Adventurous Things to do in France

Ever associated the adventurous sport of skydiving with la douce France? Well it’s possible! Enjoy a tandem freefall in Perrone near Paris or over the scenic coastline of Normandy. At Pau in Nouvelle Aquitaine, feel free as a bird as you skydive from a height of 4000 metres. The Côte d’Azur is also a hotbed for adventurous sports in France including skydiving. Jump off a plane at 13,500 feet in glamourous Cannes or enjoy a bird’s eye view over the Mediterranean on a freefall from Nice!

Surfing is considered one of the most popular adventure sports in France. Pro surfers are sure to find their paradise in the surf capital of the world – Biarritz. Amateurs can also test the waters with experts. While Biarritz remains a surfer’s haven, you can also enjoy a spot of surfing in the vibrant Basque Country not far from Biarritz, along Brittany’s coast or the sandy beaches in Western France.

Experience a thrilling adventure sport in France. Battle the waves on white water rafting expeditions on the Arve river at Chamonix Mont Blanc or in the picturesque Gorges du Verdon area-Europe’s most beautiful canyon located in Provence. Head to Castellane village near the Gorge du Verdon for exciting rafting and kayaking possibilities. More kayaking and canoeing await in Occitanie Sud de France along the Tarn river as you pass under the iconic Millau viaduct-the tallest bridge in the world.

Nothing beats a good horseback ride. Camargue in the South of France is a hotspot for adventure sports in France and there is no better way to explore the wild countryside of Camargue than on horseback. Saddle up for horseback discoveries of Bordeaux’s verdant vineyards. If its beaches that appeal to you, ride along the waves in the beaches of Normandy or the Pays de la Loire. However, if you are into landscapes, plan a horseback ride in the Dordogne region of Nouvelle Aquitaine replete with historic valleys and panoramic views.

Adrenalin hits an all-time high with this exciting adventure sport in France. For a true-blue canyoning expedition, go down South to Castellane to the Riolan Canyon which is one of the best in France and offers various jumps, waterslides, awesome abseiling and scenic views of limestone cliffs. For adventurous things to do with kids, head to the Gorges du Loup near Grasse. You’ll have the chance to abseil upto 10 metres here and also control your plunge. Another great location is the Maglia Canyon near Nice that appeals to both novices and pros alike. There’s also the Llech Canyon in the French Pyrénees that is an excellent hotspot for this sport and is a favourite with those who’ve got canyoning experience. Thrills are guaranteed with its 15metre abseilings and multiple jumps!

Yes, the Alps Mont Blanc is not a sport, but is such a hotbed for adventure sports in France, that it deserves a special mention! Let’s start with the most obvious sport- skiing. Home to Les 3 Vallées, the largest linked ski domain in the world, skiers throng the slopes of the ski stations in winter. No matter what your level of ski, you’ll always have a slope that’s perfect for you. In addition to skiing in Meribel, Val Thorens and Courchevel that make up the 3 Vallées, combine ski and and afterski parties in Val d ’Isere, Morzine or Chamonix Mont Blanc. There’s skiing in the European summer to be experienced at Les 2 Alpes at its glacier.

If skiing is not your cup of tea (but adventurous sports in France still are!), then this region does not disappoint. Choose from ziplining over alpine slopes or enjoy an ice-driving thrill in Val Thorens! There’s also hiking and trekking trails around Chamonix Mont-Blanc. If you like getting behind the wheel, you’ll want to try driving on ice in Val Thorens. Try mountain biking in Morzine or take the adrenalin quotient a notch higher and try scale a frozen waterfall! Extreme, enough?