Journey Holidays in France | Campsited

France shouldn’t be solely a land of enchantment with unmatched magnificence, cultural treasures and scrumptious delicacies, but it surely’s additionally a HUGE journey playground, filled with thrilling actions for the entire household to take pleasure in!

There are lots of nice adventures available in France, all due to its various, bountiful landscapes and majestic surroundings. There are the Alps & Pyrenees, the hundreds of kilometres of Atlantic and Mediterranean shoreline, age-old cities, bustling cities, canyons, lakes and a lot extra, all providing a huge vary of terrain for exploration. 

If, like us, you love spending time open air, surrounded by nature, attempting out new and thrilling experiences, then we’ve received you coated. On this information we’ll provide you with some inspiration for journey hotspots in France, in addition to close by lodging too. 

Contents:

• Mountain climbing within the Chamonix Valley 
• Mountain biking or gravel biking within the Alps or Pyrenees?
• Finest locations for caving and canyoning in France
• Snowboarding and snowboarding within the French Pyrenees
• Finest paragliding websites in France
• Scuba diving within the French Riviera
• Kayaking in Marseille
• Cani-rando within the Ecrins Massif
• Horse-riding in Aquitaine
• 5 distinctive out of doors actions in France

Mountain climbing within the Chamonix Valley, France

The Chamonix Valley is nothing wanting spectacular. FACT. 

Its uncooked magnificence is made up of snow-capped mountains, waterfalls, glaciers, forests, rolling hills and much extra. Nature and wildlife thrives in these idyllic environment – and so will you!

In our opinion, there’s no higher strategy to expertise its magic than by foot. 

There are over 500km of way-marked trails, starting from light walks by way of flowering meadows to epic alpine summits. Listed below are a number of to moist your urge for food: 

• Go to the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve. A distant, bio-diverse panorama crammed with lakes, limestone and wildlife. Spot the flocks of ibex, marmots and possibly some bearded vultures too.

>> Keep in a Mongolian yurt or lease a grass pitch in superb settings at this tenting resort with a jam-packed journey itinerary <<

• Discover the Arve valley and its many trails guiding you thru forests, mountain bases and alongside the nice Arve River, which runs by way of to Switzerland. 
• Uncover the Grand Balcon Sud, having fun with Mont Blanc (and its neighbouring peaks) as your backdrop. 
• Trek the Fenêtre de l’Arpette, a reasonable path with beautiful panoramic views of the Chamonix Valley and Trient Glacier. It even has cable vehicles on the finish!

You’ll be able to be part of a guided hike, or freestyle it. Simply be ready for all weathers – the temperature can change considerably between low-land and mountain peaks, so plan your wardrobe and mountaineering gear rigorously. 

>> Sleep in a boutique glamping pod, wood chalet or convey your personal tent at this mountain-side tenting village close to Chamonix <<

Mountain biking or gravel biking within the Alps or Pyrenees?

Mountain biking and gravel biking are an exhilarating strategy to uncover the wonder and rawness of French mountain ranges, while difficult your bodily and psychological limits by way of tough terrain, climbs, descents and different spontaneous obstacles in nature. 

Being off-road and off-the-beaten monitor is invigorating, particularly in France – and also you’ve the freedom to take your two wheels on a tour of majestic landscapes with jaw-dropping views. 

Now, it’s not for the faint hearted. You need to have the boldness, expertise or professionally guided help to navigate the literal peaks and flows of cycle routes within the mountains, however when you’ve mastered the artwork, there are such a lot of cool locations to journey, like:  

• Queyras Regional Pure Park (Hautes-Alpes). A protected space within the Southern French Alps that includes forests, alpine pastures, glacial lakes and peaceable bike routes with summits of as much as 3000m. Bike rental and guided excursions can be found by way of Queyras mountain bike excursions.

>> Keep in a wood chalet within the woods, or lease a grass tenting pitch at this serene campsite beside Queyras Pure Park <<

• The Massif du Canigou with its centrepiece mountain rising to 2,784m. Many off-road path bikers think about it top-of-the-line locations to journey in France, due to its sunny local weather and panoramic views of the mountains and coast.

