Thrill-seekers and adventure addicts have an unlikely new holiday destination thanks to an innovative company operating in the French countryside.

While Ardeche is more renowned for its sleepy medieval villages, Danny Cummin's exclusive activity holiday firm aims to show a different side to the region.

Experience Ardeche combines the excitement of adventure breaks with the luxury of a high-end holiday based at the long-established Belvedere Hotel.

Activities range from sedate painting and photography courses, to horse-riding, caving, canoeing and canyoning.

Mr Cummin says: "The tutors are skilled at offering beginner, intermediate and advanced levels of tutoring, so holidaymakers don't need to feel awkward trying out a new activity. The beauty about Experience Ardeche is that it really offers something for everyone."

Ardeche is a department in south-central France named after the river that runs through it. The region contains a part of the stunning Cevennes National Park.