France tours are well known for their many cultural offerings. Whether it be the impressive architecture of chateaus in the Loire Valley or the breathtaking artwork that is housed in the Louvre, the country is certainly not lacking when it comes to high culture. It also has plenty of natural intrigue, and there are a few places you need to include in your France tour if you're looking to add some adventure to your travels.
Verdon Gorge
Europe's largest canyon, the Verdon Gorge drops as much as 2,296 feet in some places, and is the ideal destination for adventure travelers. There are ample opportunities to add some adrenaline to your trip, whether enjoy hiking, biking or kayaking.
Whatever your preferred method of exploring the Verdon Gorge is, the beautiful scenery is the same. Specifically, if you travel through the southern part of the canyon you are treated to exquisite views of many of the surrounding mountains.
The Great Dune of Pyla
When you think of the landscape of France, dunes probably are not the first thing that come to mind, but the Great Dune of Pyla will help change your assumptions. This impressive natural formation is more than 1,640 feet across and rises to more than 350 feet above sea level, attracting around 1 million visitors each year - certainly something you can't say about many dunes elsewhere.
The Dune of Pyla presents visitors with a wide variety of activities. Hiking is a popular choice, but during the winter months, scores of dedicated skiers come and test out the fresh powder that sometimes falls on the dune's slopes.
Gavarnie Falls
Though certainly not the tallest waterfall in Europe, Gavarnie Falls is a popular tourist destination nonetheless. Located in the southwestern corner of the country, this awe-inspiring natural feature has a total drop of more than 1,384 feet and is set against a backdrop of imposing rocks at the start of the Spanish Pyrenees.
A trip to Gavarnie Falls also takes you through Cirque de Gavarnie, a beautiful valley carved in the mountains that will serve as an exclamation mark on your natural France tour.