>> Hire a pitch or safari lodge at this family-focussed campsite with an thrilling out of doors journey programme <<

Finest locations for caving and canyoning in France

Common for his or her distinctive panorama and cultural significance, we’d say one of the best locations for caving and canyoning in France are within the Vercors, the Tarn Gorges and the Ardèche. 3 must-see locations, every with a narrative to inform. 

The artwork of cave discovery (also called speleology) is a centuries-old, adrenaline-pumping exercise that enables you entry to the underground world in a singular method.

Equally, canyoning is a kind of mountaineering that includes abseiling, leaping and swimming by way of fast-flowing mountain gorges and cave streams. It doesn’t normally require any expertise past good normal health and a style for journey, so could make an excellent day trip for households with older youngsters or youngsters.

Collectively, these excessive sports activities invite you to an entire host of mineralogical treasures, like deep underworld rivers, historical caves, white water rapids and historic cave artwork. It additionally provides you new orienteering expertise similar to roping, crawling and climbing.

Ebook a canyoning and caving course in France: 

• La Maison du Plein Air affords a ‘cocktail of journey’ within the nice open air. Be part of a bunch canyoning, speleology or canoeing expedition within the coronary heart of the Tarn Gorges (a UNESCO World Heritage Web site). The excursions features a go to to the magnificent Clujade cave too.

>> There are many open-air resorts on the banks of the River Tarn, like this family-friendly web site with a waterpark <<

• Bureau des Mniteurs du Vecors – affords professionally-guided excursions for caving and canyoning, that includes exploration of the Eymards, Ture and Gournier caves.

>> This quiet, family-run campsite is 20 a minute drive away, between Grenoble and Bourg d’Oisans <<

• Aven d’Orgnac – Go to a web site over 100 million years outdated within the limestone wealthy panorama of the Ardèche. Nicknamed ‘the underground cathedral’, the cave of Aven d’Orgnac is a sight to behold. 

>> This neighbouring camp and glamp web site in peaceable settings affords tranquility after a day of journey <<

Snowboarding and Snowboarding within the French Pyrenees

Winter sports activities within the French Pyrenees supply a one-of-a-kind journey, with otherworldly views and various terrain. The very best time for snowboarding is between December and February. 

In addition to common downhill, there’s back-country snowboarding, cross-country trails and spectacular off-piste routes for all ranges – and, arguably one of the crucial vital consideration components, a vibrant après-ski scene too!

And why the Pyrenees? Why not?! The Pyrenees mountain vary is famed for snow-capped peaks, pristine lakes, picturesque villages and guarded nature reserves… an enormous temptation for skiers, snowboarders and out of doors adventurers alike. 

>> And also you don’t have to interrupt the financial institution to benefit from the expertise. Right here’s a information to planning a price range pleasant ski vacation with the household, with lodging and ski resort suggestions too <<

Ski classes within the French Pyrenees

First time snowboarding? Or possibly you’re somewhat rusty and would recognize a refresher lesson? There are many choices by reserving straight along with your chosen ski-resort, or by way of reserving brokers and personal instructors. You’ll discover non-public, group and kids’s ski classes, for all ranges. 

>> This campsite is a brief drive from the favored Saint-Lary-Soulan ski village – a resort with over 100km of skiable terrain and a toboggan run <<

Finest paragliding websites in France

Paragliding is an excessive expertise that includes hovering by way of the air utilizing a custom-built paraglider wing.  It gives an unimaginable rush and birds-eye view of your environment whereas providing super freedom, private problem, and journey.

France has so many cool locations to paraglide and there are programs obtainable for all ranges. Check out our high 3 advisable locations to expertise this final thrill:

>> Take a look at this lakeside, open-air resort close to to Lake Annecy and 300m from the quaint village of Doussard <<

• Dune de Pilat close to to Bordeaux is the largest dune in Europe and overlooks the Arcachon Bassin, Banc d’Arguin and the Landes forest. It is a well-liked place for paragliders, and so that you’ll discover various tour operators  to coach you and tandem your glide. 

