France is well known for its monuments, architecture and history, but the second largest country in Europe has much more to offer those who wish to deeply explore what its land provides. Having opted in to multiple national and international conservation of nature and biodiversity agreements, the French have a keen interest in preserving their countryside and natural landmarks. One pristine example of such a guarded location is the Scandola Nature Reserve, situated within the island of Corsica which is famous around the world as the birthplace of the French leader of both political and military movements, Napoléon Bonaparte. His ancestral home is also found on the island and remains well maintained to this day. Visitors are able to tour the building with a guide for a nominal fee. There is much more to appreciate on the island, however, than just this building. A UNESCO “world heritage site,” the massive red cliffs that seem to erupt from its frothy coastline are universally recognizable and spotted with numerous hidden and nearly inaccessible caves and coves.
Another wonderfully well preserved site is the Néouvielle Nature Reserve of the Pyrenees, situated among the low lying Pyrenees mountains. Guided adventure tours and group treks are available through various organizations, though the mildly challenging but nonetheless awe inspiring terrain is perfectly viable for single person expeditions. There is an abundance of natural trails which will carry you along the most scenic locations in the reserve, and visitors are encouraged to spend at least a couple of days there so they they have the chance to fully experience all that the location has to offer. As this is a protected area an in fact one of the few remaining preservations of land not yet significantly impacted by human activity, travelers are strongly encouraged to minimize the metaphorical footprint that they leave so as to keep the condition of the location as beautiful and seemingly untouched as it was when they arrived.
The mountains in the area are great for any number of different outdoor activities besides simply hiking on foot; mountain biking is a more fast paced and adrenaline inducing activity that many enjoy in the area, and rock climbing as well is often practiced along the jagged cliffs and faces as people of all ages press their adventure on up the mountain. For coming back down, the art of rappelling is also enjoyed with the appropriate equipment.
In some of France’s nature reserves there are as well lakes, rivers, streams, and other bodies of water to enjoy on your expeditions. Many of these lakes and rivers are large enough for outings in canoes or kayaks, sailing, and water skiing, among other things. As conservation is high on the French people and government’s list of priorities, one can expect exceptionally clear, clean water and air to enjoy. Of course, the world famous French beaches also abound on the country’s many miles of coastline; sandy and pleasantly warm during the spring and summer months, visitors can look forward to activities as leisurely as basking in the sun and walking the shores to jet skiing, sailing, wakeboarding, sea kayaking and more. You are only limited by your imagination and your willingness to get wet!
Does France and ‘expedition’ belong in the same sentence?
If you are considering an expedition or an adventure holiday with S2Si then the answer is ‘yes’ to the above! We will take you into remote and challenging areas if you wish, test you and give you the thrill of a lifetime. Or, with family in-tow, you could still enjoy the beauty of the Pyrenees with us, knowing that it is our expert umbrella of care and professionalism that is keeping your adventure holiday safe and running smoothly.
France is home to many outdoor sporting events, if you need help training or would like to enter these as part of a corporate challenge then we can assist with this as well.
Whether you are European or from across the Atlantic, S2Si will provide the same quality of expedition leadership to everyone regardless of how familiar they are with the local area.
Please see our main site for more information on an Expedition or Adventure Travel in France.
