22 January 2021 by Jessica Boston
Holiday homes in love with the great outdoors
Daily exercise outdoors has become quite the trend over the last year, and why stop while you are on holiday? Getting out and about in the countryside is a wonderful way to see France with country trails, historic sites, pretty towns and perfect views all waiting to be found. We’ve tracked down some holiday homes you can visit where the owner loves to enjoy the beautiful scenery in active ways as much as you do!
A passion for running
Jeanette Rogers has four self catering holiday homes in rural Aquitaine available to rent, and if you want any advice on where the best running trails and routes near the properties are she will be delighted to show you, you could even arrange to join her for a ‘guided’ run. For the truly dedicated runner Jeanette offers all inclusive running holidays suitable for individual or group bookings too! She says “…think it’s fair to say I like running, a lot!! There are plenty of marked paths through woodland, passing chateaux, stone bories, rivers, lavoirs, little hamlets…the video in my adverts will show you the wonderful countryside”.
Le Marronnier – 6 bedrooms, sleeps up to 12 guests
Lavaud Farmhouse – 7 bedrooms, sleeps up to 14 guests
The Granary – 3 bedrooms, sleeps up to 5 guests
Perigordian Cottage – 2 bedrooms, sleeps up to 4 guests
Mountain sports
Richard Simhon has a lovely chalet apartment in the Rhone Alps that’s the perfect setting for an active holiday at any time of year. As Richard says, in winter “…enjoy the thrill of skiing or snowboarding…on top of the glacier, on a clear day, you have a 360 degree panorama and are able to see Mont Blanc and Mont Ventoux amongst the many mountain peaks. A 6 day ski pass allows you free access to the swimming pool each day and use of the skating rink.” Summer brings even more opportunities “…the resort is buzzing with numerous activities from mountain biking to rambling. For those that like to get up early, you are able to go skiing on the glacier from 7am until 1pm throughout July and August. The list of activities are endless but include via ferrata, white water rafting, canyoning, paragliding, golf, tennis, swimming in a freshwater lake or in an open air pool, horse riding, rock wall climbing and many more.”
Les Alberges – studio apartment, sleeps up to 4 guests
Cycling, snow sports and more!
Bernadette Hope has a bright and airy barn conversion in Midi Pyrenees that’s the ideal base for an adventurous break. In the winter season snow sports are close at hand “La Mongie (Tourmalet), the largest downhill ski resort in the French Pyrénées is about 30 minutes drive away and Cross Country Skiing can be found in the area as well. The closest resort is Payolle, where snow-shoe walking is also
available” Cyclists will be excited to stay near two of the most famous climbs of the Tour de France Col de Tourmalet and Col d’Aspen. Other sporting activities available in the area include paraponting, fishing, horse riding, rock climbing, tennis, white water rafting, canoeing, kayaking, walking and hiking. Past guests commented “With world-class road cycling routes, excellent off road cycling trails and stunning mountain running and walking trails within a few kilometers of the gite we couldn’t have asked for better holiday accommodation.”
Pyrenees Gite Apartment – 1 bedroom, sleeps up to two guests
Kayak and fish from your doorstep
Kathryn Illich fell in love with a charming mill on the banks of the Boutonne River in Charente Maritime. “ It is not everyday that you get the chance to live right on the river in an old mill which still contains some of the old milling machinery, including the wheel. Kayaking, fishing and cycling are right on our doorstep. It is so relaxing and soothing listening to the running water in the millstream and all the different birdsong. We really are very lucky!” she says. Kayaks and bikes are free to borrow at the property but if you want to go fishing bring your own tackle and be sure to buy a fishing licence, readily available in nearby shops.
Moulin de la Fosse Gites – 2 bedrooms, sleeps up to 5 guests
River gorge activities
Clare Simmons has a homely holiday cottage in a village in the famously beautiful gorge of the Aveyron River in Tarn et Garonne. “ Saint Antonin is a paradise for lovers of the outdoors, from walking and mountain biking, to ropes courses in the treetops and canoeing down the Averyon, all accessible without a car from the village.” says Clare. “When we aren’t working or renovating our barn, we spend all our time in the surrounding countryside cycling or walking”
Maison Fleurie – 2 bedrooms, sleeps up to 4 guests
If you love active holidays don’t forget you can use the search facility to filter our holiday properties and find ones which have your favourite sports activities available on-site or in the local area. Check out our guides to activity holidays in France for more ideas and make your next holiday happy and healthy!