Red Ballon Travel and Consulting

When it comes to the outdoors, the Rhône-Alpes has everything you need for the adventurer's holiday. Begin with a canoe trip down the Ardèche River, and head eastward towards Vaison-la-Romaine, stopping for hikes, ropes courses, horseback rides along the way. If you are feeling really adventurous, try a hot air balloon or glider ride over the Vercors plateau.

Your first destination is the Vallon Pont d'Arc in the Ardèche. Hop into your canoe and amble down the Ardèche River, through the Natural Reserve that is only accessible via canoe. Take advantage of the fresh air as you witness the magnificence of the limestone canyons and the 265-foot high Pont d'Arc. Spend the night under the stars in the Ardèche Gorges.

Once you have reached your final rowing destination and had a revitalizing lunch in the Restaurant Ardéchois, make your way to Pierrelatte where the Hôtel du Centre will be holding bikes for you. Bike up to the quiet village of La Garde Adhémar, named one of the most beautiful villages in France, where you will discover over 200 species of flowers in the beautiful Jardin des Herbes (Herb Garden).

Spend the morning lost in the jungle of the Crocodile Farm in Pierrelatte. This wildlife research centre houses over 500 crocodiles of different species as well as giant Seychelles tortoises, all under an umbrella of exotic fauna and flora. Afterwards, discover your inner monkey with the ropes course in the mountaintop Marsanne forest.

On day four of your adventure, climb the ramparts of Grignan, a lovely perched village known for its many cultural festivals held in its impressive château. Wine tasting in the Enclave des Papes village of Valréas is next on your customized tour. Finally, stay the night in the ancient "haute ville," or high village, of Vaison-la-Romaine just next to the 12th century castle that dominates the city.

Get an early start for your four hour hike in the Toulourenc Gorges, in the shadows of the massive Mount Ventoux of the pre-Alpes. Climb over large boulders and trek through the low waters of the river as the summer sun pleasantly warms your back. Return to Vaison-la-Romaine for a relaxing dinner with a view high above the city.

After a visit of the 11th century dungeons in the hilltop village of Cairanne, discover the southern part of the Rhône-Alpes on horseback. Wander through the local vineyards and get a closer look at the grapes that constitute that famous French nectar. Should your holiday be in October, you will be able to enjoy the outdoor "Jazz in the Vines" concert.

A second day of walking through France, this time in the "Dentelles de Montmirail," or Montmirail lace, thus known because of the mountain's erosion patterns. Trek through the forests and Gigondas vineyards, and don't forget to take in the magnificent views of the Rhône Valley as often as possible.

On this, the last day of your Red Balloon adventure, take advantage of the good weather. Float high above the hills and valleys of the Drôme and Ardèche departments in a glorious hot air balloon. This magnificent invention of the Montgolfier brothers allows you to unobtrusively observe the beauty and peacefulness of the landscape. Finish your day in Valence, capital of the Drôme department.

Spend your last morning wandering through the streets of Valence; see the Peynet Kiosk, the Maison de Têtes (house of heads), the Saint Apollinaire Cathedral.

After eight days of outdoor adventure, it is time to say goodbye to the natural beauty of the Rhône-Alpes.