>> Keep in a wood chalet or pitch up in peaceable pure settings at this tenting floor near Archachon Bay and Dune de Pilat <<

• Puy de Dôme, a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Web site Chaîne des Puys, is very celebrated as top-of-the-line paragliding websites in France. The land is crammed with volcanoes, mountains, ice caves, mineral spring lakes and unbelievably stunning countryside. Preserve your head within the clouds and ebook a guided paraglide. 

>> Carry a tent or motorhome, or keep in a gypsy caravan at this campsite within the clean-air spa city of Royat <<

Scuba diving within the Med on the French Riviera (Côte d’Azur)

The freedom, adrenaline-boost and pure awe that scuba diving affords is seldom present in another out of doors exercise. There actually is one thing particular about turning into ‘at one’ with marine-life – feeling like a literal drop within the ocean, defying gravity and swimming gracefully into the deep blue. 

The French Riviera is house to France’s most breathtaking assortment of dive websites. Dive in and uncover a few of the finest dive hotspots of the Mediterranean, like: 

• The Donator and Grec shipwrecks on Porquerolles Island
• The WWII sunken submarine Rubis by Saint-Tropez
• The Tombant Des Américains in Good
• Port-Cros Nationwide Park Marine Reserve 

>> This sunny, family-run campsite, simply 200m from Bergerie Seaside is a brief drive from Saint-Tropez and Port-Cros <<

Finest place for scuba diving in France?

Good is maybe probably the most accessible diving spot in France. Right here you’ll discover scuba diving programs and scuba excursions (an absolute should if you happen to’ve by no means dived earlier than!). From tools dealing with to speaking below water, it’s important you be taught the fundamentals to maintain you secure from hurt.

Much more seasoned divers ought to take warning, particularly with wreck diving, however when you’re prepped, you’ll be like a fish in water!

Kayaking in Marseille, France

Marseille, Cassis and their surrounding stretches of crystal waters are the proper playground for discovery. Kayaking is an effective way to associate up and spend high quality time collectively hopping from land to sea (and all these refreshing swims in between!).

One of the crucial picturesque areas to kayak in is Calanques Nationwide Park, with its turquoise waters, hidden coves, bankside wildflowers, rugged cliffs, sandy coastlines and uninhabited spots, inaccessible by foot. 

Just some strokes of your paddle and also you’ll end up in deeper paradise – the Calanques d’En-vau and Port-Pin, with their breathtaking views from the shores of Cassis!

(Look out for the superior creeks of Establon and Aragnols too!) 

Simply lease a kayak or canoe, or be part of a guided tour to admire the true-blue great thing about Marseille. 

>> Safe your spot at this charming campground in the course of a pine-tree forest, near Marseille <<

Cani-rando within the Ecrins Massif, France

The North-American exercise referred to as ‘Cani-rando’ is trending throughout Europe proper now, primarily as a result of the quirky sport lends itself superbly to mountainous areas of France, Spain and Italy – but in addition as a result of it’s simply such enjoyable!

Cani-rando is principally a hike the place you’re guided (aka pulled alongside) by a sledding canine, utilizing a harness and an elastic lanyard – successfully, you turn out to be the sled! It makes trekking tougher terrain like snow, steep elevations and rugged paths a lot simpler to navigate and makes use of up much less power. 

And the canine? Properly, they’re cute – and so they get to take pleasure in stretching their legs as a lot as you do (together with all of the fuss and compliments they’ll obtain from their masters for the day). 

Cani-rando is a unbelievable, household exercise, finest loved as a bunch – and the French Alps are excellent backdrop for the expedition, particularly the across the Haute-Savoie space and its crown jewel, the Ecrins Massif. 

Tour operators like Pays des Ecrins supply guided hikes, plus the possibility to satisfy and play with the canine beforehand. 

>> Take a look at this mountain-side campsite, positioned on the gateway to Ecrins Nationwide Park, with it’s personal non-public seashore <<

Horse-riding in Aquitaine, France 

Hacking on horseback alongside coastal routes, by way of medieval villages, mountainous areas and in lush countryside is a healthful and joyous expertise. A sense of journey, teamed with emotions of calmness and presence. 

