If you’re after an adventure holiday in Europe, there are many countries to pick from. I simply have to think about Slovenia, Switzerland and France to start dreaming about Europe again!
France does have a lot of amazing options for those who like to play outside! In fact, there are many mountain spots that offer a lot of outdoors possibilities. If you’re looking into something a bit more off the beaten path, I’d recommend Occitania, which is located in the South of France.
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This time, let’s take a peek at the outdoors options for those who are seeking an epic adventure holiday in France!
Best National Parks to Visit in Occitania
National Park of the Cévennes
Located in Lozère, there’s so much to discover in the National Park of the Cévennes. It’s a great destination for those who are into hiking as there are many walking trails around.
Highlights
- Gorge of the Tarn
- Mont Lozère
- Mont Aigoual
The Pyrenees National Park
If you’re into Mountains, the Pyrenees National Park should be on your itinerary. Located in the very South of France, this large mountain range is surely breathtaking.
Highlights
- Vignemale
- Cirque de Gavarnie
- Pont d’Espagne (lakes & waterfalls)
Canyoning in France
There are a few cool spots where you can go on a canyoning adventure in France. Occitania has great canyoning options in both National Parks.
As I’ve been exploring the National Park of the Cévennes, I’d probably recommend to check out the options here. I fell in love with the area and I experienced an activity with this company which was fun and pleasant!
They offer two options:
- The Haut-Tarn Canyon (next to Mont Lozère)
- The Tapoul Gorges (next to Mont Aigoual)
Via-Ferrata in France
The same company also offers via-ferrata adventures in the National Park of the Cévennes.
They have also two options:
- Rousses
- Florac (this one would be more challenging as it’s a lot higher)
Caving in France
If you’re into caving experiences, well, believe it or not, they also offer caving tours in the same region! Depending on your experience, you could start with an initiation to caving or go for a true exploration (or even a vertical exploration).
Stand-Up Paddleboarding in France & Other Experiences on the Water
If heights and underground experiences aren’t your cups of tea, you might want to explore Occitania on the water! I tried stand-up paddleboarding a few years ago in Myanmar, and I truly enjoyed the experience! When I heard it was possible to do it in France (and also at night time), I was amazed!
If you’d like to explore the Gorges of the Tarn, the best way to see it would be on the water! Check out the options here for epic active holidays on the water!
Of course, there are also great options to consider in the Pyrenees National Park!
Protect Yourself | Get Travel Insurance
If you’re planning your adventures in France, make sure to be smart about it and get a travel insurance plan! (Especially if you’re about to do some crazy things out there!)
Better be safe than sorry!
Disclaimer: This trip was organized by Tourisme Occitanie and Lozere Tourisme.
