This Christmas, give the gift of Sensations Fortes!
The best gift is the gift that won't be forgotten, an extraordinary experience that you'll remember for the rest of your life. And what better way to do that than to give the gift of thrills for Christmas? The adrenalin rush before jumping out of a plane in a parachute, the thrill of speeding down a jet ski in a heavenly bay, or the joy of jumping into a natural pool during a canyoning descent. These are emotions and memories that will last a lifetime!
As well as the unique thrills of these activities, the sports involved also allow you to push yourself beyond your comfort zone and push back your limits. The person you're giving this gift to will be eternally grateful, because they'll grow from it. Snow sports are a fantasy for many people, but few dare to take the plunge if they don't have a little nudge to motivate them; so maybe you'll be the trigger and spark a passion?
Climbing, kayaking, bungee jumping, ice diving, cayoning, skydiving, snowboarding... On manawa.com, we have over 6,800 ideas for original Christmas gifts for your loved ones. But in this article, we're limiting ourselves to ten or so. Discover our selection of the best ideas for a sensational Christmas!
#1 : Paragliding flight over Lake Annecy
Flying like a bird is the perfect gift for an exceptional experience! And what better place than Lake Annecy for your first paragliding experience?
Choose the type of paragliding flight over Lake Annecy that suits you best. From a 15-minute discovery flight for children to a 45-minute prestige flight, the site offers an incredible view of the lake and surrounding mountains. From mid-February to the end of October, the flight departs from the Col de la Forclaz, one of the best-known take-off sites in France and the world. Price: from €100.
And if it's the snowy landscapes that tempt you, you can also take a tandem flight on skis near Annecy. You leave from the nearby ski resort of La Clusaz in the Aravis mountains, for a breathtaking descent combining flying and skiing! Unbeatable for an original and unforgettable Christmas gift!
#2: Climbing in the Gorges de l'Ardèche
Is your loved one a fan of indoor climbing, but doesn't dare take the plunge and try a long route in a natural setting? Do you love the Ardèche, but have already canoed down the gorges several times? These outings take you up a wall several pitches long (around 200m high) on the limestone of the Ardèche gorges or the granite of the Ardèche mountains. The vertical aerial hike at 1200m, overlooking the Besorgue valley, offers a breathtaking panorama. The compact, grippy rocks make it easy to climb. Climbing in the Ardèche gorges is reserved for people who already have a minimum of climbing experience and autonomy, but you don't need to be an expert as an instructor will accompany you. Price: from 180 euros per group.
#3: The highest bungee jump in Spain
Take a deep breath... clear your head. 1, 2, 3 JUMP! You're on the highest platform in Spain! Bungee jumping is the choice of budding adventurers who want to try their hand at an extreme sport. You jump from a gondola 70 metres high, high enough to let off steam and get your adrenalin pumping!
The Puenting Barcelona instructors are waiting for you in Lloret del Mar, with all the equipment you need. Solo bungee jumping is the perfect way to face your fears and overcome them! Prices: from 50 euros.
With the highest bungee jump in Spain, you're not just in for a thrill, you're also in for an unforgettable experience in an exceptional setting. Not far from the jumping site are the beautiful beaches of the Spanish Costa Brava, the ideal place to relax after this adrenalin-fuelled experience!
#4: Discover off-piste skiing in Val Thorens
Christmas means winter means snow! And if you know someone who's always wanted to try off-piste skiing but never took the plunge (maybe even yourself?) then here's the perfect Christmas present: a session to discover off-piste skiing in Val Thorens.
At Val Thorens, Europe's highest ski resort, the chances of getting some great powder are excellent. Maxime Goby is an experienced off-piste ski instructor and offers freeride outings accessible to everyone, from beginner to expert. Depending on your level, you'll learn the basics of off-piste skiing or improve your skills while discovering new routes. Your instructor will provide you with all the safety equipment you need and will adapt to your abilities and wishes. Price: from €40 per person.
Put on your skis and come and discover new off-piste sensations! In case there's not enough snow, discover 8 activities to do when there's not enough snow in the French Alps.
#5: First experience of a free-fall simulator in Paris
All the sensations of freefall without having to jump out of a plane in mid-air! In a spectacular glass tube 14m high and 4.30m in diameter, the free-fall simulator experience in Paris recreates the conditions and sensations of a flight in the sky, in a controlled and safe environment.
Behind the renovated greenhouse at La Villette in Paris, this indoor free-fall simulator is a first step for people who then want to try a parachute jump, or not! Each session has 12 passengers, and each of you takes it in turns to make two 1-minute flights accompanied by an instructor. The flight time is equivalent to 3 jumps from a plane at 4,000 metres! Price: from €70.
