France is one of those countries that oozes beauty. It‘s so rich in culture and heritage that we sometimes forget that it also has a positively prized choice of natural phenomenons. Follow any direction on the compass point and eventually you’ll find one of these unaffected, natural sites. Ravish in their beauty and let the mind take you away… in French, of course!

 

1. DUNE DU PILAT

 

This amazing sand dune is an impressive 108 meters high and Europes highest. Located close to the wonderful and wine rich town of Bordeaux and the charming and picture postcard seaside resort of Arcachon, a dream for paragliders and sun bathers alike. This delightful golden jewel will enamour and captivate and leave you shaking sand out of your socks for days on end.

 

 

2. ETRETAT CLIFFS

 

With three natural arches dipping into the sea on this alabaster coastline, an incredible site that’s just a short distance away from Le Havre. Etretat was home to many of the greats including the artist Monet and writer Guy De Maupassant who spent his childhood here and drew inspiration for much of his work from the area. A seascape that is completely unique, this wild yet graceful beauty is a definate must see.

 

3. LASCAUX CAVES

 

Here’s one that’s on the UNESCO world heritage list! Awesome and astonishing caves with amazing and positively jaw dropping palaeolithic cave paintings dating back some 20,000 years. Lavish yourself in these glorious and handsome works of art, take yourself back in time and enjoy the original photographs of it’s era.

 

4. GOUFFRE DE PADIRAC

 

A breathtaking and natural place of immense beauty, the Gouffre De Padirac nestles comfortably in the already resplendent Lot valley. Limestone caves with underground rivers, stalactites and stalagmites, waterfalls and boat rides. A gorgeous way to spend an afternoon with a delightful hour and a half’s tour of this 100 meter wide by 100 meter deep gouffre. A magical wonderland that makes you feel like you’re on another planet.

 

 

5. VERDON GORGE

 

25 meters long and 700 meters deep, this is the Grand Canyon of France. A ravishing location in the already exquisite region of South East France.  You can take a drive along its rim or canoe at the bottom of the deep ravine. The rock climbers form of heaven and an unbeatable area of outstanding natural beauty.

 

6. MONT BLANC

 

Hike it, ski it, love it… and the highest in Alps and the European Union. Towering to a massive 4810 meters in height you’ll need to hire a guide and pack up your cosiest thermals and crampons to get to the top of this natural wonder. Failing that, just whizz on through the Mont Blanc tunnel “en route” to Italy.

 

7. COLLONGES LA ROUGE

 

Well earning it’s coveted place on “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France” list, this charming and almost toy-town like village is startlingly unusual.  Constructed entirely in it’s local vibrant, bright red sandstone, it’s history rich and architecturally beauteous.  It has it all, a chateau, an 8th Century priory and a whole host of cute gift shops that you can get lost in.

 

The cities and towns, Paris and it’s Tour Eiffel, Bordeaux and it’s wine… it’s wonderful but sometimes it’s just as wonderful to go “au naturel”. Test out your French, whilst paddling down the Verdon Gorge or skiing your way down Mont Blanc/White Mountain. Take some lessons to help you book the tickets for the Gouffre de Padirac or ask directions to the Dune Du Pilat. Don’t miss out, there’s “quelque chose pour tout le monde”.