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Take the Olympic plunge and enjoy a fresh start in 2013

7th January 2013 Print
Rafting with P&V

If 2012 was all about Olympic aspirations and extraordinary achievements, 2013 is all about keeping that rich sporting legacy alive. And with a Pierre & Vacances summer holiday, you could turn a year of Olympian inspiration into a new year of aqua vitae!

That’s because water is at the very heart of Pierre & Vacances’ exciting new range of holiday ideas. Its varied portfolio of invigorating vacations includes everything from cultural sojourns near Paris to get-away-from-it-all spa breaks . . . but getting active is the fresh focus for 2013, with swimming and water sports the exhilarating main attraction in many of Pierre &Vacanes’ holiday villages.

You can find Pierre & Vacances’ charming resorts in beautiful locations throughout France, Spain and the Caribbean. Here we count down just some of the very best ways to enjoy the water and keep active this summer at Pierre & Vacances villages by the rolling ocean, slow-winding rivers and calm lakes, and even by white water torrents high up in the majestic mountains.

Lake Activities
Lakes are the ideal place for all the family to take their first dip into the world of water sports. Whether it’s kayaking, traditional pedalos or small sailing boats, this is an environment that is both fun and safe to begin your adventure on the water. Cap Esterel is Pierre & Vacances’ flagship village on the Mediterranean, with a commanding position overlooking the beautiful Bay of Agay. Prices for seven nights here start at just £352, if booked early (£414 usual price), based on a studio for 2 to 4 guests. For families there is the great offer of £850 (usual price £1001) for a 1 bedroom apartment with an extra bunk room for the kids and sea view based on the June half term week.

Sailing
Olympic hero and four-time gold medallist Ben Ainslie has helped sailing grow in stature and his 2012 success widened its appeal. Now it’s your chance to put the wind in your sails. Small boats are ideal to start with and Pierre & Vacances has a fleet of catamarans at the Port du Crouesty that are perfect for launching your new life on the ocean waves. The village on the Brittany coast combines traditional Breton living with a marina atmosphere – the sailing club is located just 300m from the beaches. Prices for seven nights here start at £242, if booked before April (usual price £285), for a studio sleeping 2 to 4 guests.

White Water Rafting
This is a sport for the true thrill seekers and there are few places on the planet better suited to white water fun than the Ardeche Gorges. Not only is this nirvana for rafters, but there is a host of alternative extreme sports to try, such as climbing, canyoning and kayaking. Take on the challenge of the white water by rafting with friends and family . . . and afterwards, away from the thrills and spills, Le Rouret Holiday Village can be your oasis of tranquillity and traditional Southern French relaxation. Prices for seven nights here start at just £249, if booked early (usual price £293), for a two-person studio.

Surfing
Hawaii and California may be the most famous surf spots in the world, but the breakers rolling in on the Atlantic coast of France make its endless beaches the sport’s best kept secret. With excellent waves and, best of all, swathes of soft sand, it is ideal for surfers of all ages to try the sport for the first time. Lacanau Holiday Village, on the pristine Médoc peninsula between the Atlantic coast and the shores of Lake Lacanau, is the perfect place to make your pipe dreams come true. Prices for seven nights here start at £387, if booked before April (usual price £455), for a studio that sleeps up to 2 to 4.

Swimming
From water babes splashing in the bath to Olympians such as Hannah Miley valiantly battling in the pool, swimming is the most fundamental and easily accessed enjoyment in the water. It’s certainly one of the most sociable and healthy summer pursuits and Pierre & Vacances has a range of water wonderlands within its villages. All of the resorts boast stunning pools and Pont Royal en Provence arguably has the very best with a massive wave pool and landscaped pool. With balmy sunshine almost guaranteed throughout the summer, the weather here is perfect for fun in the pools and relaxing on loungers. Prices for seven nights here start at £352 (usual price £414), based on an apartment studio that sleeps 2 to 4 guests. A 2 bedroom house in the village is perfect for a family break here and at just £605 using the early booking offer (was £740) based on 13th April for 7 nights.

The Top Five Countdown offers just a taste of the exciting water sports at the heart of Pierre & Vacances Village holiday activities. But remember, too, you can balance fun in the water with enjoying a variety of restaurants, shops, kids’ clubs and indulgent spas. With each and every Pierre & Vacances village offering its own unique style and atmosphere, you can be sure every Pierre & Vacances holiday will be a truly memorable experience.

For those keen to book their active holiday now, or indeed any of Pierre & Vacances 7 or 14-night holidays, there are special offer rates of 15% off a week, 30% off a fortnight for bookings made before 31st March, including school holiday dates but not including the 3rd to the 16th August not included.

For more information, visit pvholidays.com/lerouret.

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Rafting with P&V