11 Breathtaking Natural Landscapes in France

The Verdon Gorge is the deepest canyon in Europe and can be found in the heart of Provence. Its limestone surface has been eroded over the years, so the depth in some places of the canyon reaches 700 metres (2300 feet). It is a major tourist attraction in France, with visitors flocking to hike its plateau, kayak its waters and more. The beautiful village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is well worth a visit, or it can be used as a base during your explorations.

Technically not completely natural, but impossible to overlook, Provence’s lavender fields are one of the most iconic landscapes in France. As you approach them, you’ll smell the lavender before even catching a glimpse of this gorgeous site – and when you do, it looks like someone has painted the undulating hills in the prettiest of shades. Around the villages and towns of Gordes, Forcalquier and Malaucène are lavender-field hotspots.

Cascade du Rossignolet is a great waterfall that is linked by an attractive trail to two bigger ones (Cascade de Queureuilh and Cascade Saut du Loup). This is a classic example of what France does best: beautiful natural landscapes interwoven with well-trodden trails and interesting information snippets to aid you along your way. Three waterfalls in one – hard to beat, don’t you think?

The Pink Granite Coast is a stretch of coastline in northern Brittany, often considered to be one of the most beautiful in Europe. It is identifiable thanks to its pink granite rocks. There are endless hiking trails along this stretch of coastline and pretty villages and towns to stop into as well.

There are many impressive caves in France, but one that gets a lot of attention (and for good reason) is the majestic Grotte des Demoiselles in the Languedoc province in the South of France. Giant stalactites and stalagmites surround you, as you descend and explore the cave, which is an impressive 120 metres (394 feet) long. Children under the age of four visit for free.