France Outdoor Activities & Adventurous Things To Do

Summer and winter, France has some of the planet’s best terrain for your favourite outdoor activities. Mountain bike the French Alps and the Pyrenees. Strike out on a multi-day trek around the mighty Mont Blanc. Raft the wild rivers of the southern French Alps. Rock climb overhanging limestone in Provence. Explore remote canyons in the Ardèche. Surf legendary barrels in south-west France. Ski or snowboard the 4000 m peaks of the Chamonix Valley.

The hyper-active need never rest, when it comes to outdoor activities, France is unrivalled. So grab your sense of adventure, say goodbye to sensible and hit the mountains, beaches and rivers of France for an unforgettable adventure.

Winter activities

France is one of the world’s iconic destinations for winter sports. Blessed with huge mountain ranges including the Alps and the Pyrenees, winter in France is all about getting outside and enjoying the snow.

Summer Activities

Ubaye Valley Whitewater Rafting Holidays

Summer activities in the French Alps, the South of France and the Atlantic Coast. Whether you’re a gravity junky, a rock monkey or a river rat, we’ve got the lowdown on the best destinations for your sport of choice.

France’s Best Outdoor Activity destinations

France is a Mecca for thrill-seekers from all sporting persuasions who arrive in their droves keen to explore (or ski, or climb, or bike, or raft) the ultimate outdoor playground. Here’s a selection of our favourite places in France for an active holiday.

French Alps

Spend your days biking, hiking, climbing and skiing in the high mountains of the French Alps.

Provence

Where the mountains meet the Mediterranean, Provence is a paradise for outdoor sports.

Mercantour National Park

The spectacular Mercantour National Park is a haven for thrill seekers and nature lovers alike.

Chamonix

However you like your adventure, your après and your lodgings, Chamonix has what you’re looking for in spades.

Gorges du Verdon

With turquoise waters and steep forested valleys, the spectacular Gorges du Verdon is a top spot for an activity holiday.

Ecrins National Park

Remote, jagged and spectacular, the Ecrins National Park is a top destination for multi-day trekking, biking and mountaineering.

Ubaye Valley

With its jaw-dropping scenery, mountains and rivers, the Ubaye Valley is a Mecca for outdoor sports enthusiasts.

Activity holidays in the Ardèche, France

Ardeche

The Ardèche river has chiseled a path through the limestone plateau creating a playground for outdoor sports enthusiasts.

Pyrenees

Pristine mountains offer everything from trekking and skiing to canyoning and mountain biking.

The Vercors

A stone’s throw from Genoble the Vercors is known for its climbing and canyoning and long-distance trekking.

Activity holidays in the Cévennes National Park

Cevennes National Park

The Cévennes is one of France’s wildest regions, perfect if you’re keen on hiking, biking, canoeing, climbing or even paragliding.

Atlantic Coast

With sun, surf and huge sandy beaches, France’s Atlantic coast is well geared towards an active holiday.

Please leave a comment below if you need advice to help you organise your outdoor activities in France, or if you have any recommendations to help us improve this page. Bonnes vacances!