Wandering in France

The Aiguilles de Bavella are rocky spikes of red granite that dominate the hill of the same name on the island of Corsica in France. At 1218 m, the hill connects the Alta Rocca to the east coast of Corsica. These are found in the Regional Nature Park of Corsica surrounded by a forest of black pine trees. There are a variety of routes that hikers and rock climbers can take.

The well-known GR 20 Grande Randonnée hiking trail passes by the foot of the mountains through the Asinao Valley and past the towering Notre-Dame des Neiges, or Our Lady of the Snows, statue.

Situated in the Mont Blanc massif is the striking granite mountain named Aiguille du Midi, or “Southern Needle," named for its pyramidal form. It has two peaks, the Petit Dru and the Grand Dru. This mountain is legendary among climbers and has a long history of mountaineering. Famously, in 1913 a party of climbers attempted to place an aluminum statue of Our Lady of Lourdes on the peak but failed due to bad weather, and it fell into a rocky crevice but was finally hoisted to the peak in 1919. (pictured above)

Situated east of Montpellier, the Camargue area is home to one of the largest wetlands in Europe. It is best-known for its pink salt flats. The salt water is tinged pink due to microscopic algae.

The landscape is also home to white Camargue horses, wild black bulls, and flocks of pink flamingos. The salt lakes are generally open from March to November.

Situated in northern Brittany is Cote de Granit Rose, the pink granite coast with enormous granite boulders emerging from the sea. Viewing them on the northern coast of Treguier, the pink rocks have eroded into unique shapes. The area is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, including fine sandy beaches and a series of remarkable curves. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sailing, cycling, and exploring local boutiques and restaurants. 

The tiny house known as Castel Meur is located in Plougrescant, France, and is famously wedged between two large granite boulders. Built in 1861, this unique structure offers stunning views of the surrounding Pink Granite Coast and has become a popular tourist attraction.

The Dune of Pilat, also called the Grande Dune du Pilat, is the tallest sand dune in Europe. It is located in La Teste-de-Buch in the Arcachon Bay area, southwest of Bordeaux along the Atlantic coastlines. The exposed seafront location and steep slopes make it popular for paragliding.

At the northern end of the Dune du Pilat, Plage de la Corniche is the best place for safe swimming.

The cliffs of Étretat are renowned for their stunning chalk formations, including three natural arches and a prominent needle-like structure called L'Aiguille, which rises 70 meters above the sea.

The cliffs are made of white chalk, and they are covered in a blanket of green grass and mosses. In the summertime, you can also swim and sunbathe on the white pebble beaches adjacent to the cliffs.

Situated in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence Department, the river canyon Gorges du Verdon is surrounded by mountains. It is considered to be one of the most gorgeous gorges in Europe. Visitors enjoy rock climbing, fly fishing, canoeing, rafting, and paragliding.

Styx du Verdon is a canyon with sheer limestone walls that drop over 700 meters into turquoise waters of the Verdon River. The gorge winds through the Haute-Provence plateau and offers many viewpoints along its cliff edges.

Situated at the border between Italy and France is the majestic Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Western Europe and the tallest in the Alps. This is a popular site for climbers. Unfortunately, Mont Blanc has also seen a number of accidents, among them plane crashes, skiing accidents, and tunnel fires.

The Pont d'Arc is a large natural bridge located in the Ardèche département in the south of France. The Ardeche River eroded the stone over the ages to create a hollow archway. Today this is a popular spot for canoeing and kayaking.

This is the gateway to the Ardeche Canyon which lies on the other side of the arch. It is a stunning natural reserve in France, often referred to as the "European Grand Canyon." It stretches approximately 30 kilometers and offers various outdoor activities such as canoeing, hiking, and climbing.

The Chauvet-Pont-d’Arc Cave has some of the oldest Paleolithic cave paintings in the world.

The Scandola Nature Reserve, located in Corsica, France, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning cliffs, rich biodiversity, and unique geological formations. Established in 1975, it encompasses both land and marine areas, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and tourists. Scandola is home to several thousand animal species, including wild boars, reptiles, and various birds like golden eagles and peregrine falcons.