ACTIVE HOLIDAYS ITALY & FRANCE DESTINATIONS
T
hink Italy or France and lazy days spent lounging on the
sand, and evenings spent sipping red wine or sauntering through winding cobbled streets are the images that spring to mind. Yet both countries have plenty to offer those with an adventurous streak thanks to varied landscapes that move gracefully from glaciers to rolling hills or windswept beaches. These natural playgrounds lend themselves to a range of activities, from the gentle to the extreme, and their mild weather and varied terrain make them year-round destinations that appeal to both beginners and pros. The first step is considering
which region to visit as that will determine how difficult the activity might be; a ramble across Umbria will be far less gruelling than trekking in the national parks of Abruzzo, while cycling the Alpe d’Huez in the Rhône-Alpes will burn thighs considerably more than a family- friendly bike ride that takes you past farms and villages in southern Normandy. In winter, the Alps are a huge draw for clients seeking vertiginous ski slopes, then in summer, the Mediterranean attracts the crowds thanks to its dazzling stretch of coastline and clear waters for snorkelling, diving, water-skiing and kite-surfing.
w SUMMER: FINAL HEAT ON TWO WHEELS: Cycling and walking remain perennially popular, and in summer the conditions are dry and clear – though recommend a visit at the start or end of the season for the most pleasant temperatures, especially for harder walks or cycles. The popularity of the Tour
de France continues to inspire clients to take to the saddle themselves in France. Inghams recommends Morzine as an increasingly popular destination for cycling holidays: clients can ride the Col de Joux Verte, a 1,760-metre climb linking Morzine to Avoriaz, passing the Lac de Montriond via a series of tight, winding hairpins. The braver can take the Col de Joux Plane, which links Morzine with Samoens in the south and has been used in the Tour de France 11 times. Explore offers self-guided
cycling holidays to France that are usually easier than its group trips and a good option for those who prefer to take things at their own pace. Its escorted bike tours have a group size of between 10 and 16, and offer cycling alongside a healthy dose of culture. For example its Canal du Midi tour rides through the beautiful Corbières region, allowing clients to absorb the history of the area with stops at the 12th-century cathedral in Narbonne and medieval fortress town of Carcassonne.
G Adventures offers a more
physically demanding group tour to the popular Loire Valley, rewarding clients for all their hard work with trips to markets, wine tastings and plenty of traditional French cuisine. That might be too taxing
for little legs, but families with younger children can try the new Learn to Ride initiative from Al Fresco Holidays, helping kids aged three and up to learn to cycle. Its Des Menhirs park in South Brittany has recently launched a programme for guests to hire bikes and take part in free guided tours. In Italy, Inntravel has a new
holiday by bike, exploring the lesser-known Maremma region of Tuscany. ON FOOT: Tuscany is a top choice for gentle hikes too, and its rolling vineyards, ancient hill villages and silvery olive groves mean there’s plenty to see along the way. G Adventures offers both a
cycling and walking holiday to the region. For tougher hikes, the Dolomites region is a good option. Thomson Lakes & Mountains recommends climbing a ‘via ferrata’ (steep climbing routes using steel cables and ladders) following the same route that Second World War soldiers used to navigate the mountains. Inghams, which offers guided
‘wanderwalks’ holidays in many of its European resorts, suggests Champoluc in the mountains of
Monte Rosa. The region has more than 125 miles of marked walks for all levels.
Alison Hall, head of product
development at Inntravel, says: “In spite of the European Football Championships in France this year, during what is the peak season for activity holidays, our walking holidays to France are holding their own and in some areas we have seen significant increases in numbers walking.” The Alsace region has seen numbers triple for the operator this year with the introduction of a new self-guided walking holiday, Castles, Vines & Forests of Alsace. ON WATER: Those craving salty sea air can head to the French island of Corsica, which boasts more than 600 miles of scenic coastline and plenty of picturesque trails past quaint villages and lush vineyards. Mark Warner’s San Lucianu Beach Resort is well located for ramblers looking to explore the area, and offers a jam-packed activity programme as well as intensive road-cycling weeks. Budding sailors can hop
aboard a chartered or skippered yacht from Palermo to discover the Med with Sunsail, while those who prefer the tranquillity of the lakes should consider a sailing excursion to Lake Garda. Eurocamp’s Altomincio Family Park near Lake Garda is close to a diving school, which
16 June 2016
travelweekly.co.uk 51
FAST FACT
Explore’s Family Tuscan Active Adventure is open to those with children aged 11 and up
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76
