6 nature destinations in France to relax at the weekend
France has an abundance of breathtaking natural landscapes just waiting to be explored. From towering cliffs to crystal-clear lakes, majestic forests and spectacular gorges, our country offers a breathtaking diversity of panoramas. Whether you’re a keen hiker, water sports enthusiast or simply looking for some peace and quiet, these nature destinations are perfect for a rejuvenating weekend getaway. Discover our selection of 6 exceptional places where the beauty of the scenery rivals the authenticity of the experiences on offer.
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1. The Gorges du Verdon: France’s Grand Canyon
Located between the Var and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence departments, the Verdon gorges are one of the most beautiful canyons in Europe. With limestone walls rising up to 700 metres and a river of sparkling turquoise waters, this exceptional natural site offers breathtaking panoramas. The sheer cliffs tower majestically over the Verdon, creating a striking contrast between the white rock and the deep blue water.
The weekend is the perfect time to explore the many viewpoints along the Route des Crêtes. From the Carelle or Escalès lookouts, you can admire spectacular plunging views over the meandering canyon. The more energetic can take to the hiking trails that wind through the depths of the gorge, such as the famous Blanc-Martel trail, which crosses the canyon over a distance of 15 kilometres. For a unique experience, embark on a canoe-kayak trip down the emerald waters of the Verdon, allowing you to appreciate the majesty of the cliffs from the river.
The surrounding hilltop villages, such as Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, listed as one of France’s most beautiful villages, are the perfect way to discover this natural destination. Between water sports, hiking and discovering the heritage of Provence, the Verdon gorges offer a complete change of scenery for a rejuvenating weekend.
2. Annecy and its lake: the Venice of the Alps in the heart of nature
Nestling at the foot of the Alps, Annecy has an exceptional natural setting dominated by its crystal-clear lake. Renowned as one of the purest lakes in Europe, Lake Annecy offers a permanent spectacle with its shades of blue and green, framed by the surrounding mountains. This natural destination is a perfect blend of historic heritage and unspoilt Alpine landscapes, ideal for a weekend of relaxation and discovery.
Download the audio tour to discover Annecy on foot and on your own
To make the most of your visit to Annecy, let the Navaway itinerary guide you through the picturesque narrow streets of the old town and along the flower-filled canals. This audio-guided tour will allow you to discover the city’s hidden treasures while enjoying enriching commentary on its history and heritage, all at your own pace.
A weekend in Annecy can be a mix of urban exploration and nature-based activities. Start with a stroll through old Annecy, with its romantic canals and colourful houses, then hire a bike and cycle around the lake on the cycle path, which offers magnificent views. The beaches around the lake invite you to take a dip in summer, while water sports such as paddle-boarding, kayaking and sailing give you the chance to explore the turquoise waters from a different angle.
For hiking enthusiasts, the surrounding mountains offer numerous trails with exceptional panoramic views over the lake and the town. The climb up to the Col de la Forclaz rewards walkers with an unforgettable view. If you choose to visit Annecy for a weekend, you’ll enjoy a harmonious blend of nature and culture.
3. Étretat and its cliffs: the wonder of Normandy
The cliffs of Étretat are among the most iconic landscapes in France. These spectacular geological formations of white chalk, sculpted by marine erosion, have inspired many artists, including Claude Monet and Guy de Maupassant. The natural arch of the Manneporte, the Aiguille creuse standing proudly in front of the ocean and the famous Aval arch with its formation in the shape of an elephant dipping its trunk into the sea make up a natural tableau of striking beauty.
A weekend in Étretat is best explored on foot along the GR21 footpaths that run along the top of the cliffs. The walk to the Upstream cliff offers breathtaking views over the English Channel and leads to the Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde chapel overlooking the sea. On the Downstream side, the path leads to some great vantage points for observing the majestic arch and the Aiguille. At low tide, head down to the pebble beach to admire these chalk giants from below and experience their sheer size.
The Jardins d’Étretat, perched on the Amont cliff, add an artistic and botanical dimension to the visit with their contemporary sculptures and Impressionist-inspired gardens. The charm of the village of Étretat, with its half-timbered houses and lively seafront, is the perfect complement to this natural Normandy getaway, where the power of the ocean meets the mineral beauty of the cliffs.
4. The forest of Fontainebleau: a green lung on the outskirts of Paris
Just an hour from the capital, the Fontainebleau forest covers more than 25,000 hectares, making it one of the largest state-owned forests in France. This exceptional forest is distinguished by the diversity of its landscapes: majestic oak and pine forests, spectacular sandstone rock formations, mysterious pools and heather moors. Listed as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO, this thousand-year-old forest offers an incomparable playground for nature lovers near Paris.
A weekend in Fontainebleau is sure to delight walkers, with 500 kilometres of signposted trails winding through the different massifs. The routes range from easy to difficult, allowing everyone to enjoy the beauty of the area. The famous rocks of Fontainebleau also attract climbers from all over the world, who come to practise their skills on these blocks of sandstone sculpted by erosion. Mythical climbing sites such as Franchard, Apremont and Les Trois Pignons offer thousands of routes for all levels of climber.
The natural wealth of the forest can also be discovered by bike on the many cycle paths, or on contemplative walks around the ponds and panoramic viewpoints such as the Tour Denecourt. The village of Barbizon, at the gateway to the forest, adds a cultural touch with its history linked to the pre-impressionist painters. Between sporting activities and moments of contemplation, Fontainebleau is the ideal nature getaway for a weekend of rejuvenation close to Paris.
