Dear readers, the journey across the most beautiful natural settings of France continues in this second edition, for the pleasure of your eyes!
7) The Cliffs of Etretat
This place is located in the North of France, in Normandy. It is famous for its cliffs and its three natural rocks arches at the Coastline of the Atlantic Ocean.
This dreamlike landscape inspired many painters and artists. Claude Monet and Eugène Boudin immortalized the Bay of Etretat. It also influenced Maurice Leblanc, a famous French writer born and grown in this region, in the writing process of his book, Arsène Lupin, gentleman cambrioleur.
The cliffs have a needle-like structure, and the setting is hosting 18 hole golf course surrounded by breathtaking views.
Inland, you can visit the splendid garden of Etretat, designed with Asian inspiration. There, you can enjoy the stunning view of the cliffs and the town of Etretat. This place is classified at the Unesco World Heritage, has the label Green Michelin, and won a European Garden Award in the category “Best emphasis of the historic garden”. It’s also a member of the Great Garden of the world.
Therefore, if you enjoy amazing views and like to visit the sumptuous garden, tempt yourself to discover this place shaped by the years.
8) The Dunes of Pilat
It is the highest dune of Europe, located in the Southwest of France, in the Bay of Arcachon, at 60 km from Bordeaux, a city famous for its wine.
This destination, characterized by its unusual and spectacular aspect, is very touristic and welcomes more than one million visitors every year.
The dune is about 100 to 115 meters high and 2,7 km long. On the peak of the dune, you can enjoy an exceptional view.
On one side, you can see a massive pine forest, and on the other side, you can contemplate the Atlantic Ocean and the headland of the Cap Ferret, and the entrance of the Bay.
Thus, if you want to enjoy a magical moment, don’t hesitate to visit the Dunes of Pilat!
9) The Ocher Quarries of Rustrel
In the South-East of France, in the department of Vaucluse, close to Avignon, you can find the Provençal Colorado.
This site is in appearance similar to the American Colorado. This impressive panorama is unique in France. It is composed of an atypical topography with vivid, colourful rocks.
In conclusion, if you like to discover unique landscapes and places, this journey is for you!
10) Auvergne’s Volcanoes, a national treasure
The region Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes shelters The Chaîne du Puy, the site owns a unique volcanic history with more than 13 millions years of eruption.
The Puy de Dôme is one of the most visited sites of Auvergne, with an altitude of 1465 meters. It is the youngest volcano in the entire Chaîne. From the summit of the Puy, you can enjoy breathtaking landscapes and discover the ruins of the Temple of Mercury as well as Clermont- Ferrand’s Observatory of terrestrial physics, and many more activities.
You can either climb either you can take the panoramic train to reach the top. The World Heritage List counts the Chain as being part of the world’s treasury ; it is a unique heritage with a very diversified landscape, a paradise on Earth for the volcanologists.
Furthermore, the region is famous for its thermal water “Volvic”. Every year, hundreds of people visit Auvergne for a spa treatment. The benefits of the local waters have been scientifically proved. In the XVIIIth Century, doctors advised their patients with respiratory and skin diseases to performed cures such as those still offered today.
For instance, if you like vast spaces and majestic landscapes, take the time to explore this unique site!
11) The Massif of Vosges
In the North East of France, close to the border with Germany, you can find this landscape. It is part of the region Grand Est in the department of Lorraine.
The territory is divided into two parts, the South one called “Vosges du Nord” and the North part called “High Vosges”. The highest mountains in the region are the Grand Ballon d’Alsace, 1424 meters high and the Hohneck, 1324 meters high.
The region owns two natural parks: The Ballon des Vosges Nature Park and the Northern Regional Nature Park. Most of the places are protected areas as the region is promoting sustainability and nature protection.
Every season attracts tourists, in summer as in winter, thanks to its natural settings enabling people to ski during winter time and to hike during summer. You have the opportunity to practice a lot of sports, the main one being hiking, due to its numerous amount of walking trails. Horse riding is also very practised.
In the end, if you like to be close and connected to nature, you will appreciate to walk around those beautiful, charming places.
12) Road of the wine, Alsace
This legendary road is in the Northeast of the region Alsace. It is France’s oldest wine route, described as endless, with more than 170 km of the way through picturesque villages, well-known for their outstanding wine production and their exceptional landscapes.
It is an important touristic destination, putting forward the natural beauty of the cities and villages. Moreover, the quality of wine attracts many tourists from abroad.
The emblem of the region is the white wine, and every year, famous events are organized to celebrate the new production of wine. It is a gastronomic and commercial fair, but above everything, this moment is a festive event welcoming many artists.
If you appreciate charming panorama, subtlety and elegant wine, it is time for you to discover this beautiful region!
