Discover the Natural Wonders of France

Everyone raves about France for its cuisine and culture, but the country also enthralls with its natural wonders – from the highest peaks in Europe to colossal canyons, lyrical rivers, crash-bang waterfalls, and fields of purple lavender and pink-granite coastlines ripe for an impressionist painting.

Venture beyond the usual tourist trail of cities and towns, and you’ll stumble across scenes that beggar belief – from mighty sand dunes backdropped by the crashing Atlantic to pink salt lakes fizzing with flamingos. Here are 10 of our favorites to get you started.

Hike in the Gorges du Verdon in Haute-Provence

For drama, few sights in France beat the ragged, plunging cliffs of the Gorges du Verdon, where the surreally turquoise Verdon River slips through a 25km (15.5-mile) limestone plateau to the foothills of the Alps.

Eroded by the elements over millennia, this gorge is the centerpiece of the Parc Naturel Régional du Verdon. Towering up to 700m (2297ft) high, the cliffs attract birds including golden eagles and a colony of reintroduced vautours fauves (griffon vultures). Dubbed “Europe’s Grand Canyon,” it offers spectacular views that leave visitors in awe.

This southern French valley is a magnet for adventure travelers, as well as a favorite spot for leisurely picnics. Kayakers and climbers test their limits on the rocky outcrops, while stunning views beckon road trippers along the route from Moustiers-Sainte-Marie to Castellane.

Climb above the Aiguilles de Bavella in Corsica

Corsica feels like a world apart from mainland France, particularly in summer when the island bursts into bloom with wildflowers. In the south, no sight is more arresting than the Aiguilles de Bavella (Bavella Needles), soaring over 1600m (5249ft).

For stellar views, hike from Col de Bavella (Bavella Pass; 1218m/3996ft), keeping an eye out for mouflons (wild mountain sheep). Join the long-distance GR20 hiking trail to glimpse these magnificent peaks from above. This area provides a rocky playground for climbers and canyoners alike.

Swan around summer lavender fields in Provence

What could be more French than a field of fragrant lavender bowing in the summer breeze?

While there’s nothing truly “natural” about the neatly tended rows, the vivid purple hills of Provence are justly celebrated. From late June to early August, flowering lavender sets the hills of southern France alight with color and perfume.

The Abbaye Notre-Dame du Sénanque, framed by a lush sea of lavender, offers one of the most iconic views. To fully experience the lavender sensation, consider a road trip or bike ride along Les Routes de la Lavande, which connects oil distilleries, farms, parks, and lavender museums. Mid-July is the optimal time for witnessing the blooms.

Think pink on the Côte de Granit Rose in Côtes d’Armor

Brittany showcases a sensuous stretch of coast where even the boulders blush. The Côte de Granit Rose (Pink Granite Coast) features uniquely eroded rock formations of a delicate shade of copper pink, providing a surreal ambiance to this breezy, Celtic-spirited region of northern France.

This stunning coastline stretches 30km (19 miles) from Penvern to Trégastel and Ploumanach. Enjoy spectacular views during a coastal walk through pines, gorse, and mimosa. After your hike, savor local Breton delicacies like mussels, cider, and galettes (buckwheat pancakes).

Race down mighty Dune du Pilat in Pyla-sur-Mer

Rippling above Atlantic surf and forests of maritime pine, oak, and strawberry trees, Europe’s highest sand dune attracts paragliders, sun-worshippers, and even the occasional skier during winter. Climbing this southern French gem, located within an hour’s drive from Bordeaux, is a must, leaving you with a golden sandy souvenir in your shoes.

Ascend to the windy summit at 115m (377ft) above sea level for astonishing views that span across the Banc d’Arguin bird reserve, where oyster farmers operate amidst the shifting sands, watched by avian friends like sandwich terns and other migratory birds. The dune is growing eastwards at a rate of 1.5m (4.9ft) each year, as it continues to transform the landscape.

Spot flamingoes on the Camargue salt flats

The picturesque sansouires (salt flats) and vividly pink algae-rich étangs (small saltwater lakes) of the Camargue elicit gasps of wonder from first-time visitors. It is a poetic setting for equestrians, wildlife spotters, and romantics alike.

For a chance to see flamingoes, head to the Parc Ornithologique du Pont de Gau, where hundreds of these beautiful birds reside. Bring binoculars to spot herons, storks, egrets, and grebes among the wetlands. The park features 7km (4.3 miles) of trails to explore.

Brave the big one at Mont Blanc in the French Alps

Europe’s highest peak, towering 4807m (15,771ft), Mont Blanc is the crowning glory of the French Alps – and it truly is a sight to behold.

While its glistening summit can be seen from afar, approaching the mountain reveals its raw wilderness, with realms of rock and eternal ice. Numerous adventures await, whether you’re hiking, peak-bagging, climbing, or skiing. For safety, consider enlisting the help of an experienced guide to navigate extreme conditions.

The Tour du Mont Blanc is a highlight, comprising 169km (105 miles) of breathtaking trails spanning France, Switzerland, and Italy, traversing stunning glacial landscapes and connecting nine villages, many of which are inaccessible due to snow.

In winter, embark on the multi-day Haute Route (from Chamonix to Zermatt), an epic skiing adventure taking you from Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn, surrounded by breathtaking four-thousanders. Alternatively, take a cable car to Aiguille du Midi, or cross the panoramic cable car to Italy on the Télécabine Panoramique Mont Blanc.

Find inspiration in the Étretat cliffs of Normandy

As day fades into pastel dusk, the arches of Étretat evoke countless impressionist artists. These chalk cliffs and rock arches, shaped by wind and water over millennia, are a captivating coastal landscape.

Étretat has inspired many, including 19th-century French author Guy de Maupassant and renowned painters like Camille Corot, Eugène Boudin, Gustave Courbet, and Claude Monet. The most photographed arch is Falaise d’Aval, a striking 70m-high (230ft) spire piercing the sea, famously likened to an elephant dipping its trunk into the ocean.

Eyeball alpine wildlife in Haute-Savoie

While skiing, boarding, and making snow angels dominate France’s rugged Haute-Savoie region in winter, summer also unveils its unique attractions.

Grab your binoculars to spot furry locals like wild boar, ibex, and mountain hares. The mountain-dwelling marmot is a local icon, and gift shops in towns like Morzine overflow with cuddly souvenirs, perfect for commemorating your visit.

Gaze in wonder at the Cirque de Gavarnie in Hautes-Pyrénées

While Europe boasts higher waterfalls, the dramatic backdrop of the Gavarnie Falls cascading down the jagged Pyrenean peaks framing the natural amphitheater of Cirque de Gavarnie is undeniably one of France’s greatest spectacles.

These tiered cascades, fed by glacial waters starting their journey in the Spanish Pyrénées, are most breathtaking post-spring melt. After heavy rains, witnessing this natural wonder feels almost divine.

This immense glacial bowl captivated Victor Hugo, who called it “nature’s Colosseum.” For prime views, hike along well-marked trails to the Plateau de Saugué at sunrise.