Environmental

Known as the Monkey Bridges, scale the mountains using over hangings and bridges along the rocky route sites of the Via Ferratas in Franche-Comté. These challenges are perfect for all the family adding that bit of fun and sport to the rugged but impressive scenery.

Lorraine has two impressive mountain ranges; Argonne in Meuse and the Vosges. The region also boasts areas of lower hills, namely the Côtes de Meuse and Côtes de Toul which overlook a delightful landscape of vineyards and Mirabelle plum orchards.

Lakes and volcanoes share the West of Auvergne. Between the Chaîne des Dômes, the Monts Dore and the huge Massif Cantalien, it is an impressive yet idyllic environment that welcomes nature lovers.

Corsica is nothing like the image we have of a Mediterranean island. In fact, no other Mediterranean island has Corsica's lushness. With its conservation areas and nature reserves which have been given national recognition or registered on UNESCO's World Heritage List, its international marine reserve, and regional Nature Reserve, stretches from one side to the other of its mountain range.

Discover the Alsatian plain at first hand, get a bird's eye view of the Vosges Forest or glide across the vineyards... There are many excellent reasons to discover Alsace from the air.

The Midi-Pyrénées boasts one National nature park and three Regional nature parks: rural territories with a remarkable but fragile natural and cultural heritage. To preserve the diversity of its flora and fauna, many local activists have joined their efforts in order to aim for harmonious and sustainable tourism development.

Lake Roselend, in the Beaufort area of the Savoie département, is an artificial lake, at the bottom of which lies the village of Roselend, which was drowned when a damn was built. An identical copy of Roselend's chapel, which lies beneath the water, was built on the shore of the lake.

Whether you're a sports fanatic or simply looking for a change, why not discover Alsace on foot! The region offers many hiking and rambling trails, from the Vosges hills to the banks of the Rhine, and throughout the Alsatian plain.

The natural environment is Lorraine’s trump card but the variety of landscapes is just one ingredient. Even more important is the quality and sheer density of natural beauty spots. There are three regional country parks lying wholly or partly within Lorraine.

Visit giant aquariums, discovery areas, attractions and animal reserves for an unforgettable deep sea adventure – a unique and inspiring opportunity to learn more about the magical world of marine life.

Normandy is a horticultural heaven and boasts an extraordinary number of parks and gardens open to the public. A wide range of garden styles are displayed, from simple cottage gardens to grand, formal schemes via walled kitchen gardens, botanical collections, subtropical plantations, landscaped “English” style gardens and authentic French Gardens.

The most evocative image of Brittany is a high cliff battered by waves, even though this type of landscape is not continuous along the entire coastline. However, the whole of the peninsula is bordered by rocky coastal outcrops which vary in colour and shape from north to south.

With four Regional Natural Parks to choose from in Normandy, you will be spoilt for choice, space and scenery. Natural environments are protected and preserved in these splendid parks, with fabulous views of forests, valleys or maritime wetlands with extensive wildlife.

Aquitaine also has various National and Regional Parks such as The Pyrénées National Park, The Landes de Gascogne Regional Park, The Périgord-Limousin Regional Park.

From the flat, sandy plains and pine forests of the Landes to the beautiful lagoon of the Bassin d’Arcachon... Aquitaine is immensely diverse. The valley of the Dordogne provides a sharp contrast...ideal for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, horse riding and cycling.

Escape into the enchanting countryside and enjoy cycle tours, bird-watching, golf, hot-air ballooning, canoeing and kayaking.

If you are a food lover then the Loire Valley is the place for you from fresh fish to goat’s cheese, delicious wines and more delicious local specialities.

An hour's drive South of Paris, the Loire Valley offers holiday experiences to suit everyone. Experience its astonishing châteaux open to the public, many with extensive, lush gardens. Be seduced by 740 religious monuments such as the impressive Chartres and Bourges cathedrals. The Loire Valley boasts a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Walking, hiking, snowshoeing, sledging or dog-sledding, all our areas have come up with inventive ideas to ensure you don't have to be a fanatical skier to have an invigorating but relaxing winter holiday. In Savoie Mont Blanc, there are many fun and healthy ways to explore and enjoy the countryside.

Just an hour south of Paris, here you are in the land of canals and vineyards, fertile hills and huge forests. A land, named after a river, that features a seldom-seen natural diversity.

Le Havre is multi-facetted, as important a commercial port as it is a popular yachting destination. Its 2 km of beach open onto the Seine estuary, once the backdrop for Impressionist artists who loved the effect of light and painted many famous paintings, including Monet’s “Sunrise at Le Havre”.

The Marne is quite simply ‘Champagne Central’! The departement contains both Reims and Epernay, which between them are home to almost all of the well known Champagne houses. As you might imagine, the landscape is dominated by vines although part of the lac du Der-Chantecoq sneaks into the bottom south west corner. The Marne is also home to the administrative capital of the region, Chalons.

The Vendée throws open its protected natural sites. Between rocky escarpments and beaches of divinely fine sand. Both along the coast and inland, a living heritage awaits your exploration – castles, humbler dwellings, tourist sites. Thanks to its position between land and sea the Vendée offers a comprehensive range of traditional flavours. A comprehensive network of walking and riding trails and of cycle paths covers the length of the coast and the hinterland.

The Haute-Marne département/ county, is an intensely rural department, which has approximately 3 acres of forest per inhabitant, this area was the birthplace of the philosopher Diderot and is the final resting place of Charles de Gaulle. In the north west of the departement is the lac du Der-Chantecoq, which claims to be the largest man made lake in Europe and is a magnet for bird watchers, fishermen and watersports enthusiasts. The town of Langres also gives us one of France’s most distinctive cheeses, which tastes better than it looks!

The Lozère department covers the southern part of the Massif Central, including the mountainous regions of Aubrac, la Margeride, le Gevaudan and the Cevennes.

Rouen is the Capital of Normandy and the Seine-Maritime department. The city, also known as the ‘Ville aux cent clochers’ has preserved much of it’s historical centre which is now largely composed of pedestrian streets.

Aude is known for its wine, castles and abbeys. Often referred to as 'the land of the Cathars' it is here that you'll find the unconquerable mountain sites of Rennes-le-Chateau and Peyrepertuse. The coast provides a sharp contrast with miles of sandy beaches for family holidays and isolated inlets for those looking to escape the crowds.

Bordering Belgium, the rural Ardennes departement/county is a nature lovers paradise. Largely covered by ancient deciduous forests it provides a fantastic playground for outdoor types. The emblem of the departement is the wild boar (Sanglier) which also features heavily in local dishes. The capital, Charleville-Mézières, has a very attractive main square modelled on the Place des Vosges in Paris (pictured).