Bonus: the simulator is located in the middle of a vast atrium, overlooked by the balconies of the shopping mall that houses it. It's the ideal place for those accompanying you to enjoy your flight or that of your loved one.
To find out more about the wind tunnel and indoor tunnels, read our article on the free-fall simulator.
#6: Snowmobile trip to Tromsø in Norway
Another unusual and unforgettable gift idea is a snowmobile excursion to Tromsø, Norway, which gives you the chance to venture far into the Arctic. Discover the mountains of the Far North and the Northern Lights of this fabulous country while riding your snowmobile. You'll embark on an outing that will take you past the Lyngen mountains, and through the spectacular Finn valley, between 250m and up to 900m above sea level.
The usual route for this snowmobile excursion is 15 km long, and you'll be on the snowmobile for around 2? hours. Price: from 165 euros per person.
And if you prefer more rustic means of transport to motorised vehicles, you'll find what you're looking for in Norway too. Take a half-day or full-day excursion with the impressive sled dogs in Tromsø.
#7 : First ice dive in Val Cenis
This gift is guaranteed to be a surprise! Yes, we're talking about an ice diving experience in Val Cenis. Immerse yourself in a world of ice and (very) cold water as you dive into a frozen lake in the Vanoise National Park. Supervised by professionals, participants don't need a diving certificate to discover the magic of the play of light with ice.
After watching the ice being cut, participants will be given a safety briefing and equipped with all the necessary gear: wet suit, gloves, regulator/bottle/vest, mask and fins. Diving into icy water can't be improvised!
Once you're kitted out, it's off to immerse yourself under the ice, accompanied by your instructor. You'll discover the marvels hidden beneath the icy layer of water, and watch the beautiful interplay of light and shadow. An experience as unusual as it is unforgettable! Price: from 110 euros per person. To find out more about this sport, read our complete guide to ice diving.
#8 : Rafting in Thonon les Bains
Rafting down the Dranse at Thonon les Bains is a fun activity to enjoy with family and friends, and makes an ideal Christmas present. From May to October, you can navigate this river in Haute-Savoie, close to Lake Geneva. Thanks to the dam, the river's flow is regulated, creating a uniform current for your descent. The raft, an unsinkable inflatable boat, is the best way to discover the river. Its stability and the guide, who coordinates the crew of up to 7 people, ensure that the raft moves perfectly with the current and the waves.
Three courses are available: the Discovery course, ideal for families, the Rodeo course, perfect for thrill-seekers, and the Longo course, which combines the first two courses and is therefore the longest and sportiest.
Price: from €45 per person. Whichever route you choose, rafting is an outdoor activity that promises thrills, fun and team spirit. For more information on this sport, read our article All you need to know about rafting.
#9 : Skateboard and Longboard lessons in Bordeaux
Head to Bordeaux for a timeless urban sport: skateboard and longboard lessons! From freestyle on ramps to downhill on the road, you'll learn to master your skateboard with professional instructor Eric de Bordza. You can practise your skateboarding on Darwin's skatepark in the disciplines of street, ramp and bowl.
For longboarding, Eric's favourite spot is the Rocher de Palmer cycle path, ideal for both beginners and advanced riders. He also organises occasional events at Rigalet. Eric gives lessons in all disciplines of longboarding: touring, dancing and downhill. Prices: from €40.
This is the perfect Christmas idea for anyone who wants to become the next Tony Hawk! To help you get ready, here's our skateboarding guide.
#10: Dog sledding in Andorra
We round off our Christmas gift list with a winter activity. You don't have to go all the way to the far north to experience this unforgettable husky trek in Andorra.
Let yourself be pulled by sled dogs as you discover magical snow-covered landscapes through the mountain valleys and forests of Andorra! Ideal for families, this excursion will allow you to relax and admire spectacular panoramas, while letting yourself be carried along by your musher and his superb sled dogs.
On this 1.5-kilometre hike, you'll discover the La Caubella valley at an altitude of 2,000 metres. An ideal gift for children! Price: from €49.
You've got it, giving the gift of thrills for Christmas is an opportunity to create unforgettable memories for or with your loved ones. Whether you're young or old, an experienced sportsman or a couch potato, the outdoor world offers enough diversity to satisfy everyone with a tailored, personalised gift activity.
The list above gives you some ideas for original gifts. Don't panic if the activity of your choice isn't on the list. Any of our 7,000 activities can be given as a gift: you're bound to find the perfect experience for the lucky recipient.
And if you really can't decide between parachuting and via ferrata, you can leave the choice up to the recipient with our Manawa gift cards.
The whole Manawa team wishes you all the very best for the festive season!