As North American tourists wanting to visit the EU welcomed the news that the continent is once again open for leisure and other non-essential travel purposes, Airbnb and Volvic have announced a stay in a “mini home” with jaw-dropping views of the Chaîne des Puys volcanoes in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France, hosted by Kilian Jornet, a record-breaking mountain athlete.
Reconnect with “the great outdoors”
As more people seek reconnection with “the great outdoors”, natural parks offer an alluring inspiration for adventure seekers. Searches on Airbnb for listings near natural parks in France have seen a significant increase compared to this time in 2019, and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes is arguably one of the most beautiful in the country.
Air France, for one, has re-opened flights from Montreal to Paris, from where adventure seekers can discover and explore a unique habitat within a spectacular region of 80 volcanoes. In an area inscribed on UNESCO’s Natural World Heritage list, guests will spend the night in a “LUMIPOD”, a unique mini home concept blending indoor and outdoor space through glass offering panoramic views.
Developed by LUMICENE, a French company based in Lyon, the pod incorporates a circular and reversible window concept in collaboration with Saint-Gobain, as well as prefab modules.
Private morning yoga session with views of sunrise over volcano peak
The stay includes a volcanic hike designed by host Kilian Jornet, regarded by many as the best mountain athlete in the world. For the last 15 years he has dominated the ski mountaineering and trail running scene, winning all major championships and races.
The visit also comprises a guided tour by the on-site team to learn about the rich biodiversity of the natural park, a locally sourced dinner for two by local Michelin star chef Adrien Descouls, and a private morning yoga session with views of sunrise over the volcano’s peak.
All activities will be a balance of energizing and restorative, giving guests all they need to relax, recharge, and reconnect with nature. Guests will also be able to learn more about how volcanoes provide essential natural ecosystems.
Booking opens on a first come, first serve basis at 3:00AM ET / 9:00 AM CEST on July 19, 2021, at airbnb.com/volvic, for a one-night stay for two guests on September 18, 2021.
“The past year demonstrated how connecting with nature is an important resource to regenerate and deal with stress. Natural parks provide endless opportunities for adventure for everyone.” – Emmanuel Marill, EMEA Director at Airbnb.
