Best of France’s Natural Wonders

Located in the southeast of France, the river canyon is a magnet for adventurous travelers. Enjoy a picnic with a stunning view, climb the towering cliffs, or kayak on the river. Gorges du Verdon is home to exquisite villages and vineyards that produce some of the best wine in the region.

Aiguilles de Bavella is ideally situated in the Regional Nature Park of Corsica, where the Bavella needles have an array of impressive shapes and colors ranging from red to grey. Covered with immense forests, it is also a rendezvous for hikers of all levels. Corsica feels like a world apart from mainland France, particularly in summer when the island is teeming with wildflowers. For stellar views, hike from Col de Bavella, where there are walking trails to suit all abilities.

Dune du Pilat is both majestic and unusual. Situated in Archacon Bay, in the municipality of La Teste-de-Buch, it is the tallest dune in Europe. Measuring between 100 and 115 meters, the dune is 2.7 kilometers long and 500 meters wide! While it is known for record heights, it is also famed for exceptional views, offered from its peak, drawing paragliders, sun lovers alike.

Cote de Granit Rose, a beautiful pink granite coastline, is located in Brittany, France. With pink granite edges, turquoise waters and fine sand, it is perfectly suited for languorous beach walks. Indulge in a variety of local favorites, including mussels, ciders, and galettes.

Situated on the coast of Normandy, the Etretat Cliffs are 20 kilometers north of Le Havre. The renowned scenic coastline and stunning white cliffs have gained popularity with travelers from across the globe. The rock formations have been given names, including Courtine, Manneporte, Vaudieu Rock and the Aiguille de Belval. The white chalk cliffs and pebbled beaches are freely accessible and it is no wonder that the likes of Claude Monet and other Impressionists famously painted the arches in the nineteenth century.

Situated in the Cirque de Garvanie, the tiered waterfall has a drop of  1200 feet, making it the highest waterfall in mainland France. The falls are fed by the Gave de Pau which originates from the tiny Lago Helago located just over the border of Spain.

Located in the Occitanie region of southern France, bordering Provence, Camargue salt flats offer an indescribable experience. The Camargue National Park includes a large UNESCO designated biosphere reserve as well as an abundance of exciting activities. Horse ride, cycle, or take a riverboat trip amid the thousands of pink flamingos. The park is designed to be explored on foot along various trails, some of which are suitable for people with accessibility issues.

Explore the southern French Alps and discover a plethora of Alpine wildlife. Stretching nearly 700 miles through Europe, from Monaco to Albania, the region is wild and largely uninhabited. Bordering both the Mediterranean and Adriatic seas, a wide range of wildlife can be found here. Grab your binoculars and immerse yourself in the magnificent alpine landscape home to chamois, mouflon, ibex, marmots and wolves.

The majestic Mont Blanc is situated in eastern France where Switzerland and Italy meet. The awe-inspiring mountain is the highest of the Alps and European Union. It towers 4,810.45 m from the ground! Mont Blanc offers a unique setting and an abundance of outdoor activities, ranging from mountaineering and off-piste skiing.

There are several regions in Provence, jeweled with lavender fields, however, the two main areas of lavender cultivation are the Plateau de Sault and the Plateau de Valensole. While it is difficult to pinpoint the exact date when the blooms will be at their fullest, the best viewing times are late June through to July. The harvesting of lavender typically takes place between late July and September. The fragrant purple flowers are characteristic of French summers, making it a dream destination.