The beautiful landscapes of the Aquitaine area of Southwest France is the proper spot to expertise tradition and fascinating views, collectively along with your equine buddy. Right here’s a few our favorite spots to go horse driving: 

• The Basque Nation affords various pure terrain and the Mountain Pottocks, a breed of ponies indigenous to the French Pays Basque, are discovered right here. The area’s equestrian centres will give you totally different lengths of rides right here, appropriate for all talents.

>> This close by tenting village is 5km from the seashores of Biarritz and Anglet and half-hour from the Spanish border <<

• Les Landes is the dream vacation spot for galloping alongside superb seashores, round crystal lakes and within the coronary heart of the Landes pine forest. Study to journey, or be part of a guided tour with Uncover Landes.

>> Ebook a glamping hut or grass tenting pitch and loosen up in a heated pool at this campsite within the Landes Forest <<

5 distinctive out of doors actions in France for the entire household

On this article, we’ve talked about mountaineering, snowboarding, kayaking, horse-riding and different unimaginable experiences available in France, however listed here are 5 distinctive actions so as to add to the journey want checklist:

1. Stroll with flamingos in Camargue, France

Like mountaineering within the French countryside isn’t already filled with nice surprises… How would you take pleasure in being joined by a flock of pink birds standing on one leg? 

The Parc Ornithologique in Camargue, Southern France, is house to hundreds of protected flamingos and a wide range of species of birds together with purple herons, noticed eagles and white storks. You’ll be able to stroll for miles on way-marked trails and boardwalks – or leap on a ship tour, dropping depend of the quantity of feathers and beaks alongside your method!

>> This family-friendly campsite sits within the coronary heart of the Nationwide Park of Camargue and has well-equipped cell houses and tenting pitches <<

2. Safari-trek in Monts d’Azur, France

A safari in France you ask? Okay it won’t big-5 recognizing within the South African savannahs, but it surely’s nonetheless an excellent journey!

Be part of a at some point strolling safari within the bio-diverse Monts d’Azur, a mountainous area throughout the Alpes-de-Haute area and peacefully observe wild bison, horses, deer and plenty of different species of natural world of their pure habitats of grasslands, glacial lakes, rocky cliffs and forestry.

>> Check out this open-air retreat nestled on the heights of the Alpes Maritimes. Keep in a cell house or pitch up your tent or campervan <<

3. Whale and Dolphin watching in Sanary, France

Not solely is Sanary-sur-Mer, within the Var, a fascinating coastal vacation spot for its wonderful markets, tradition and delicacies, it’s additionally an excellent place to identify whales and dolphins of their pure habitat. 

There’s an abundance of sea-life, due to the Pelagos Sanctuary and the respectful tour operators who work laborious to shield their marine environments, placing as a lot effort into conservation work as driving tourism. You’ll be able to ebook day cruises prematurely or at a ticket workplace by the marina. 

>> Keep in a fully-furnished, boutique glamping tent or convey your personal at this eco-site in close by La Seyne-sur-Mer <<

4. Truffle hunt in Provence

Truffle looking in Provence is a enjoyable out of doors exercise that the entire household can take pleasure in. It’s like a giant treasure hunt (though the treasure is a subterranean truffle fungus, which makes for scrumptious dinners!).

You’ll be able to discover forests, orchards and beautiful Provençal countryside in quest of your prized truffles and most tour operators allow you to pattern the products, while they share tales of this age-old pastime. 

>> This open-air resort is completely positioned for exploring Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur and affords distinctive glamping lodging and trendy facilities <<

5. Olympic video games in Gironde

Design your personal Olympic video games, with your loved ones or friendship group, made up of enjoyable out of doors actions like tug-of-war, stilt strolling, barrel constructing, paddle boarding, seashore volleyball, archery and extra!

Multi-activity holidays in France are gaining recognition and the Girondine Olympiad course is a superb likelihood to channel your internal athlete and convey your aggressive A-Sport, with challenges to swimsuit all health ranges. 

>> This high quality campsite on the sting of Lacanau lake has unimaginable views and a singular vary of lodging choices <<

We want you an journey of a lifetime and are at all times on hand that can assist you discover lodging and different vacation necessities. For extra journey guides like this one, go to our weblog.

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