The Time to Travel Is Almost Here… The Isère region, in France, is a destination of choice for all activities
In anticipation of the UK opening air bridges to Europe, Isere wanted to share some insights on the appeal of outdoor activities for this summer.
New research reveals that the appeal of outdoor activities has been boosted by enforced COVID-19 restrictions. In a survey of consumers in seven countries* – UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Poland, Sweden – 70% of respondents stated that they are specifically looking forward to participating in outdoor activities after lockdown eases. In addition, 67% agreed that they have really missed being able to take part in pursuits such as hiking, climbing, cycling, snow sports and other mountain activities during lockdown, while 86% stated that outdoor activities are essential for people’s wellbeing. Across Europe, 58% of consumers said that they have missed outdoor activities above all else while restrictions have been in place**. Isère is a vast outdoor playground with lakes, trails, waterfalls, rivers, mountains and meadows. Isère offers many advantages in response to the expectations of visitors looking for a diverse destination with oodles of fresh air and experiences.
Travelling to Isère in summer is ideal for those looking for a sense of adventure. Guests can go hiking, cycling and mountain biking while also work on their wellbeing, happiness and practise mindfulness. This summer/year there are plenty of new experiences and renovations across the region, from new hiking trails and new mountain bike routes to a selection of new family friendly activities. For more information www.isere-tourism.com
Enduro Mountain Bike Trail between Alpe d’Huez and Oz en Oisans
This summer (June), a new enduro mountain bike route will connect Alpe d’Huez to the resort of Oz-en-Oisans via the Col de Poutran. The fun 4.5 km trail weaves through gravelly wooded terrain offering beautiful views. The route sweeps alongside the Roubier brook before running alongside the lake above the village of Oz-en-Oisans. This unexplored route is marked to be one of the future flagship trails of the area. www.oz-en-oisans.com
Learn to Mountain Bike in Les Deux Alpes
From 6 June Les Deux Alpes is open. Not everyone is a natural mountain biker. The Bike Infinity school, unique to Les Deux Alpes, offers mountain biking courses for children as young as six years old. Coached by qualified instructors specialising in child education, the budding mountain bikers experience five days of total immersion in the world of mountain biking, safely. www.bikeinfinity.frwww.les2alpes.com
50th Anniversary of Vercors Massif French Regional Park
In October 1970, the Vercors Massif was classified as the first French Regional Park and is the largest nature reserve in mainland France (520 square-miles). Celebrating this protected area 50 years on, the park is carrying out numerous reintroduction operations to maintain the diversity of species. Home to 72 species of mammals already, including deer, ibex, chamois, horned sheep and wild boar, the park is also reintroducing the vulture and the bearded vulture into its habitat. Get to know the Vercors Regional Natural Park following the Via Vercors, the first green path in the mountains to offer a tourist and leisure discovery itinerary of almost 50 km. It links the four mountain plateau municipalities to form an inter-municipal link between mountain landscapes, watercourses and remarkable flora and fauna. These routes allow families, couples and groups of friends to walk on clearly-marked trails where information panels point out the interesting information about the local know-how: from looking out for regional herbs, visiting welcoming farms and meeting local producers and craftsmen to intriguing facts about historic sites and geological curiosities. Concurrently rural and rugged, it is an ideal area for a wide range of outdoor adventure activities. www.via.vercors.fr www.villarddelans.com
Stay in a Cave in the Vercors
Want to really sleep away from everyone else? Relax amongst the awe-inspiring Vercors mountains this summer and stay in a romantic cave. From the Vercors village of Presles, a beautiful panoramic trail leads up to the cave where the bivouac camp affords views across the stunning panorama under the starry sky. Enjoy a two-hour guided hike to the site before working together to erect the bivouac. Afterwards, spend a fun and friendly evening sharing a meal prepared from wild plants and local organic products. An alternative overnight experience for a memorable family moment in the great outdoors.
Dates: TBA €130 / £114 pp includes drinks, dinner and breakfast www.sylvacima.fr
NEW: Sailing down the Rhone on a Catamaran
Opening on 14 July, it’s time to boat and electric bike. A mix of sailing and biking with a chic picnic in the panoramic vineyards and wine tasting is a must for 150€pp per day To tame the waves raised by the southerly winds that sometimes blow along the River Rhône, the Canotiers du Rhône company is currently constructing the answer: a NEW catamaran with the guarantee of a steady trip. It will be moored at Sainte-Colombe from 19-29 September 2020. Two trips, complete with a commentary about an interesting topic will be on offer. One is a “wine and cheese” tour lasting one hour and 30 minutes. It will take passengers down the river towards the slopes of Côte-Rôtie, while they enjoy a tasting of wines by Vincent Cluzel and the renowned Rigotte de Condrieu cheese. On the way back along the River Rhône, the trip will go via the little Barlet Island, which is covered with vast poplar groves. This is a great way get to know the history of Vienne and the River Rhone. From €25 / £22 pp www.canotiersboatnbike.com
** The research was undertaken during late April and early May on behalf of the European Outdoor Group (EOG) and the It’s Great Out There Coalition by consumer trends specialist Foresight Factory, with 1,000 active consumers in each market completing the study. The outdoor sector in the seven countries that took part is worth €3.9bn at wholesale. The wide-ranging survey explored participation levels in different outdoor activities in detail and identified variations by country, age, gender and other demographic measures. The research also explored the barriers that prevent people getting active in the outdoors and identified opportunities for overcoming those. A total of 1,000 interviews per country took place. Research results
