13 Best Adventurous Activities in France
For many, vacation equates to laying low and relaxing. But for others, it means embarking on exhilarating adventures. And in France, both easygoing and active travelers will find something suited to their tastes. If you’re an adrenaline seeker on the hunt to move and groove during your trip to France, we’re here to help. Have your breath stolen on a hike in the Pyrénées. Kayak through the blue waters off the coast of Corsica. Hold on tight as you zipline through the forest near Annecy. No matter your pick, you’re sure to get your heart rate up. From hiking to surfing, snow shoeing to skiing, we compiled the best adventurous activities in France.
13 Best Adventurous Activities in France
Hiking in France
All across the country, France thrills with its snow-capped peaks in the Alps and coastal Mediterranean calanques. Travelers on the search for a gorgeous hike in France will have a tough time making a choice. Located in southern France near Spain, the Pyrénées boast the Cirque de Gavarnie. Victor Hugo deemed this limestone cirque “a Colosseum of nature,” per Agence des Pyrénées. Nestled along the Mediterranean, la Côte Bleue beckons with its deep blue waters and breathtaking calanques. Marseille, Cassis, Niolon – there are a variety of majestic hikes in the calanques.
And the French Alps need no introduction. Whether you’re looking to push your limits at Mont Blanc or enjoy a family-friendly stroll in Megève, the Alps are a great destination year-round. And in Cap Corse, soak up the beautiful views of the Mediterranean with a jolly promenade. Whether you’re looking for a challenge or just hoping to get your steps in, there’s a hike for every activity level.
Visit to Pic du Midi de Bigorre
Revel in the bucolic views from this summit in the Pyrénées. Hop in the cable car from La Mongie and zoom up to an altitude of nearly 3000 meters. When you’re not soaking up its exceptional views, visit its planetarium or dine at its gastronomic restaurant in the clouds.
Kayaking, Canoeing and Other Water Sports in France
The mention of the Mediterranean or Atlantic may bring one’s mind to one thing: the beach. However, this barely grazes the surface of the many water activities available. Tour L’Île-Rousse in Corsica from the perspective of your kayak. Or hang loose with a surfing initiation class in Hendaye on the Basque Coast. Head out on the waters of the Bay of Biscay with a personal guide and try your hand at fishing. Or canoe through the Gorges du Gardon where you can admire the massive Pont du Gard aqueduct. For a true adrenaline rush, embark on a private diving experience near Port-Cros island.
Private E-Bike and Kayak Tour in Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
Get a move on with this private tour in Provence, more specifically in the Vaucluse. Begin your electric bike tour in the quaint town of Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and breeze through country roads dotted with apple and pear orchards. Dine in the picturesque village of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse before embarking on a canoe ride from Lagnes.
Canyoning and Via Ferrata in France
Up high or down low, get your heart racing through canyoning or via ferrata. With French Side Travel, explore the Gorges du Loup in the French Riviera with all five senses. Wander its waterfalls, pools and rock formations – all with helmets, harnesses and a mountain guide. Or work up a sweat with a canyon tour in Ponte Leccia. Get acquainted with the wild side of this Corsican town on this half-day activity. Or seek new heights with one of our via ferrata activities, which are similar to rock climbing. Make your way to the Col de l’Aulp, not far from Annecy, with the help of a seasoned guide. Your climbing will surely pay off with the views of Le Bourget Lake and the rappelling ride down. Or get your heartrate up with via ferrata obstacle course in Ponte Leccia along with Tyrotrekking. The best part? The seven huge zip lines!
Skiing and Snow Activities in France
If you’re looking for something more exhilarating than building Frosty or having a snowball fight, we have a smorgasbord of adrenaline-spiking snow activities. Val d’Isère, Val Thorens, Courchevel – we’re happy to help you choose the perfect destination. Show off your competitive side with a snowmobile race on a 700-meter circuit near Courchevel. Or experience skiing in a new light with a full-day guide to accompany you at the resorts and snag queue priority. Perhaps, try a twist on this classic sport with ski joering, or skiing drawn by a horse. Experience the beauty of Mont Blanc with a private snowshoeing tour. Or reach new levels with our ice climbing experience in the Chamonix Valley. We’ll bring the ice axes and crampons; you bring the heat for this rip-roaring activity!
Dog Sledding Tour in the French Alps
For a truly electrifying experience, head out on your very own dog sledding tour. Admire the camaraderie and skill of the dog team while you marvel at the landscape of the Plateau de Prameruel near Courchevel.
Where to Stay in France
Hôtel Cottage Bise near Annecy
This four-star hotel is cradled by mountain and lake views. After a full day of activity, indulge in a meal at its restaurant or a spa treatment at Hôtel Cottage Bise. In close proximity to the hotel, guests will enjoy hiking trails, cycling, canyoning, waterskiing, and many more adventurous activities.
Le Fitz Roy in Val Thorens
This five-star hotel allures with its 70-something rooms only a stone’s throw away from the slopes. Le Fitz Roy serves local cuisine at its “bistronomic” restaurant and also boasts a spa, which will be waiting for you after a day full of adventure. Not only does the hotel promise close access to the slopes but also opportunities to paraglide, ice climb, dog sled and mountain bike. On y va !
You very well could spend your trip to France sunbathing or chilling in the pool. But there’s a wealth of sporty activities for our active travelers. From diving in the Mediterranean or snowshoeing in the Alps, seek an elating thrill on your next trip to France. Contact one of our travel specialists today to start planning your active adventure. You might also like: Driving the Heart of the Pyrenees or Sports Week in Corsica.