France has an abundance of diverse landscapes, from forests to the beaches of Provence, not to mention spectacular cliffs. Let’s explore these natural wonders together!
20) The Combe-Laval Road
Winding its way through the Vercors mountains, the Combe-Laval road provides access to majestic natural sites that would otherwise be really difficult to reach.
Built right into the cliffs, driving on the road feels like you’re hanging above a void. It’s paradise for people seeking thrills!
19) The Cascade des Tufs
Located in the heart of the Jura Mountains, this waterfall is a sight to behold as the water falls upon the limestone rocks in spherical and graceful shapes.
The natural surroundings add to the magic of this place, with all this vegetation, the trees gracefully lurking around the waterfall. .
It’s a fantastic place to hang out, even if you find yourself losing a day just gazing upon the setting.
18) The Ocres de Rustrel et de Roussillon
The Colorado Provençal, as it is often called, shines with vibrant colors worthy of great American canyons.
This network includes caves, cliffs, ravines, and even waterfalls, giving you plenty to look at!
The unique colors of these canyons come from ochre, a type of clay with bright colors ranging from red to yellow and brown, or even purple shades. In the end, it’s a magnificent and colorful landscape!
17) Porquerolles
A little corner of paradise in the south of France, Porquerolles feels just like a Caribbean island.
From white sandy beaches to more rugged paths of Mediterranean scrubland, this island is filled with diverse landscapes offering loads of activities to suit all tastes.
The crystal-clear, turquoise waters are a magnificent sight during summer, with the sweet song of cicadas in the background.
16) The Gorges du Tarn
These amazing cliffs surrounding the Tarn iver offer some breathtaking views, they’re truly one of a kind!
There’s no denying the beauty of the river winding its way through the cliffs, or of the flora and fauna they shelter.
On top of it all, the Gorges du Tarn radiates a unique sense of calm.
15) Gardens of Versailles
Although it’s not a natural landscape, the Gardens of Versailles are renowned for their beauty and complexity.
Their perfect symmetry, the geometry of the flowerbed and hedges, all radiate a beauty worthy of royalty.
The sculptures, fountains, and ponds—with their intricate plumbing of the period—demonstrate an ingenuity you won’t find in other places!
14) The Cap Blanc-Nez
These cliffs in the Pas-de-Calais region are impressive!
Overlooking the English Channel, these white chalk cliffs stand tall against the waves that crash against the coast every day.
If you’re lucky, you can even spot a few seabirds perched high up on a cliff. It’s quite picturesque!
13) The Valensole Plateau
Who hasn’t seen these images of never-ending lavender fields? It’s an Instagrammer’s paradise!
The Valensole Plateau, part of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region, is made up of a multitude of lavender fields stretching for miles.
The characteristic purple color of these fields is iconic in the south of France!
12) Mont-Saint-Michel
Probably one of the most beautiful French monuments thanks to its coastal location, Mont-Saint-Michel becomes an island when the tide comes in and is undoubtedly a jewel of the Normandy region.
The architecture of the abbey and the magical aesthetic it conveys give the Mont-Saint-Michel its unique charm.
And with a sunset in the background, the view is something else!
11) The Orgues d’Ille sur Têt
These natural rock formations, located in Pyrénées-Orientales, are stunning and will make you wonder how erosion alone can give rock such shapes.
They’re called “orgues”, or organs, because their shape resembles that of a church organ.
The play of light on the formations, depending on the time of day, is also spectacular as the sun’s rays shine through between the columns. You can’t miss it!
10) The Cirque de Gavarnie
This natural wonder is located in the French Pyrenees, the gigantic waterfall crashing in the middle of the cirque is an unforgettable sight.
With its 1,500-meter-high cliffs, it’s a hiker’s paradise!
9) The Brocéliande Forest
If one forest comes to mind when talking about mythical forests in France, it’s certainly Brocéliande Forest
Now known as the Paimpont Forest, it’s at the center of multiple Arthurian myths and legends, adding magic to an already beautiful place.
When walking through the forest, you are certain to get the impression of being in a fairytale, or expect to find Excalibur at the bend of a river.
With its imposing trees, waterways, dense foliage, and play of light, it’s truly a unique forest in France!
8) The Mountains of Réunion
Let’s take a break from France’s mainland and travel to the island of La Réunion.
Located to the east of Madagascar, this island is filled with majestic landscapes, especially mountains
Between volcanoes like the Piton de la Fournaise, and mountains so high that clouds curl around them, it’s a sight you won’t want to miss!
7) Camargue
Located in the Gard and Bouches-du-Rhône region, Camargue is a swampy area with ponds, meadows, lagoons, and swamps.
All of this diversity brings with it a range of flora and fauna that are unique to the area, which makes Camargue even more distinctive!
6) The Dune of Pilat
At 500 meters wide, 3 kilometers long, and 110 meters high, the Dune of Pilat is the largest sand dune in Europe!
Bordering the Atlantic coast, the Dune of Pilat offers a special view of the Arcachon Bay and the pine forests of Landes, to those brave enough to climb to the top. The path is tough!
5) Auvergne Volcanoes Nature Park
Located in the Auvergne region, in central France, this park bears witness to France’s volcanic past, which has been over a millennia which is now long gone.
All of the mountains in this park are former volcanoes, now dormant, or the remains of solidified volcanic vents, uncovered by thousands of years of erosion.
The green landscape stretching as far as the eye can see and lakes formed in the craters of volcanoes, such as the Servières Lake, make up the charm of this regional landscape.
4) Mont Blanc
As the highest peak in the Alps at 4,809 meters, Mont Blanc is Europe’s tallest mountain.
These snow-covered landscapes are breathtakingly beautiful. Seeing it from afar is already amazing, but the view from the top is even better!
3) The Cliffs of Étretat
The views from these cliffs on the Normandy coast are a sight to behold for tourists walking along them. They are an iconic example of Normandy’s raw beauty, offering panoramic views of the English Channel.
With waves crashing against the coast, and the white color of the cliffs contrasting against the blue of the ocean, it truly is a dazzling place.
2) The Calanques de Cassis
A symbol ofMarseille in the south of France, the Calanques de Cassis (Cassis Creeks) are a real gem.
These cliffs are home to flora and fauna typical of the Mediterranean climate, and the turquoise water is breathtaking.
The hiking trails will give you the chance to admire the landscape from another angle, with a view of the Mediterranean Sea that will blow your mind!
1) The Verdon Gorge
A true treasure of French heritage, the Verdon Gorge is known for the beauty of its landscapes
With cliffs up to 700 meters high, turquoise water, and the Lake of Sainte-Croix, it’s truly a masterpiece!
The best way to fully enjoy to the majestic scenery is to cross the gorge in a canoe.
In short, the Verdon Gorge really is one of a kind!
I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!
