France is one of the most visited nations in the world year after year. France has a lot to offer, including some of the world’s most famous sites and tourist attractions, as well as the world-famous French cuisine. However, before you start organising your vacation and packing your luggage, you should be aware that France has a highly rich and distinct culture. You’ll need cultural knowledge and the perfect amount of tourist tact to really appreciate it at its best.

In every area of France, there is something to do. A few possibilities include drinking wine, eating cheese and other delectable foods, or simply enjoying the beautiful weather. When you’ve had your fill of all the delights surrounding you, work off those calories by engaging in some exciting outdoor activities. Here are the greatest outdoor sports you can only find in France, whether in the mountains or by the shore.

Best Trekking Sites

There are about 100,000 kilometres of walking routes in France. The land is a walker’s paradise, with long-distance routes like the famed Grande Randonnée (GR) network and shorter trails for localised trekking. Here are France’s best hiking and trekking sites.

• Tour du Mont Blanc

We have to begin with the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB). Over a 170 kilometre span, this historic path passes through some of the most beautiful scenery. The seven- to ten-day climb spans the borders of Italy and Switzerland, effectively round Mont Blanc, before terminating in France.

• Luberon mountain trails

The Luberon Natural Regional Park is an absolute joy to see. The paths go through charming Provence villages with vistas of vineyards, olive orchards, and the famous red Luberon cliffs. Despite the fact that Gordes is the most well-known town in the area, Roussillon is charming. These routes are suitable for people of all ages and abilities, and the greatest part is that you’ll pass through anything from hundred-year-old churches to prehistoric caverns along the way.

• Gorges du Verdon

In Provence, the Verdon Gorge is a lovely location. This river canyon is one of Europe’s most popular because of its turquoise crystal clear water, which is accented by stunning cliffs and greenery. Trekking provides the most diverse vantage points, however cycling and kayaking are also options for exploring the gorge.

• Normandy beaches

This well-traveled region of France is rugged and gorgeous, steeped in history but not without attraction. You’re definitely here for the cemeteries, but be sure to take in the enormous stretches of sand and the undulating shoreline as well.

The Best Rewarding Climbs

When people think of French mountains, they immediately think of the Alps, specifically Mont Blanc. The Vosges and Jura in the northeast, the Massif Central in the south, the Pyrenees, and the island of Corsica are five more ranges in France that provide magnificent, demanding paths. The peaks below are among the most rewarding climbs in the country.

Verte Aiguille

Many of Mont Blanc’s neighbours are also popular climbing destinations, with Chamonix serving as a popular base camp. During the ski season, its hotels might be crowded and expensive, but there are plenty of restaurants, pubs, and cafés to enjoy during other times of the year. With a height of 4,122 metres, the Aiguille Verte is a famously tough climb. Nonetheless, between June and September, before the big snows arrive, the foothills may be readily traversed.

Negre Mourre

The Luberon Natural Regional Park, unlike the Alps, is never overrun with tourists. This UNESCO-listed nature reserve in Provence’s Haut-Vaucluse area is full with walkways connecting ancient villages and cities. Although the Mourre Nègre is the highest point in the Luberon massif, the 1,125-meter top is quite simple to reach. Its unique name, which means ‘black muzzle’ in Provençal, relates to its rounded appearance as well as the pine trees that thrive on its slopes.

Sancy’s Puy

The Puy de Sancy is the most magnificent peak to climb in the Massif Central, a high area in central-southern France. The mountain is part of a 220,000-year-old stratovolcano that has remained dormant. Skiers flock to the slopes to the north and south, many of whom lodge in the chalet town of Super-Besse, and the top is accessible through cable cars and ski lifts. The Dordogne River, which is produced by the confluence of two streams known as the Dore and the Dogne, is likewise named for the mountain.

Monte Cinto is a small town in Italy

Corsica is known not for a single peak, but for the 200-kilometer GR20 track that runs from north to south throughout the island. This famed hiking trail winds through untamed, lonely areas and provides breathtaking views of craggy mountain peaks and the Mediterranean Sea. The trek is not for the faint of heart, but for those who are experienced walkers, it may be a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. It takes around two weeks to accomplish in its entirety. Monte Cinto, with a height of 2,706 metres, is the highest summit along the route.

The Beginners Guide

For years, France has been paving the way for many beautiful things. They’ve now reimagined camping grounds. If this is your first camping trip to France, you might be unsure where to begin. Here’s a beginner’s guide to camping in France to assist you in your planning.

Luxury amenities are available at major, commercial campsites in France. These resorts take camping to the next level, with everything from swimming pools and karaoke bars to full-service restaurants.

But what if you want to mix things up a little? What if you want to go for a more rustic, small-town vibe? Then think about going to one of France’s more intimate camp sites.

Many autonomous sites exist in France, with a focus on environment rather than facilities. Large commercial campsites attract campers who want to relax while their children play, whilst smaller sites focus on rustic outdoor adventure for the whole family.

Camping in France : Where to Go

A network of public and municipal campsites may be found across France. They’re clean, inexpensive, and frequently situated in beautiful natural locations. While camping in France, they provide fun-filled excursions for the entire family.

Campsite has a great assortment of French campsites that include both huge commercial brands and more modest public places. Campsites include fully staffed sites that provide a variety of services. They come in a variety of sizes and can fit everything from simple tents to expensive RVs and everything in between. When going camping, don’t forget to bring an Upgraded Cloud Up 2 Ultralight Tent. 

Individual campsites have also been meticulously restored to bring visitors closer to nature. They place a strong emphasis on traditional tent camping. They also provide a more relaxed environment with fewer constraints than big commercial companies.

See France Region-By-Region

The camping experience, like the flavour of French culture and history, varies from place to region.

Camping in Normandy, for example, provides a sunny getaway for families who enjoy the sun, beaches, water sports, and local attractions. However, the area also has theme parks like Festyland and the Enchanted Village, which are sure to offer you with priceless family experiences.

Brittany camping offers gorgeous coasts, excellent surfing, and breath-taking geographical features such as the Bay of Biscay. The megaliths of Carnac are a must-see on every trip to Brittany, so if you’re looking for something a little more “prehistoric,” here is the place to go. For the most daring, there’s the Carnac Evasion, Brittany’s first kite-surfing school.

Items to be Ready

Because you will be walking and camping in some of France’s most isolated and harsh locations, it is always a good idea to bring the following items that are not readily accessible there.

Checklist for Trekking and Climbing

Important items to bring, hiking advice, trekking equipment, and accessories to bring. Make your walk as pleasant as possible and don’t forget critical items that will be required throughout the trek. Here’s everything you’ll need for any adventure. For a comfortable trekking trip, make sure you bring all of these goods.

During your trek, you’ll need the following items.

• Military Tactical Backpack
• Rain Cover & Day Pack (20-30 litre, If you hire mule or porter)
• 500ml Insulate Thermos
• Trekking Shoes, Floaters or Sandals (waterproof better during snow and rain)
• USB Rechargeable Mini LED Flashlight
• Raincoat, or Umbrella

At the End

The nicest thing about France is how much there is to see and do. One day you may be skiing in the Alps and the next day you could be relaxing on the Mediterranean. Alternatively, spend the morning learning how to make fresh baguettes and the afternoon exploring a castle. Or, even better, learning how to bake fresh baguettes in the midst of a castle. France truly does offer everything for teenagers. There are several reasons why France is a great study abroad destination, and the opportunity for adventure is the icing on the cake. Come experience France for adolescents to the fullest, whether you’re in France for a French summer program for high school students or a semester or year abroad!