Written on Wednesday, December 31st, 2008 at 4:06 pm
activities, Ardeche, canoe, Drome, kayak, quad biking
It’s raining, so rather than gardening I thought I’d prune the mountains of paperwork that accumulate over the months and years. So as I find useful information, I’ll now put it on the blog and tag it … and bin the paper.
Perhaps 2009 can be the year of the paperless chateau?
Quad bikes – from age 16; for hire at Aubres for 1, 2 or 3 hours. Costs (2008) 35 euros, 60 euros, 80 euros. Also day and overnight trips.
Reserve: tel 04 75 26 60; 06 88 86 31 58
Kayaks and canoeing; at Saillans on the river Drome (90 minutes drive from Le Colombier); see EVA www.eauxvivesaventure.com tel 04 75 21 55 71 or CapPlein Air www.cappleinair.com tel 04 75 40 60 60
Bring swim wear, sports shoes, hats, drinking water, picnic, sun screen and sun glasses. Age 7 and over; Open March to October
There’s also great kayaking on the Ardeche.
Rock climbing (escalades); lots all around. Also Via Ferrata – the rock climbing routes
Hang gliding instruction at Mevouillon www.provence-parapente.com
Written on Wednesday, November 22nd, 2006 at 9:33 pm
activities, restaurants, wine
Autumn’s been really mild so far this year and the colours are amazing. If you haven’t been here this time of the year before, you really don’t expect it.
So we took a day out today and drove up through the mountains to Saillans, on the banks of the Drome. Last time I was there was earlier in August with a group, for a day’s canoeing and kayaking. There was a bit more water this time, far fewer people, and it was much colder! And the call of the plat de jour at le Tunnel was more appealing than a wet suit and a guaranteed capsize or two!
The bill for lunch came to under 30 euros for 2 – for a salmon tart starter, cardomum beef with bean sprouts, and lemon pie, bread and wine.
The area round Saillans and Die is known for its sparkling wines – the Cremant and Clairette de Die. So of course we stopped off at the vineyard of Jean-Claude Raspail (www.raspail.com) to stock up the cave for Christmas. Family owned, the production is all organic, with state of the art production facilities. After tasting the wines, practising my french, and being given a tour of the facilities, we loaded our goodies into the car and set off back.
So even at the end of November, there’s plenty to do here. If you want reviews of the wines, see Cork’d (www.corkd.com and the username chateaucolombier).