It seems possible to be able to go on vacation this summer throughout France: anyway, even if we stick to the borders of France, there are a large number of very beautiful destinations that will be perhaps, for some of your, discoveries. Here is an anthology by region, which is far from exhaustive.
The Alabaster Coast and Etretat in Normandy
For cycling enthusiasts, here is an idea for discovering the beautiful Côte d’Albâtre from a different perspective, gently and breathing sea air to the fullest. All you have to do is follow the Vélomaritime, a cycle route that goes from Roscoff (Finistère) to Dunkirk (Hauts-de-France) via the Côte d’Albâtre, along the superb limestone cliffs, like those of Etretat , but also those of Fécamp , without forgetting the small wild roads between towns and villages and the magnificent views of the sea and the coasts. If you think you don’t have the legs to overcome certain elevations, choose an electric bike instead, but don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience.
The Gulf of Morbihan in Brittany
Located in the south of Brittany, this gulf, whose name means “small sea”, forms a sort of inland sea punctuated by various islands, of which around thirty are inhabited. Among these islands, two are also communes: Île aux Moines and Île d’Arz, where you will find pretty fishing villages, while the others are bird reserves or private land, to be discovered only by boat with stops in the beautiful little hidden coves. On the coast, the gulf runs between Locmariaquer and Port Navalo, separated by a kilometer of the transparent sea bordered by rocks and pines. You will not fail to visit the old town of Vannes with its port and its ramparts. The Gulf of Morbihan is known for its mild and sunny climate, and its magnificent jagged coasts. This place with magnificent and varied landscapes will suit as much to sailing lovers as to fans of hiking. You can also discover megaliths, taste oysters, or taste the famous Kouign-amann, a cake famous throughout Brittany.
The castles of the Loire in Center Val de Loire
And if it was the occasion or never to discover the castles of the Loire, this extraordinary heritage that everyone “knows” by reputation but much less in reality? Along the banks of the Loire, dozens of more or less sumptuous castles bear witness to our history, dating for the most part from the Renaissance, standing along the river like so many architectural treasures: royal-like Amboise, Blois, Chambord or Chenonceau, more modest but magnificent like Azay le Rideau, Chaumont or Cheverny, medieval fortresses like Chinon or Loches, surrounded by gigantic ponds or gardens, inspired by Italian culture, they all have their secrets and their ghosts hidden or more famous; Joan of Arc and the Dauphin of France met in Chinon, Leonardo da Vinci ended his life at Clos Lucé d’Amboise, Rodin and Camille Claudel sheltered their love at the Château de l’Islette. A magical journey that will also allow you to discover renowned vineyards for a… royal vacation!
The Hautes-Vosges in the Grand Est
Located in Lorraine, the Hautes-Vosges will satisfy travelers eager for wide-open spaces and nature to hike in a pure and wild environment, where mountains, lakes, and waterfalls offer landscapes of any beauty. For example, you can settle near Gérardmer lake where to practice various nautical activities, bathe, paddle, canoe, fishing, pedal boat, unless you prefer to go around it on foot during a walk as easy and sporty as it is pleasant. Nearby, the Hohneck will attract slightly more difficult hiking enthusiasts, with its 1363 meters above sea level, and the Route des Crêtes will take you through its forests of sapphire or emerald-colored fir trees, not to mention the Ballons des Ballons Regional Nature Park, Vosges and its multiple waterfalls. But the Hautes-Vosges is also a place to taste gourmet specialties, such as blueberry tart, Tomme des Vosges and Munster. A privileged place to spend a beautiful summer in the cool.
Annecy in Auvergne Rhône Alpes
Placed between lake and mountain, the city of Annecy is a treasure of Haute-Savoie that is often nicknamed the “little Venice of the Alps”: it is indeed traversed by canals mingling with typical alleys and rich in history. It is a real pleasure to stroll there as you wish, to discover historical monuments such as the Castle Museum or the Basilica, or the Savoyard culinary specialties. In the pedestrianized city center, many small shops and markets will satisfy shopping enthusiasts, but the more athletic will love to walk on the shores of the lake, to go around it on foot or by bike (about 40 km), or even to practice. nautical activities on the various beaches that line the shores: pedal boat, swimming, water skiing … Obviously, you are also in the right place for superb mountain hikes, as well as to go to the discovery of the pretty villages of the surroundings like the Grand Bornand or the Clusaz, so different from their winter images. An enchanting city in a sumptuous setting, this is a place that will meet all your expectations for this summer.
