France is a country that offers a wide range of adventure activities for tourists to enjoy. Here are some of the top adventure activities to try in France:
1. Paragliding Over the French Alps (Parapente)
Where: Annecy, Chamonix, Grenoble
Vibe: Like floating over a postcard
Soar above glittering lakes and snow-dusted peaks while strapped to a parachute and a very calm French instructor. Annecy is the top spot, so your photos will look like they came straight out of a fantasy film.
🪂 Level: Beginner to expert
🧀 Post-flight snack: Tartiflette and a glass of Savoyard wine, naturally.
2. White Water Rafting in the Gorges du Verdon
Where: Provence
Vibe: Paddle, splash, scream, repeat
The Gorges du Verdon is known as the “Grand Canyon of Europe” and is an absolute stunner. Hop in a raft and let the rapids give you a good rinse while you scream with joy and pretend you’re on a GoPro ad.
🚣 Level: Moderate
📸 Bonus: Unreal turquoise water and limestone cliffs for the ’Gram.
3. Skiing & Snowboarding in the Alps or Pyrenees
Where: Chamonix, Val d’Isère, Les Deux Alpes, or down south in the Pyrenees
Vibe: Powder heaven meets après-ski dreams
Whether you’re doing graceful arcs or wiping out with style, the French ski scene has something for everyone. Plus, nowhere else does raclette on a mountaintop quite like this.
🎿 Level: Beginner bunny slopes to black diamond daredevils
🔥 Tip: Go in January or March for fewer crowds.
4. Surfing the Atlantic Coast
Where: Biarritz, Hossegor, Lacanau
Vibe: Salt, sun and serious swells
Forget California, France has some of Europe’s best surf spots. Hossegor, in particular, hosts pro surf competitions and has waves that can make or break your ego in seconds.
🏄 Level: Beginner to advanced
☀️ Bonus: Chill beach town vibes and killer seafood.
5. Hiking the GR20 in Corsica
Where: Corsica
Vibe: Legs of steel, views for days
The GR20 is one of Europe’s most challenging long-distance hikes and one of the most rewarding. Rugged mountains, icy lakes and the kind of solitude that makes your phone signal cry.
🥾 Level: Advanced hikers only
⛺ Tip: Train beforehand, pack light and don’t look down too much.
6. Rock Climbing in Fontainebleau or the Verdon Gorge
Where: Fontainebleau (near Paris) or Verdon
Vibe: Hang tough, look cool
Fontainebleau is bouldering heaven and massive sandstone boulders scattered through enchanted forest. Verdon offers dramatic cliff climbs with views that’ll stop your heart (hopefully only metaphorically).
🧗 Level: All levels, depending on the area
💪 Bonus: Bragging rights and glorious forearm cramps.
7. Cycling the Tour de France Routes
Where: Alps, Pyrenees, Mont Ventoux, or anywhere scenic
Vibe: Lycra + suffering + stunning scenery
Follow in the tyre tracks of legends. Climbing the epic Col du Tourmalet or Mont Ventoux will make you question your life choices, but the descent is pure bliss.
🚴 Level: Intermediate to masochist
🚵 Note: E-bikes exist and there’s no shame in using one. None at all.
8. Caving (Spéléologie) in the Dordogne or Ardèche
Where: Dordogne, Ardèche, Lot
Vibe: Indiana Jones in a helmet
Go underground to explore prehistoric caves, underground rivers and tight squeezes that make you suddenly very aware of your shoulders.
🪨 Level: Guided tours available for beginners
🎨 Cool perk: Some caves have ancient cave art. Like real ancient.
9. Via Ferrata (Cliffside Climbing Paths)
Where: Alps, Jura, or southern France
Vibe: Climbing without the death wish
Via ferrata means “iron path” and it’s basically rock climbing for the slightly adventurous but not quite unhinged. You’re clipped to cables while you climb ladders and paths carved into cliffs.
🔗 Level: Beginner-friendly with a good head for heights
🌄 Tip: Rent gear on site, no need to lug carabiners on holiday.
10. Kayaking Beneath French Castles
Where: Dordogne River, Loire Valley
Vibe: Medieval + majestic
Drift past ancient castles and fairytale villages in a kayak, waving at cows and picnicking riverside like you’re in a period drama.
🛶 Level: Super chill
🥖 Bonus: Pack a baguette and some cheese for the full experience.
Ready for the thrill?
France is so much more than just beautiful cities and pastries (although, let’s be honest, those are excellent too). Whether you’re jumping out of planes or gently paddling under a chateau, there’s an adventure with your name on it.
