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The Ardeche region of France is often referred to as the ‘Grand Canyon’ of Europe and is well known not only for its spectacular scenery, but also for its excellent and varied outdoor pursuits. Canoeing down the Ardeche is a memory certain to stay with your group for years, with the Pont D’Arc the highlight for many, a 60m wide and 45m high arch, carved by river erosion over thousands of years.
We offer a multi-activity programme that not only presents your group with physical challenges, but also the chance to experience local French culture, food, natural history, geology and of course, language.
Our programme includes a three day canoeing descent of the Ardeche Gorge, with overnight bivouac. Plus, climbing, abseiling, high ropes, weaseling, excursions to one of the many local markets, towns and attractions, plus an evening programme.
We also offer the classic Med/Ardeche programme, with groups transferring on day 5 to our centre in Argeles sur Mer for a programme of sailing, kayaking, windsurfing and more.
Our boast of having the best activity programme in the Ardeche is based on having the best instructor team delivering it. We hand pick all our staff and instructors who are chosen ultimately for their maturity and professionalism. We work to NGB ratios, often having more qualified staff than set out in the guidelines. For instructors alcohol is banned and we have a strict no smoking policy for staff. Your group having probably been looking forward to the trip all year, so we intend to make their experience the very best it can be.
Our aim is to make your group’s experience as much of a French activity as student adventure travel in France should be. Our programme reinforces the importance of learning outside the classroom, incorporating language, geography, history, PE, citizenship, creativity, individual and collective responsibility and social skills.
As the name suggests, a shorter visit to the Ardeche - 6 days - for groups on a tighter budget, but still including all our activities.
In addition to our Ardeche only programme, we also offer the archetypal Med:Ardeche programme, with 3 days in the Ardeche and 3 days on the Mediterranean at our Argeles sur Mer centre. Your students will be rewarded with a plethora of activities, delivering challenge and a sense of achievement.
As you'd expect, this is one of our most popular activity programmes - so if your students like water sports, call us today on 01273 560 449.
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Day 1 Depart School Day 2 Arrive, fire drill & swim test Day 3 Initiation session & 7km descent |
Day 4 River descent & overnight bivouac Day 5 River descent & return to centre Day 6 Climbing / Abseiling |
Day 7 High Ropes / Weaseling Day 8 Morning at leisure / depart Day 9 Return to school |
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Day 1 Overnight travel to the Ardeche Day 2 Arrive, high ropes session Day 3 Swim test, climbing, weaseling |
Day 4 River descent & overnight bivouac Day 5 River descent, shower, depart Day 6 Return to school |
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Day 1 Depart School Day 2 Arrive, fire drill & swim test Day 3 Initiation session & 7km descent |
Day 4 River descent & overnight bivouac Day 5 River descent & transer to Argeles Day 6 Sailing / Snorkelling |
Day 7 Windsurfing / Kayaking Day 8 Morning at leisure / depart Day 9 Return to school |
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We pride ourselves on the selection of our staff who stand out on the river for their maturity and professionalism, but we also insist they are blessed with a sense of adventure and fun. We also pride ourselves on the quality of our equipment, which is not only changed every 2 years, but is fit for purpose, rather than budget. For example, we don’t issue children with ‘barrels’ for their belongings, but instead, each child is given a tailor made ‘dry bag’ which is strapped to their boat.
Our team operate to the highest standards and conform to European National governing bodies code of practices. We work to National Governing Body ratios, but often have more qualified staff than is set out in guidelines. Moreover, before each season, technical experts from the UK are invited to inspect and check the relevant elements of our operation.
Adventure Ardeche complies with the DfES guide “Health & Safety of Pupils on Educational Visits 1998” and the appendices added in 2002. All risk assessments are available to party leaders and all staff/instructor details will be included in your welcome pack.

All ingredients for our meals are fresh and sourced locally! We consult with party leaders on specific dietary and nutritional requirements before you arrive and supply you with the menu for the week. We offer a range of evening entertainments, such as Nature Treks and the very popular Cabaret on the final evening. However, unlike most operators, we also offer enthusiastic students the opportunity to do another session of activities to develop their skills or simply for the enjoyment of it.
Finally, every evening the team will run through the following days activities with your group.
Our accommodation is located near the river and climbing in Casteljau. The centre is fully equipped with modern chalets, restaurant area, bar and swimming pool.