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TICKING THE BOXESA FAMILY CLIMBING HOLIDAY IN THE ARIEGE,
FRANCE.
It’s almost six years since I suggested we climb as a family. Little did I know then what that would mean. Six years on and climbing has taken over our lives with all three kids training/ climbing three to four sessions a week at least as well as the numerous competition and climbing events - especially for my son Luke of course. This summer it was a challenge to find a whole week together with Luke’s climbing schedule and guess what – climbing had to figure high on the holiday menu!
A week at Chez Arran turned out to be the perfect holiday destination for us. The house is in the Ariege region of France is nestled in the lower hills of the Pyrenees. Owned by Anne and John Arran it ticked every box. The house its self was lovely. Waking up on the first morning and opening the shutters to a breathtaking view of the sun coming round the mountain side was worth going to bed for, especially when Luke brought up a cup of tea for me to enjoy.
The house was cool and shady and very comfortable and well stocked with climbing mags. in French and English, the topos for local climbs and a selection of DVDs to watch over a glass of wine in the evening. We also put the garden to good use with a blast of sunbathing and quick dip in the pool between morning and evening climbing sessions.
What about the climbing? Well I guess it was awesome! I certainly had a very happy bunch of climbers along side. Chez Arran is within 15minutes of several amazing crags offering everything from some easier routs (5b to 7a) for the girls and plenty of challenges for Luke in the 8a range, with no queues! At one point Luke had just red pointed Amalthée at Genat while beside him Romain Pagnoux red-pointed an 8c. Later we had Luke photographing from a hanging belay while Naomi and Flo climbed and Simon and I belayed – that’s three on the crag at once!
Anne was very energetic in helping to facilitate our climbing experience and arranged for us to meet with the local team at Solo Escalade in Toulouse. We were joined in Genat the following day by Fabrice Landry (4th in the junior worlds last year) and now aiming for the senior team, Chloe a girl of Naomi’s age with similar skill. We hope to establish some stronger links so that we can combine a climbing and language exchange.
Chez Arran is surrounded by opportunity! We managed an excellent canoe trip and took in some amazing cave paintings. We of course sampled the Region’s wine and cheese as well as Anne’s easy company when we were at home.
It is difficult to think of a better climbing holiday. Even I got off the ground a couple of times but mostly it was a joy to see the enthusiasm of all of the family to climb every day. We will certainly be back.
Helena Tilley 14th September 2010
