Natural Beauty

1. Rochefort Ridge

Region: Mont Blanc

Rochefort Ridge is one of the best natural wonders in France

The Rochefort Ridge is one of the most impressive natural wonders in France. This classic ridge course in Mont Blanc Massif runs along the border of Italy and France, and offers some of the most stunning scenery in the region. Exposed passages along the crest plunge into the abyss on either side. In fact, at certain points, the path is little more than a footstep wide. If a climber falls, their partner must jump off the ridge in the opposite direction to keep them both from plummeting down. Understandably, the Ridge is suitable to only those with climbing experience.


2. The Camargue Salt Flats

Region: Camargue


The Camargue Salt Flats in France

The Camargue is the largest river delta in Western Europe and covers 300,000 acres of wetlands, pastures, dunes and salt flats. Its Salin Aigues-Mortes salt marsh is particularly notable for its bright pink hue, created by a combination of salt water and algae. More arresting than the colours on show are the droves of flamingos that frequent the area, creating what is surely one of the most beautiful natural wonders in France.


  3. Gouffre de Proumeyssac

Region: Audrix

Gouffre de Proumeyssac is known as the Crystal Cathedral

This natural cave comprises an enormous vault and walls crusted with stalactites and stalagmites, some of which are translucent. Coupled with clever lighting, these shine like crystals, inspiring the the cave’s ‘Crystal Cathedral’ moniker. The site is impressive, but visitors have complained about the lack of freedom to roam. With this in mind, you may wish to book the last tour of the day to contend with minimal crowds.


  4. Aiguille du Dru

Region: Chamonix


The jagged peak of Aiguille du Dru

Aiguilles du Dru in the Mont Blanc mountain range is striking for its jutting peak, aptly name ‘aiguille’ which translates as ‘needle’. The peak of granite rock stands at 3,755m (12,320ft) and is coupled with a lower peak at 3,733m (12,250ft): Petit Dru which offers one of the world’s most stunning big wall climbs.



5. Gorges du Verdon

Region: Aiguines


Gorges du Verdon offers excellent kayaking and hiking

Gorges du Verdon is a spectacular river canyon that runs 25km (15mi) in length and 700m (2,300ft) at its deepest point. The turquoise water offers excellent canoeing, kayaking, rafting and fishing while the surrounding outcrops are perfect for hikers and ramblers.


  6. Étretat Cliffs

Region: Étretat


The Étretat Cliffs have inspired numerous writers and artists

Étretat is known for its arresting chalk cliffs, natural arches and a pointed formation called L’Aiguille (or the ‘needle’) which rises 70m (230ft) above the sea. The picturesque site has inspired a number of writers and artists; Monet, Boudin, Maupassant, Lupin and Courbet are all said to have visited the cliffs.
7. Aiguilles de Bavella

Region: Quenza, Corsica

The dramatic peaks of Aiguilles de Bavella

The Aiguilles de Bavella is a cluster of seven spiky peaks on the French island of Corsica. Known as the ‘needles of Bavella’*, the collection features jagged granite peaks and huge rock walls dotted with pine trees contorted in the wind. The peaks range in height from Punta Alta at 1,855m (6,085ft) to Punta di l’Acellu at 1,588m (5,210ft), and offer excellent hiking for all abilities. For particularly sweeping views, hike from Col de Bavella.


8. Côte de Granit Rose

Region: Côtes-d’Armor


Côte de Granit Rose is famous for its blush coloured rocks

Côte de Granit Rose or ‘Pink Granite Coast’ is a stretch of coastline in northern Brittany known for its blush coloured rocks. Opt for a stay in Ploumanac’h, one of several picturesque resorts residing by the surreal landscape of rose-tinted crags and weather beaten boulders. Look out for little cottages dotted among the jumbled chaos of rock, among them the small chateau in which Polish author Henryk Sienkiewicz wrote the Nobel Prize winning Quo Vadis.



 
9. Pont d’Arc

Region: Ardèche


The natural bridge at Pont d’Arc

This natural bridge may not be quite as impressive as some of the weird and wonderful sights found across the pond, but it’s worth a visit nonetheless. Carved by the Ardèche River, the hollow archway is a popular spot for canoeing and kayaking. It also marks the entrance to the Ardèche Canyon with its host of adventure activities.
10. Dune du Pilat



Region: La Teste-de-Buch


Dune du Pilat is Europe’s tallest sand dune

Dune du Pilat is the tallest sand dune in Europe and measures 110m (360ft) in height, 500m (1,640ft) in width and 2.7km (1.7mi) in length. The so-called ‘sand monster’ lies between the Atlantic Ocean, an enormous pine forest, the Arcachon Bay, a sandbank and a peninsula. Incredibly, the dune is said to move landward, pushing back the forest by one to 5.5 meters each year!