A secret French paradise

It’s fair to say that the Ardèche is a secret French paradise. Nestled in the Rhone Alps region which borders the Swiss alps, Cote D-Azur and Burgundy it’s one of the lesser known destinations in France and is certainly one of the most remote.

Comprising grandiose, wild and unspoilt scenery, the region is known as the Grand Canyon of Europe because of its plunging gorges carved out by the crystal clear waters of the Ardèche and Rhone rivers.

The deeply breath-taking Ardèche Gorges Nature Reserve is a must see. The series of canyons wind around the rivers, which have no less than 25 rapids. Simultaneously sumptuous, savage and friendly it’s not difficult to see why walking, kayaking, canoeing and white water rafting are favourite activities here.

Lucikly for me, Ardèche is also impeccable for more sedentary activities like enjoying fine wines and feasting on gourmet foods.

The charming ancient cliff-top village of Balazuc provided me with the perfect place to indulge. Rightfully awarded both the status of a Village of Caractere and classified amongst France’s most beautiful villages, it clings bravely to the mountainside overlooking the river Ardeche and is a delightful maze of cobbled streets, ancient walls and eclectic shops.

It is in this idyllic setting that ceramicist and artist Tom Charbit creates a range of pottery and art using raw materials working with their imperfections, vitality and beauty, and a mere 15 minute walk away lies the ecotourism hamlet of Viel Audon where tasty organic goat’s cheese, fruit jams, syrups and juices are produced.
The Château de Balazuc, a luxurious 11th-century castle, was my home for an enjoyable evening. Run by the most hospitable Luc and Florence Lemaire, the restored Chateau boasts beautiful contemporary bedrooms, an outdoor swimming pool, and a terrace offering the most stunning sweeping scenery. Simply a perfect setting to enjoy local delicacies prepared by the lovely Florence washed down with beautiful viognier white wine and the region’s delicious speciality chestnut liqueur, châtaigne d’Ardèche.

Of course a trip to France isn’t complete without a visit to a winery. The ultra-modern Néovinum offers a unique interactive immersion into the Ardèche’s wine universe, followed by a most educational tasting session which did wonders to advance my oenologic knowledge.

The scenery in Ardèche continues underground, for the region is home to a secret world of seven magical caves. The largest cave is the awesome Aven d’Orgnac, which extends for over 20 hectares and its ceilings reach heights of up of 55 metres, the equivalent in height to Niagara Falls. Its geological jewels include fine crystallizations and enormous stalagmites and are a glorious sight to behold.

Ardèche is an essential destination for anyone seeking a slice of paradise. Its dramatic mountains and rolling green hills alongside paradisiacal chestnut forests and lavender fields all make for truly exquisite and goose bump-inducing visual treats. It really does offer some of the most diverse and spectacular landscapes I have ever set my eyes upon.

With thanks to the kind hospitality of the Ardèche Tourist Board.

Other places to check out:

• Pont-d’Arc Cavern. The world’s largest replica cave ever built will open in April 2015. It is a carefully constructed copy of the original 36,000 year old cave which is only accessible for scientific purposes.
  Alba-la-Romaine Archaeological Museum. A recently opened Roman cultural heritage site showcasing archaeological discoveries made over the last 20 years.
  Bistrot de Pays Au Levant. Situated in St-Maurice d’Ibie, this restaurant offers seasonal cuisine prepared by owners Elodie and Nicolas.

Tender loving skin care

Every now and then it’s lovely to really treat your skin to something utterly luxurious. Whether it’s just for the sheer indulgence or if you need to treat a condition such as psoriasis or eczema, it’s simply a must-do in my opinion.

So when my mum and I got the chance to try out the rather lovely range from Puriskin Therapy, we couldn’t resist.

My skin is a bit dry and sensitive and as I’m a little bit vain I always do like to try out new products in the endless quest to maintaining some semblance of youth.

Meanwhile my mum was in desperate need of tender loving care following some medical procedures that had left her skin sore and tender.

Introducing Puriskin.

Billed as innovative new natural technology that resurfaces the skin, it is a deep cell, reconditioning treatment specially formulated with a vitamin-rich complex to soften hardened blemishes while smooth and refining raised or bumpy bits of skin.

We both used the cream for a good few weeks and it not only presented noticeable differences for both of our various ailments, but it felt like a proper indulgent treat too.

The cream is infused with tigergrass and comfrey so smells exceptionally wonderful and best of all it was really effective in hydrating dry skin and improving damaged areas.

Would recommend to all!

Skinature offer a wide range of luxurious skin products and cosmetics all completely pure made with organic and natural ingredients. Their products promote healthy and vibrant skin and are gentle and nourishing. A perfect essential for children and anyone with skin problems.