France may be known as the land of wine, cheese, and chic city style, but beyond the cafes of Paris, this Gallic beauty is an adventure haven. Towering alpine peaks, Atlantic waves, hidden river gorges, and ancient castles set the stage for unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re hiking through lavender fields, surfing Atlantic swells, or climbing a cliff to an ancient fortress, France is wilder than you think. Pack your hiking boots, your swimwear, and maybe a croissant for the road – la belle France is calling.
WHERE TO EXPLORE IN FRANCE
1, Provence
And it’s not all lush fields of lavender and balmy olive groves (although they are pretty special too). Often called the Grand Canyon of Europe, Verdon Gorge is a spectacular river canyon with turquoise waters and towering limestone cliffs. Explore by kayak, hike the famous Blanc-Martel trail along the cliff edge, or go full-on daredevil and try cliff diving with a guide.
2, Chamonix
The roof of Western Europe, Mont Blanc is the crown jewel of the French Alps. Base yourself in the buzzy town of Chamonix for a mix of big mountain energy and alpine charm. Whether you’re hiking part of the Tour du Mont Blanc, skiing up a storm come winter or just riding the Aiguille du Midi cable car for heart-stopping views, this is France made epic.
3, Dune du Pilat, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Europe’s tallest sand dune rises dramatically above the Atlantic Ocean, and climbing it feels like trekking through a desert to find the sea. At the top? Panoramic views of pine forests, endless ocean, and one seriously surreal landscape. Bonus: paragliders float overhead most evenings—just magical.
4, Brittany
Look at a map, and it’s obvious that Brittany is part of France. Stand on the ground, however, and it often feels like you’re in a separate country completely. With its wild coastline, forested interior, and unique language and culture to discover, this Celtic province—known to the French as Bretagne, and the locals as Breizh—is perfect for adventure. Surfing, hiking, and kayaking are all on the menu here, alongside local culinary favourites like crêpes and cidre.
WHERE TO STAY IN FRANCE
1, Refuge du Lac Blanc, Chamonix
High in the Alps with front-row seats to glaciers and jagged peaks, this mountain hut is simple but unforgettable. You’ll need to hike to get there (it’s worth it), and you’ll wake up with marmots outside your door and the whole Mont Blanc massif lighting up at sunrise.
2, Domaine de Murtoli, Corsica
Hidden coves, rugged cliffs, wild horses, and luxe stone villas—this Corsican dream stay is all about adventure and relaxation in equal measure. Spend your days hiking and swimming, then return for open-air dinners under the stars.
3, Cabane de Salars, Auvergne
Ever stayed in a treehouse in a land of volcanos? Now’s your chance. This cabin in central France’s wild Auvergne region is quirky, cozy, and surrounded by crater lakes, forests, and hiking trails. Off-grid magic at its finest.
4, La Belle Folie, Morbihan
This is glamping, but not as you know it—tucked away in the woods of La Belle Folie are strange and wonderful structures, each designed by a different architecture student. A caravan sits teetering on top of a tall rock. There’s a double-decker tent, and even a series of tiny camping huts shaped like chickens. My favourite was Tissée, a cabin strung with rope webbing, like a jungle gym. Glamping, but make it kookily French.
ACTIVE ADVENTURE IN FRANCE
1, Rock Climbing in the Verdon Gorge
Verdon is a climber’s paradise. Hundreds of routes snake up the canyon walls—some starting with a rappel down into the gorge before you climb back up. Not for the faint of heart, but absolutely epic for adrenaline lovers.
2, Surfing in Biarritz
France’s surf capital delivers rolling Atlantic waves, a laid-back Basque vibe, and salty sunrises. Rent a board, take a lesson, or just chill on the beach with a baguette and a book. The Côte des Basques is where surf dreams are made.
3, Cycling in the Pyrenees
Cycling the Pyrenees is a bucket-list adventure for any two-wheeled explorer. Towering cols, twisting mountain roads, and heart-thumping descents make this one of France’s most thrilling rides. For a proper challenge, the Love Velo team will get you tackling legendary Tour de France climbs like Col du Tourmalet and Col d’Aubisque, all with pro-level support and stunning views.
4, Vineyard-hopping
Exploring France’s vineyards is a dream for wine lovers and slow travellers alike. From Bordeaux’s bold reds to the delicate bubbles of Champagne, each region offers its own charm—and tasting notes. Out Of Office’s vineyard tours, one of their recommended lesbian honeymoons, blend indulgence with adventure, pairing luxury stays with exclusive cellar visits, gourmet dining, and private guides. Santé to that.
How to Get Around France
France is a joy to explore, thanks to its efficient and scenic transport options. The high-speed TGV trains whisk you between major cities like Paris, Lyon, and Marseille in a flash—book ahead for the best fares. Regional trains and buses make countryside hopping easy, while metro systems in big cities are quick and safe. Fancy a slower pace? Rent a bike to explore vineyards or cruise the Canal du Midi. For rural adventures, a rental car gives you freedom to roam lavender fields or mountain villages.
Is France Safe for Solo Female Travellers?
France is generally safe for solo women, especially in well-travelled areas. Cities like Paris, Bordeaux, and Nice are popular with solo travellers and offer plenty of well-lit, lively spots to explore. As always, keep your wits about you: watch your bag on public transport and avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar suburbs. A little French goes a long way, and blending in (ditch the loud logos) helps too.
