AdventuresNW
France is home to many beautiful landscapes, each offering unique adventures and experiences. While we may think of France as a place of boulevards, vineyards, and glamour, it’s also home to mountains, rivers, coasts, and forests, which make it a playground for thrill-seekers. In this article, we’ve highlighted five regions that deliver everything from alpine summits to sun-kissed canyons, promising a strong dose of adrenaline for the intrepid travellers out there!
Corsica
Corsica is an island just off the coast of France and Italy. Whilst it’s often thought of as a destination for luxury holiday goers, Corsica is also home to rugged mountain terrain, canyons and dolphin-rich waters.
The GR20 hiking trail is one of the most famous and challenging treks in Europe. Spanning 180 kilometres, this rugged ridgeline trek takes you on a journey through forests, meadows and mountains, providing incredible views along the way.
Sea kayaking is another popular pastime in Corsica. Visitors can paddle through the crystal clear waters of the Scandola Reserve, which is located on the west coast of the island. Glide through calm waters that meander around towering cliffs and rest on the pebble beaches of this remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Chamonix
If you love snowy escapes, Chamonix should be on your bucket list. This luxury skiing resort is situated in the southeastern part of France within the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Chamonix is home to some of the most famous skiing slopes in the world, offering private classes for beginners or more difficult runs for advanced skiers.
Outside of skiing, visitors can enjoy a variety of other winter sports, including snowshoeing, ice climbing, or dog sledging. In the summer, visitors can enjoy the landscape in bloom with hiking or mountain biking.
After a day of exploration, return to a cosy chalet nestled in the mountainside. Complete with polished interiors, a log-burning fire, panoramic terraces and 24/7 concierge services, chalets in Chamonix provide the perfect base for your Alps adventure.
Verdon Gorge, Provence‑Alpes
Verdon Gorge is found in southeastern France, around a 2-hour drive from Nice on the Côte d’Azur. Affectionately nick-named ‘the Grand Canyon of Europe,’ Verdon Gorge is a playground for thrill seekers, with challenging hikes, white-water sections and limestone abseiling.
Verdon Gorge is Europe’s premier limestone climbing arena, with walls several hundred metres high. Rock climbers can test their skill by scaling these vertical beasts, reaching incredible panoramic viewpoints to see the glistening blue waters below.
There are many water sports on offer in Verdon Gorge. From kayaking to stand-up paddle boarding or paddle boating in the placid lower canyon near the Pont du Galetas. Experienced paddlers can even tackle upstream white-water sections!
There are many accommodation options available near Verdon Gorge. If you’re looking for private villas in the South of France, you have plenty to choose from, with handpicked properties offering spectacular views and incredible amenities, such as pools, private chefs and bespoke excursions.
The Seine River Valley
The Seine River Valley is located in northern France, flowing from Dijon through Paris towards the Normandy coast. Along its banks are some of the most beautiful rural and urban landscapes, from wildlife-rich marshlands to charming countryside villages and the capital’s glamorous streets.
During Seine river cruises, guests can enjoy the utmost relaxation as they sail through various beautiful regions. In La Roche-Guyon, pedal through the picturesque countryside on a cycling tour, stroll along the D-Day beaches in Rouen and venture on a city tour of Paris, exploring iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre and the Arc de Triomphe. Even in the capital, adventure is within reach, with stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking near Île Saint‑Louis for sunset views of Notre‑Dame.
As you sail down the estuary, spot wildlife in its natural habitat. From spoonbills to ospreys and grey seals, cruising guests can see some incredible sights where the river meets the channel in the Seine Estuary Nature Reserve.
Pyrenees National Park
The Pyrenees National Park is located on the border between France and Spain. This stunning region is instantly recognisable thanks to its dramatic mountains, swathes of green hills and calm lakes, offering a variety of outdoor activities.
The GR10 trek is a classic mountain walk that runs the length of the Pyrenees mountains, passing by rolling hills and stunning views of the Mediterranean coast. If you’d prefer water spots, white water rafting is popular in the Pyrenees. The two main rivers here, Ariège and Salat, are the perfect place to experience rapids, passing through beautiful forest lands and promising high-speed fun for the whole family.
December to April is a paradise for backcountry skiing in the Pyrenees. With hundreds of peaks and a variety of routes to choose from, skiers can enjoy incredible Alpine views and some of the best runs in the world.
Summary
France is a diverse country offering a range of landscapes for all types of adventures. Whether you’re seeking a summer getaway where you can snorkel and sunbathe, a winter escape filled with snow and skiing, or a springtime retreat into the blossoming Alpine mountains, there’s something in every season for intrepid travellers to enjoy and explore!
