FOR thrill-seekers craving adventures off the crushed keep track of, a new adrenaline-fuelled activity awaits in the heart of the French Alps – packrafting.
I experimented with out this quirky mixture of biking and rafting in the Savoie Mont Blanc of the French Alps, guided by Sophie and Antoine from Blue Magic formula, which specialises in creating tailor-created adventures for all budgets.
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The packraft is an inflatable, kayak-like raft permitting it to be carried long distances and conveniently strapped to a mountain bicycle.
The Rhone River offers an best backdrop.
Despite staying light-weight, these durable small rafts handled quiet waters and uncomplicated rapids, adding an fascinating twist to our journey. Even the rain couldn’t dampen our spirits.
The spotlight was the seamless transition in between biking and rafting. Hopping off the bicycle, pumping up the rafts, and strapping the bikes onto them took about 15 minutes.
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Right after enjoying the river, we would pull more than, deflate and pack up the rafts, then hop again on the bikes to keep on our journey.
You don’t require to be tremendous sporty to appreciate packrafting, no matter whether you are a seasoned adventurer or a amateur on the lookout for a new expertise.
Also, there’s a lot more to uncover further than the winding trails and serene rivers in Savoie Mont Blanc.
Just a shorter generate absent is the village of Chanaz on the shore of the Savieres canal, acknowledged as the “Little Venice of Savoie”.
Right here, you can invest an afternoon meandering by means of narrow lanes, lined with cafes and boutiques.
We stayed at the 3H Shana Lodge & Home, excellent for discovering the location, with an outdoors pool and views of the river.
While not on 4 wheels or water, we headed into the superb Bauges nationwide park to examine its verdant mountain pastures from the l’Auberge d’Aillon et d’Ailleurs – a lovely 4H hotel with a gastronomic restaurant showcasing the greatest of local deliver.
Enterprise a little bit further more and you are going to discover yourself in the historic metropolis of Chambery, a treasure trove of heritage. Its medieval previous town is a heady blend of museums, galleries and bustling markets.
And no take a look at would be entire devoid of a picture beside the quirky Fountain of the Elephants, an emblem of Chambery’s enduring allure.
There is no time like the current to attempt packrafting in this breathtaking area – so don’t hesitate, grab your paddle, and dive in (with any luck , not practically!).
