Ardeche Activities

Huge range of sporting activities: swimming, canoeing/ kayaking, fishing, volleyball, basketball, table tennis, children’s play area Wine visits, artisan workshops, themed guided walking tours Fully researched independent walks; exclusive for Headwater guests Spectacular rugged valleys, twisted granite cliffs, dramatic river gorges, fertile vineyards

New for summer 2009, this stay-put multi activity holiday is based in the lovely old village of Joyeuse, in the southern part of the Ardèche National Park and in the extreme south-west of the Rhone-Alps region. It is an area rich in diversity of landscape, flora and fauna, and offers arguably the best canoeing in France.

You’ll be staying as guests of Fréderic & Cecile Koch at their 45-room Hotel les Cèdres, just 2 minutes’ walk from the mediaeval centre and set in shady gardens on the banks of the river Beaume (the hotel has private access for swimming, canoeing and fishing). Most of the sporting facilities offered by the hotel are free of charge (heated pool, canoes, volleyball, table tennis, etc) with activities such as guided walks, art and craft workshops, wine tours and cultural visits carrying a small supplement (pay locally). For customers looking for greater 'thrills and spills' experiences, there are a wealth of adventure companies offering caving, canyoning and mountain biking locally.

This region is also a mecca for walking enthusiasts, with dramatically contrasting landscapes and panoramic views. Drive 30 mins north and hike in the granite Tanargue mountains; or travel south and stroll through olives, herbs and gently rolling hills; head east and view crystal clear rivers cutting a swathe through limestone gorges, or go west to the border with the Massif Central and the fertile vineyards of the Cévennes. In order that you fully experience the richness this area has to offer, we have included fully researched independent walking route notes, and maps are also provided.