The Camargue in Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur
The Camargue spreads out between Provence and Occitanie, and its vast spaces concentrate a wild nature and customs that the inhabitants try to preserve through the years. Here you will meet the famous white horses galloping with manes in the wind along the beaches, swarms of pink flamingos flying over the glittering marshes, and herds of bulls with stocky black bodies and slender horns. Sky, land, sea, lagoons, and ponds, are punctuated by picturesque towns, the Saintes Maries de la Mer, both seaside resort and gypsy pilgrimage site, Aigues-Mortes and its citadel surrounded by marshes and pink salt marshes, Arles and its arenas, but also the Pont de Gau Ornithological Park and its thousands of birds, and you can also hike in the natural park, whether on foot or by bike or on horseback. And why not attend, in the arenas of Arles or in one of the villages of the region, a Camargue race: nothing to do with bullfighting, here the bull is king (it is he who has his name in the poster) and the man with whom he is confronted (the razeteur) aims to cut the strings or cockades installed between the horns of the animal like so many trophies proving his agility and speed. But you can also quite simply observe them in the Camargue countryside where they are raised and pampered only to participate in these races. A tradition kept alive by enthusiasts.
The Gorges du Tarn in Occitanie
The Gorges du Tarn is located in the south of Aveyron, and they will satisfy lovers of nature and grandiose landscapes, especially if they like sporting activities such as hiking directly above the cliffs, or canoeing. -kayak on the river: for the more experienced, you can go down the gorges by canoe over two days, but there are also shorter and easier courses for beginners. And if you are not crazy about sports, no problem: go and discover the magnificent villages that line this route, such as Sainte-Enimie which is one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France, or Hauterives, which we can only reach on foot or by boat.
Nearby, the Grands Causses Regional Natural Park offers incomparable walks, between its rocks shaped by the centuries and its Mediterranean vegetation. Do not miss the Jonte gorges, a small river tributary of the Tarn, which easily rivals the beauties of its big sister thanks to its rocky piles of extraordinary shapes. You can also discover troglodyte villages and medieval fortresses, such as the castle of Peyrelade, built in the 12th century on its rocky outcrop, from where you can admire an incredible panorama of the valley and the gorges.
Gourmets will not be forgotten since the breeding and orchards produce delicacies: cherry, blue cheese from the Causses, wines from the Côtes de Millau, not to mention specialties such as flaune, a cake flavored with orange blossom.
Vélodyssée: along the Atlantic by bike
For cycling enthusiasts, here is a magnificent opportunity to discover the shores of the Atlantic Ocean to the rhythm of the pedal turns of an ordinary or electrically assisted bicycle. The Vélodyssée is a cycle path that runs along the coast between Roscoff in Brittany to Hendaye in the Basque Country, i.e. 1,200 km along the west coast: a perfect way to taste every moment of this trip, both in terms of landscapes, gastronomy, history, terroir, architecture, all in a secure environment (70% of the journey without cars) that you can walk alone, with friends or with family. Against the backdrop of the ocean, you will encounter regional treasures, tourist sites, museums, amusement parks, incomparable landscapes, such as the Gois passage on the island of Noirmoutier, the Poitevin marsh, the Dune of Pilat, the magnificent village of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, but also the Ecomusée de Saint-Nazaire, the castle of Talmont-Saint-Hilaire, the Aquarium of La Rochelle. It’s up to you to adapt your stages to your interests and the composition of your group: for example, in the 38 stages planned, one goes from Pontivy to Josselin (48 km) and you will find 54 locks and several excellent crêperies, a great route for the family. An original and invigorating way to break the rhythm of your daily life and to enjoy nature while visiting places more or less famous but always attractive to the curious.