Best natural wonders in France

Best natural wonders in France

From dramatic mountains to unearthly caves, we explore France's best natural wonders

If you asked a random person to name the best natural wonders in France, they would probably come up short. There are plenty of man-made landmarks we can all count on: the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre Dame and so on, but France is far less famous for its natural wonders. Here we explore the best on offer.

1. Rochefort Ridge

Region: Montblanc

alt="Natural wonders in France-Rochefort-Mont-Blanc">Fair useRochefort Ridge is one of the best natural wonders in France

The Rochefort Ridge is one of France's most impressive natural wonders. This classic ridgeline course in the Mont Blanc massif runs along the border between Italy and France and offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in the region. Exposed passages along the ridge plunge into the abyss on either side. In fact, in some places the path is barely more than a step wide. If a climber falls, his partner must jump off the ridge in the opposite direction to prevent both of them from falling. Understandably, the ridge is only suitable for people with climbing experience.

2. The salt flats of the Camargue

Region: Camargue

alt="Salines of the Camargue">Jeroen Komen; CC BY-SA 2.0The salt flats of the Camargue in France

The Camargue is the largest river delta in Western Europe and covers 300,000 hectares of wetlands, pastures, dunes and salt flats. The salt marshes of Salin Aigues-Mortes are particularly characterized by their bright pink color, which is caused by a combination of salt water and algae. More fascinating than the colors on display are the flocks of flamingos that frequent the area, creating one of France's most beautiful natural wonders.

3. Gouffre de Proumeyssac

Region: Audrix

alt="Gouffre de Proumeyssac is a natural wonder in France">Fair useGouffre de Proumeyssac is known as the Crystal Cathedral

This natural cave consists of a huge vault and walls covered in stalactites and stalagmites, some of which are translucent. Combined with clever lighting, these glow like crystals, inspiring the cave's nickname “Crystal Cathedral.” The site is impressive, but visitors have complained about the lack of freedom of movement. With that in mind, you may want to book the last tour of the day to deal with minimal crowds.

4. Aiguille du Dru

Region: Chamonix

alt="Natural wonders in France-Aiguille-du-Dru">DreamtimeThe rugged peak of the Aiguille du Dru

Aiguilles du Dru, in the Mont Blanc mountain range, is notable for its jutting peak, aptly named “Aiguille,” which translates to “needle.” The granite rock peak sits at 3,755 m (12,320 ft) and is coupled with a lower peak at 3,733 m (12,250 ft): Petit Dru, which offers one of the most breathtaking big wall climbs in the world.

5. Gorges du Verdon

Region: Aiguine

alt="Natural wonders in France-Gorges-de-Verdon">DreamtimeGorges du Verdon offers excellent kayaking and hiking opportunities

Gorges du Verdon is a spectacular river gorge 25km long and 700m deep at its deepest point. The turquoise waters offer excellent canoeing, kayaking, rafting and fishing, while the surrounding rocky outcrops are perfect for hikers and hikers.

6. Cliffs of Étretat

Region: Etretat

alt=“The cliffs of Étretat have inspired many writers and artists”>Bachellier Christian; CC BY-NC-ND 2.0The cliffs of Étretat have inspired numerous writers and artists

Étretat is known for its impressive chalk cliffs, natural arches and a pointed formation called L’Aiguille (or the “Needle”) that rises 70 m (230 feet) above the sea. The picturesque location 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

alt="Natural wonders in France-Aiguilles-de-Bavella">Veronique Mergaux; CC BY-SA 2.0The dramatic peaks of the Aiguilles de Bavella

The Aiguilles de Bavella are a collection of seven pointed peaks on the French island of Corsica. Known as the “Needles of Bavella”*, the collection consists of jagged granite peaks and huge rock faces dotted with wind-warped pine trees. The peaks range from Punta Alta at 1,855 m (6,085 ft) to Punta di l'Acellu at 1,588 m (5,210 ft) and offer excellent hiking opportunities for all abilities. For particularly far-reaching views, hike from the Col de Bavella.

*Apparently the French need to get more creative with their mountain names.

8. Côte de Granit Rose

Region: Côtes-d’Armor

alt="Natural wonders in France-Côte-de-Granit-Rose">DreamtimeThe Côte de Granit Rose is famous for its blushing rocks

Côte de Granit Rose or 'Pink Granite Coast' is a stretch of coast in northern Brittany known for its blushing rocks. Choose to stay in Ploumanac’h, one of several picturesque resorts nestled in the surreal landscape of pink cliffs and weather-beaten boulders. Look for small huts scattered among the jumbled rock chaos, including the small castle where Polish author Henryk Sienkiewicz wrote the Nobel Prize-winning Quo Vadis.

9. Pont d'Arc

Region: Ardèche

alt="The natural bridge at Pont d'Arc">DreamtimeThe natural bridge at Pont d’Arc

This natural bridge may not be quite as impressive as some of the weird and wonderful sights across the pond, but it's still worth a visit. The hollow archway carved by the Ardèche River is a popular spot for canoeing and kayaking. It also marks the entrance to the Ardèche Canyon with its numerous adventure activities.

10. Dune of Pilat

Region: La Teste-de-Buch

alt="Dune du Pilat">DreamtimeDune du Pilat is Europe's highest sand dune

The Dune du Pilat is the highest sand dune in Europe, measuring 110 m (360 ft) in height, 500 m (1,640 ft) in width and 2.7 km (1.7 mi) in length. The so-called “sand monster” lies between the Atlantic Ocean, a huge pine forest, the Bay of Arcachon, a sandbank and a peninsula. Incredibly, the dune is said to be moving inland, pushing back the forest by between one and 5.5 meters each year!

Map of France's most beautiful natural wonders

Natural wonders in France: the essentials

What: Discover France's most beautiful natural wonders.

Where: France's best natural wonders are spread across the country. Therefore, we recommend that you use our “Region” links above to find accommodation on Booking.com. We recommend booking accommodation on the site with a score above 8.0.

When: The best time to visit France is between April-June and September-Nov, when the weather is pleasant and crowds are relatively thin. The summer months (Jul-Aug) offer excellent weather but coincide with the French holiday season, when much of the country is closed and European holidaymakers abound.

How: DFDS Seaways operates several routes between the UK and France, namely Dover-Dunkirk, Dover-Calais and Newhaven-Dieppe. Return fares for a car range from £102.50 upwards, depending on your dates and route.

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Atlas & Boots

We chose the four hour route from Newhaven to Dieppe and found the ferry clean and comfortable. The ferry has a variety of different areas, making it easy to find a quiet spot. The food on board is warm and filling and there is a well-stocked bar on the upper deck. All in all, the route offers excellent value for money.

If you prefer to fly, book through Skyscanner for the best prices.

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Mission statement: CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

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