For a truly memorable family day out, give a thought to a canoe trip up
the Gorge d'Herault. Even someone as seriously scared of deep water (me)
managed to take comfort in a lifejacket and climb on board. Suspending
reality the three of us headed off towards the Pont du Diable, a high
bridge that people like to take a jump off into the deep waters below.
Making sure that no-one planned a dive as we passed under, we slowly
made our way under the famous old bridge and into the Gorge where it
immediately narrowed and the water took on a beautiful green/blue hue.
The noise dimmed and it suddenly became extremely peaceful. Over the next 15 minutes we simply
followed the Gorge all the way up to a centre rock - the turning point - I
had no intention of going further anyway as the water started to get
rougher and I could see rapids ahead...!
Many other people had stopped for a swim, and were really enjoying the adventure. On return we looped around the beach area a few times, showing off our newly acquired navigational skills; hundreds of people were enjoying the warm temperatures and beautiful sunshine along the shores of the lake.
The whole area makes for a terrific day trip just 40 minutes drive from Pézenas - there's the Visitor Centre and Restaurant, with free parking near the Beach, then the Bridge itself, and further up the Gorge, visit the beautiful village of St Guilhem le Desert. And don't forget the Grotto de Clamouse caves nearby.
The cost of hiring the canoe was €12 for an hour, and it was a really enjoyable family experience, and highly recommended, even for the scaredy-cats!
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