A Piano in the Pyrenees to Ardèche ardour.
December 1st, 2008I’m not an avid reader of books as I didn’t bother much with them as a kid, most of my childhood involved riding my bike, going to the beach, or making bonfires; some outings involving all three. I do however read whilst I’m on holiday and during my recent break read ‘a piano in the Pyrenees’ by Tony Hawks (of grumpy old men fame).
It follows the trials and tribulations of Tony buying a house in the French Pyrenees. It is a very entertaining book, having its ‘laugh out loud’ moments, especially Tony’s van buying exploits, but I won’t spoil the plot for you.
The book was recommended to me by our Operations Director, when she returned from setting up our new ‘Heart of Pyrenees walk’ earlier this year. Malcolm and Anne, our local representatives for our Pyrenees holiday, suggested it as a good read, plus they both feature in the book when they befriend the ‘greenhorn’ Tony and introduce him to village life.
The Pyrenees isn’t a region I’ve visited, but have now made a note of doing so with its breathtaking scenery and dramatic gorges and abundant wildlife.
The majority of my working time in France has been spent in the Ardèche; not as mountainous as the Pyrenees, but never-the-less, still breathtaking scenery. The Ardèche is where I learnt my French (or, that is, a variant of French that isn’t understood in Paris). I return there every year to catch up with friends, walk, cycle and maybe take a trip down the famous Ardèche gorge in a canoe. I spent several years working there, picking grapes, working in a wine cave, labouring for builders and farmers, canoe instructor and bus driver, not forgetting working for the rudest bar in France. (Some say the rudest bar would have to be in Paris, but they don’t hold a candle to the one I worked in - now closed down for Health and Safety reasons I think).
I always return to the Ardèche for its rugged ‘sauvage’ appeal with it’s deep gorge, rocky landscape and extensive wild stretches of hardy vegetation, with stunted chêne vert (Holm oak trees) clinging on to the rocks and somehow surviving in the stony soil. You won’t see Chateaux such as in the Loire or rolling hills like those of Burgundy, but you will see a wild, impressive landscape which hasn’t changed since… forever.
I am very pleased to say we now offer The Ardèche region as one of Headwater’s holidays the ‘Ardèche Activities’ based in Joyeuse.
There are many activities on offer. Headwater provides route notes and maps for walking, or if you feel more adventurous, mountain biking, canyoning and a descent of the gorge in a canoe is on offer (or if you feel like letting someone else do the work, there are companies offering descents in larger crafts with a couple of beefy guides to steer you down the rapids). For this holiday it is essential to bring your own car or hire one at the airport. This gives you the freedom to explore the region and see sights such as the famous Orgnac caves.
If you are a bit of a culture vulture then Roman theatre in Orange is only 45 minutes away.
A little further south will bring you to the small town of Courthézon, where I always stock up on some Sang du Peuple wine whenever I’m passing. (It’s not so far from the famous Chateauneuf-du-Pape vineyards, but almost as good and much cheaper!)
Just 1 ¾ hours drive for Joyeuse will take you to Avignon with its impressive city walls and Palais du Pape. A little to the west of Avignon you will find the Pont-du-Gard, an awe-inspiring 1st century Roman aqueduct.
The only difficulty you will find with this holiday is fitting in everything you want to do in just a week; or perhaps stay a couple of extra days.
Post added by Mike Wheeler, Operations Manager
