting impression . There are two choices ..either the introductory half day adventure or , for more adventurous groups , a full day of canyoning**.The minimum age is 10 yrs and all must be able to swim
. There are jumps , slides swims and abseils depending on the group
. The full day is quite tiring and demanding but excellent for adult
parties . The family groups will have plenty of time to explore
the plateau and the superb medieval village which overlooks the
gorge ..A great day out for all concerned . Families please note
that the whole day is spent in the area even though its is a half
day activity.
Kit provided..wetsuits , harnesses, helmets,waterproof containers
and rucksacks .
Clients need …old walking boots or trainers( Not ideal), socks,
swim trunks, waterbottle and picnic.insect repellant
Clients can buy picnics en route to the Gorge.
For the whole day of canyoning there is an extra charge of 20 Euros
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Wednesday . Free day.. A chance to have a quiet day
on one of the little beaches along the river or visit some of the
many attractions in the area . Full details are provided in your
welcome pack . We can also offer a half day on a Via Ferrata on a cliff about 45 minutes away. There is an opportunity to take part in an early evening walk which starts on the opposite side of the gorge , descends down to the river crosses it twice and then climbs back up to the top again ..gives superb views of the gorge in the evening light .More details available during the week .A small supplement is required for these activities..
Thursday. am ..The Tarzan Ropes Course..Minimum
age 6 yrs and 1.2m height. This fantastic ropes Course is great
fun and the circuits are specifically graded for different age groups
..Its also in the shade of these tall trees..very useful in the
heat..death slides , swings ,slides… all in perfect security with
parents able to closely supervise children and adult groups left
to explore the site at their own speed .Plenty of time left at the
end of the day for a swim from one of the many beaches along the
river .This activity has proved to be a firm favourite with all
ages .
Thursday pm. A fun rock climbing afternoon with the
emphasis on easy climbs and abseils . This takes place locally and
we use some boulders to start off with..Minimum age 8 yrs.
Kit provided…harness , helmet , climbing shoes .Adult groups
use more difficult climbing areas.We can also provide private instructors for those who have previous experience and wish to tackle some harder climbs.There will be a supplement for this service.
Clients need …tracksuits /shorts/trainers /sun hat, water bottle.
.Friday .. The Full Descent of the Ardeche Gorge ..26kms
..in Canadian Canoes. This is a must .One of the most interesting
and scenic descents open to the family canoeists in Europe .It is
long and quite tiring but , with an early start and plenty of stops
to swim and rest. Children under 7yrs or non swimmers are banned
. The canoes can accommodate up to 3 canoeists so an ideal arrangement
is to place the younger children in the middle with two adults or
older teenagers providing the paddle power .There are exciting rapids
dotted all the way down so some capsizes and thrills are guaranteed
. Large waterproof containers are provided for food , spare clothing,water
and lots of energy bars .The descent starts just above the Pont
d'Arc and finishes at St Martin . There a vehicle will be waiting
to transport clients back up to the start and the car park. Adults
will find the descent a real challenge as well !!
Kit provided…canoes, paddles ,life jackets and waterproof containers.
Clients need..Picnic, waterbottles, spare tee shirts , towels,sun
hat , sunglasses with cord, plenty of suncream, lots of easy to
eat snacks , camera and small first aid kit for blisters.
We will arrange a special supper for Friday evening with wine included
of course . Transport will also be provided for those who would
like to have some late evening entertainment in Vallon .
Saturday..Clients depart after breakfast . Please note that
the transfers to Nimes or Avignon will normally leave at 9.30am . Please
also note that the local tourist tax has to be paid to the hotel
before departure. The cost will be 30 cents per person per night.
Transport during the week .
Transport will be provided for those who do not have a vehicle and
for the canyoning and Ardeche Descent . Otherwise clients can
use their own vehicles to access the activities . Distances are
very short and having your own vehicle increases the flexibility
available for shopping , visits etc .
Instructors ,..All the instructors/guides are fully qualified with
expert local knowledge . Their English might not be the best but
you will find them friendly and fun to be with ..Try your French
on them .
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Prices E900…These are based on 7 days accommodation in a Two Star Hotel on bed and breakfast basis in rooms that sleep either 2 , 3 or 4 …the latter in family rooms . . 4 dinners are included in the package as well . Transfers are included for those not self driving . Local transfers are as per the programme . Please do note the age limits for some of the activities |
DATES 2008 All weeks from May 24th to July 5th. August 23 to September 6th.(week ending in each case) Please contact Francetrek if you would like to organise a group holiday outside this period but excluding the period 12 July to 25 August 2008.
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