Adventure tour operator Gane and Marshall has created a range of unique and exhilarating activity trips in France, kicking-off with an open group challenge in May, led by former England Rugby Captain, Lewis Moody.
Available from April 2020, the three-day, multi-activity challenges, known as the ‘Verdon Double & Triple Challenges’ have been designed for groups of 10 up to 35. The itineraries feature kayaking, trekking and biking and take place in the picturesque Verdon Gorge region in the heart of Green Provence, southern France.
Gane and Marshall was inspired to launch the tours by Lewis Moody, who briefed the adventure tour operator to come up with a unique challenge to help him raise money for the The Lewis Moody Foundation. The “Mega-Tri” itinerary was developed for the foundation and Lewis and companions completed the first fundraising adventure in summer 2019.
So successful was the tour that Gane and Marshall decided to create the ‘Verdon Double & Triple Challenges’, suitable for groups of families, friends, special interest groups and corporates.
Lewis Moody will lead a second “Mega-Tri” challenge in May 2020. The tour is an open challenge that anyone can join. It runs 2 – 5 May and will raise funds for The Lewis Moody Foundation, supporting The Brain Tumour Charity.
“The 2019 Mega-Tri was a major success so I’m excited to be returning to France and the Verdon Gorge this May. Come and join me on this bespoke challenge,” said ex-England captain and rugby legend Lewis Moody. “It’s a great excuse to get away for a long weekend, do something different and have an adventure, all whilst raising money for charity. The challenge is totally achievable, and I promise you don’t need to swim. We arrange everything for you to trek, kayak and cycle the stunning surroundings of the Verdon Gorge. My aim is to make sure everyone has a great time completing this unique challenge whilst also raising funds that will make a difference to families affected by the devastating diagnosis of a brain tumour now and in the future.”
For sheer, jaw-dropping drama, few sights in France can match the epic Verdon Gorge, which slices a 25km swath through Haute Provence’s limestone plateau, all the way to the foothills of the Alps. With plunging cliffs, in some places 700m high, twice the height of the Eiffel Tower, the Gorge offers demanding terrain for adventure travellers.
Gane and Marshall’s new tours include the ‘Triple Challenge’ – kayaking, trekking and biking – and the ‘Double Challenge’ – trekking and biking. With both there is the option to make each activity ‘challenging’ or ‘moderate’ and Gane and Marshall can also tailor-make itineraries for varying levels of difficulty.
The standard itineraries are costed with British Airways flights included, and an optional £11 carbon offset charge has been added to the price. Gane and Marshall can also book travel by Eurostar or French rail, for eco-conscious participants who prefer not to fly.
Gane and Marshall’s Verdon Double & Triple Challenges are available on a tailor-made basis from April – June and September – October 2020 and 2021 and range from £1,220pp to £1,435pp epending on the size of the group. Prices for the ‘Double Challenge’ start from (for the triple challenge, add £50pp).
The price includes return international flights from LHR – Nice with BA, including the carbon offset of flights, meet & greet service at Nice Airport, transfers, three nights at 3* Hotel Le Provence, breakfast each day, lunch during the activity days, evening meals at the hotel, guided activities, equipment rental, French & English-speaking tour leader, back-up vehicle, bike mechanic, doctor/paramedic assistance. E-bikes available at £119pp.
To book either the 2020 Mega-Tri with Lewis Moody for The Lewis Moody Foundation (set dates in May 2020) or one of the tailor-made Verdon Double & Triple Challenges, please go to www.ganeandmarshall.com or call 01822 600 600.
