Rafting and outdoor activities in the south of France

Summer Activities in France

And adventurous things to do!

SUMME R ACTIVITIES | B EST SUMMER DESTINATIONS

Summer activities in the French Alps, the South of France and the Atlantic Coast. Whether you’re a gravity junky, a rock monkey or a river rat, we’ve got the lowdown on the best destinations for your sport of choice. Rock climb the famous big walls of the Gorges du Verdon. Ride epic high mountain singletrack in the French Alps. Raft the pumping rivers of the southern French Alps. Kitesurf the Mistral-swept beaches of France’s Mediterranean coast. Surf the legendary barrels of south-west France. If it gets your blood pumping and puts a smile on your face, you’ll find it on Ultimate France!

Our pick of the best summer activities

France’s geography makes it a natural playground for outdoor enthusiasts, with activities that take full advantage of its diverse landscapes. Whether you’re drawn to the rugged peaks of the Alps, the golden beaches of the Atlantic Coast, or the sun-drenched cliffs of the south, there’s no shortage of adventure to fuel your summer. From mountain biking and rock climbing to rafting, hiking, and surfing, here’s our pick of the best activities to help you make the most of France’s stunning natural beauty.

Mountain Biking

Explore our in-depth guides to France’s best mountain bike destinations from the French Alps to the Pyrenees. Cross-country, enduro or downhill, whatever your style of riding and ability there’s an MTB destination to suit.

Hiking

Lace up your hiking boots and discover France’s stunning landscapes from the French Alps to the Côte d’Azur. Choose from day hikes in the Gorges du Verdon to multi-day treks in the southern French Alps.

Paragliding

Soar high above some of France’s most stunning landscapes. Take a tandem flight and immediately experience the thrill of high-altitude paragliding. Or, train to get your paragliding licence and fly independently.

Rock Climbing

Get the lowdown on the best rock climbing spots in southern France. Provence and the Southern Alps attract rock climbers from all over world. With its dry climate, winter sun and easy transport links, the south of France is a rock climbing hot spot.

Via Ferrata

Via ferrata is an exciting mix of trekking and rock climbing. The fixed cables let you scale to great heights and access places normally reserved for serious climbers. Discover the best via ferrata routes across France from the French Alps to the Côte d’Azur.

Canyoning

Canyoning involves making your way down a river gorge, sliding down natural waterslides, jumping into deep crystal clear pools, and abseiling down waterfalls. From the French Alps to the Maritime Alps, France has a huge variety of canyoning descents.

Ubaye Valley Whitewater Rafting Holidays

Rafting & Kayaking

Discover the best whitewater descents in the Southern French Alps. With great white water, plenty of sunshine and beautiful mountain scenery, the Southern French Alps has a lot to attract river runners.

Surfing

Surfing is much more of a main stream sport in France than it is elsewhere in Europe. Discover the best surf spots along France’s west coast from Brittany to Biarritz.

Kitesurfing

In France, there are hundreds of kitesurfing spots along the Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines. Check out our spot guides and discover the perfect destination for your ability and preferred style of kitesurfing.

France’s Best Outdoor Activity Destinations

France is a Mecca for thrill-seekers from all sporting persuasions who arrive in their droves keen to explore (or climb, or bike, or raft, or paraglide) the ultimate outdoor playground. Here’s a selection of our favourite places in France for a summer activity holiday.

Walking Holidays in Chamonix with Ski Aiguille

French Alps

Spend your days biking, hiking, climbing and skiing in the high mountains of the French Alps.

Gorges du Verdon

With turquoise waters and steep forested valleys, the spectacular Gorges du Verdon is a top spot for an activity holiday.

Ubaye Valley

With its jaw-dropping scenery, mountains and rivers, the Ubaye Valley is a Mecca for outdoor sports enthusiasts.

Chamonix

However you like your adventure, your après and your lodgings, Chamonix has what you’re looking for in spades.

Provence

Where the mountains meet the Mediterranean, Provence is a paradise for outdoor sports.

Ardèche

The Ardèche river has chiseled a path through the limestone plateau creating a playground for outdoor sports enthusiasts.

Cévennes

The Cévennes is one of France’s wildest regions, perfect if you’re keen on hiking, biking, canoeing, climbing or even paragliding.

Vercors

A stone’s throw from Genoble the Vercors is known for its climbing and canyoning and long-distance trekking.

Alpine Trekking in the Mercantour National Park

Mercantour NP

The spectacular Mercantour National Park is a haven for thrill seekers and nature lovers alike.

écrins NP

Remote, jagged and spectacular, the Ecrins National Park is a top destination for multi-day trekking, biking and mountaineering.

Pyrenees

These pristine mountains offer a warm welcome and everything from trekking and skiing to canyoning and mountain biking.

A tlantic Coast

With sun, surf and huge sandy beaches, France’s Atlantic coast is well geared towards an active holiday.

Please leave a comment below if you need specific advice for your summer activities in France, or if you have any recommendations to help us improve this page. Happy holidays!