France‘s smorgasbord of cultural delights could keep even the most avid museum-hopper busy for a lifetime, but don’t forget about the great outdoors. France smoulders with natural beauty, so why not go au naturel at mountain ranges, canyons and startling stretches of coast? This round-up of fresh-air sights in France will have you tumbling down giant sand dunes and feeling the cool spray of waterfalls in no time.
Gorges du Verdon
The spectacular river-carved cliffsides of the Gorges du Verdon make this southern French valley a magnet to adventure travellers (as well as a favourite spot for that less adrenaline-fuelled pastime, le pique-nique). Kayakers and climbers test their limits on the rocky outcrops but stunning views are on show to road trippers too (the scenery from Moustiers-Sainte-Marie to Castellane is truly showstopping).
Aiguilles de Bavella
Corsica feels like a world apart from mainland France, particularly in summer when the island is aflame with wildflowers. In the south, the sight of the Aiguilles de Bavella (Bavella Needles) will stun you almost as completely as local brandy acquavita. For vertiginous views, hike from Col de Bavella – there are walking trails to suit all abilities.
Alpine wildlife
Skiing, boarding and making snow angels are all excellent pastimes for France’s rugged Haute-Savoie region, but summer in the mountains also has its charms. Grab your binoculars to spy fuzzy locals like wild boar, ibex and mountain hares. The mountain-dwelling marmot is a local icon, so if your wildlife-spotting draws a blank, gift shops in local towns like Morzine overflow with cuddly souvenirs (for a friend, of course).
Côte de Granit Rose
Brittany has such a sensuous stretch of coast that even the boulders blush. The Côte de Granit Rose flushes a delicate shade of orangey pink, giving a surreal air to this breezy part of northern France. Drink in the views on a coastal walk before getting to work on Breton cuisine: mussels, cider and galettes (buckwheat pancakes) are all filling local favourites.
Dune du Pilat
Europe’s highest sand dune, barely an hour from wine-rich Bordeaux, draws paragliders, sun-worshippers and – believe it or not – the occasional skier (when winter brings a dusting of snow). Scale this southern French gem and you’ll be shaking golden sand out of your socks for days.
Lavender fields
OK, so there’s nothing ‘natural’ about the neatly tended rows, but the vivid purple hills of Provence are rightly legendary. Every summer, flowering lavender sets the hills of southern France alight with colour. One of the most famous views is at the Abbaye Notre Dame du Sénanque, but the Routes de la Lavande site (www.routes-lavande.com) can point you to a range of ways to see violet.
Gavarnie Falls
France might not boast Europe’s biggest waterfalls, but the dramatic setting of the Gavarnie Falls will make your jaw drop. Starting their journey in the Spanish Pyrenees and fed by glacial waters, these tiered cascades are at their most gushing after the spring melt.
Mont Blanc
The best way to experience the most towering peak in the French Alps is by hitting the hiking trails or heading to the Mont Blanc massif for winter sports season. Experienced adventurers can arrange a climb (find a guide and bring your crampons). You can also zip through the mountain on your way to Italy through the Mont Blanc Tunnel.
Etretat cliffs
The arches of Etretat have inspired many an artist. 19th-century writer Guy de Maupassant grew up in Etretat and was moved to pen short stories based on some of his experiences here, and many of Monet’s landscapes draw on local scenes. The most iconic arch is said to resemble an elephant dipping its trunk into the sea. Learn more here.
Camargue salt flats
The salt marshes of the Camargue are a poetic setting for horseriders, wildlife spotters and romantic souls. Spot flocking flamingos in the Parc Ornithologique (www.parcornithologique.com) or take a horseback tour of the windswept marshlands (find a guide here).
Read more: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/france/corsica/travel-tips-and-articles/77458#ixzz2Y5q6Z4Da
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