5. The Calanques National Park: between the Mediterranean land and sea
Europe’s only peri-urban national park, the Parc national des Calanques stretches from Marseille to Cassis, covering more than 8,500 hectares of land and 43,500 hectares of sea. This natural jewel features wild coves with turquoise waters, white limestone cliffs plunging into the Mediterranean and fragrant Mediterranean vegetation of pine, kermes oak and garrigue. The spectacular beauty of the Calanques makes it an unmissable nature destination for a weekend in the south of France.
Download the audio tour to discover Marseille on foot and on your own
Before setting off to explore the calanques, take time to discover Marseille’s heritage with the Navaway itinerary for visiting Marseille. This tour allows you to explore the Cité Phocéenne and its emblematic districts, such as the Old Port, the Panier and the Corniche, while enjoying captivating audio explanations of the city’s thousand-year-old history.
A weekend in the Calanques is all about spectacular walks along the coastline. The path leading to the Calanque d’En-Vau passes through impressive rocky landscapes before reaching a heavenly beach nestling between vertiginous cliffs. The Calanque de Sormiou, accessible by an easier path, also offers an enchanting setting, with its small fishing port and crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming. For a different experience, opt for a kayak trip from Cassis, which lets you explore the calanques from the sea and access secret coves inaccessible on foot.
By choosing to visit Marseille and its calanques, you can combine the urban bustle of a major Mediterranean city with the wild tranquillity of unspoilt natural areas. Don’t forget to check access conditions before your visit, as some paths may be closed in summer to prevent the risk of fire.
6. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc: Alpine majesty and magnificent scenery
At the foot of Western Europe’s highest peak, Chamonix embodies the quintessence of the Alpine mountain. Dominated by the 4,809-metre-high Mont Blanc, this valley offers breathtakingly beautiful scenery where majestic glaciers, sharp rocky peaks and fir forests form an imposing backdrop. A weekend in Chamonix allows you to experience Alpine nature in all its splendour, in both summer and winter.
Download the audio-guided tour to discover Chamonix on foot and on your own
To discover the heritage and secrets of this legendary mountaineering town, follow the Navaway route through Chamonix. This audio-guided itinerary will take you through the historic town centre, recounting the saga of the first conquerors of Mont Blanc and the evolution of this iconic alpine resort.
There’s no shortage of outdoor activities for a weekend in Chamonix. The cable car ascent to the Aiguille du Midi (3,842 m) offers a vertiginous experience with 360° panoramic views of the Alps and a breathtaking view of Mont Blanc. The Mer de Glace, accessible via the Montenvers cogwheel train, offers a glimpse of France’s largest glacier and a chance to enter an ice cave that is sculpted every year. The surrounding valleys are full of hiking trails for all levels, from family walks around Lac des Gaillands to more challenging treks to the high-altitude refuges.
In summer, the Chamonix valley is adorned with flower-filled meadows and offers ideal terrain for mountain biking, paragliding and climbing. In winter, the ski areas offer a variety of slopes with breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks. Choosing to visit Chamonix for a nature weekend means immersing yourself in the world of the high mountains, where the beauty of the scenery rivals the power of the natural elements.
In conclusion, France offers an exceptional diversity of nature destinations for rejuvenating weekends away from it all. From the spectacular gorges of the Verdon to the Normandy cliffs of Étretat, the pristine waters of Lake Annecy, the forest of Fontainebleau, the Mediterranean creeks and the Alpine peaks of Chamonix, each place reveals unique landscapes and unforgettable experiences. Whichever destination you choose, these nature getaways allow you to reconnect with the elements, enjoy outdoor activities and create unforgettable memories. To make your weekend even richer, don’t hesitate to use the Navaway audio tours, which will help you discover the heritage and secrets of the towns located near these natural wonders, for a complete getaway combining nature and culture.
FAQ : Nature weekend in France
When is the best time to visit these nature destinations in France?
The best time to visit varies from destination to destination. For the Gorges du Verdon and the Calanques, spring (May-June) and autumn (September-October) are best to avoid the summer heat and crowds. Annecy and Chamonix are best visited between June and September for nature activities, although Chamonix is also magnificent in winter. Étretat and Fontainebleau can be explored all year round, with a preference for the months of April to October for milder weather conditions.
Are these nature destinations suitable for families with children?
Yes, all these destinations offer family-friendly activities. Annecy has well-maintained beaches and safe cycle paths around the lake. The forest of Fontainebleau offers many easy trails and picnic areas. At Étretat, the beach is easily accessible and walks on the cliffs can be enjoyed by children who are used to walking. For the Calanques and Chamonix, opt for easy trails or cable car access to enjoy the beauty of the scenery with the whole family.
Do I need to book in advance to visit these nature destinations?
For some destinations, booking is recommended or even compulsory. Access to the Sugiton calanque in the Calanques National Park requires free booking during the high summer season. Accommodation in Chamonix and Annecy fills up quickly during school holidays and weekends with good weather, so early booking is advisable. For activities such as kayaking in the Gorges du Verdon or paragliding in Chamonix, remember to book a few days in advance, especially in high season.
Can you visit these nature destinations without a car?
Access without a car is possible, but varies depending on the destination. Annecy, Chamonix and Fontainebleau can be reached by train from Paris, with stations offering good connections. Étretat can be reached by bus from Le Havre, which is itself linked to Paris by train. On the other hand, the Gorges du Verdon and the Calanques are harder to reach without a private vehicle, although Marseille and Cassis are served by train. Once you’re there, you can use local shuttles, bike hire or transport services to get around, but the car is still the most practical way of exploring these natural areas in complete freedom.
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