Nature Holidays: 7 Unspoiled Destinations in France

France is home to 11 national parks and 59 regional nature parks, all fitting settings for a nature holiday away from the crowds. From the forests of the Périgord to the Gorges du Verdon, seven destinations stand out for their unspoiled landscapes and gentle activities. Looking for somewhere to breathe? Our eco-friendly camping portal brings together more than 430 sites close to biodiversity.

Here are the regions to remember and the criteria for a truly responsible stay!

The destinations at a glance

Destination	Region	Nature experience
Bassin d’Arcachon	Nouvelle-Aquitaine	Dune du Pilat, oyster farming, cycling
Périgord noir	Nouvelle-Aquitaine	Canoeing on the Dordogne, oak forests
Gorges du Verdon	PACA	Canyon, canoeing, Lac de Sainte-Croix
Massif du Mercantour	PACA	Hiking, alpine wildlife, high-altitude lakes
Cévennes	Occitanie	Starry skies, rivers, limestone plateaus
Massif des Vosges	Grand Est	Glacial lakes, trails, forests
Corse	Corse	GR20, coves, maquis

Nature holidays along water and forests

Water and forest shape some of the country’s finest nature escapes. Three destinations stand out for a nature holiday in France built around swimming and walking.

Bassin d’Arcachon and Dune du Pilat

The Bassin d’Arcachon combines pine forest, bird reserves and the tallest dune in Europe. The Dune du Pilat rises more than 100 metres and stretches nearly 3 kilometres, a unique natural viewpoint. All around, the bird reserve du Teich is home to hundreds of bird species. Between cycle paths, oyster tasting and swimming in calm waters, this corner of Nouvelle-Aquitaine delights lovers of the outdoors.

Discover our eco-friendly campsites on the Bassin d’Arcachon!

Périgord noir and the Dordogne Valley

The Périgord noir stretches its oak forests along the Dordogne, a river and basin classified as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO. The canoe trip passes at the foot of clifftop castles and villages of golden stone. Walkers follow shaded trails, while prehistoric caves recall the richness of the ground beneath. It’s an ideal destination for slowing down to the rhythm of the water, away from the summer crowds.

Discover our green campsites in the Périgord.

Corse, the island of ecotourism

Corse has designated a large part of its territory as a regional nature park, making it a benchmark for Mediterranean ecotourism. The island combines turquoise coves, fragrant maquis and rugged peaks. Seasoned hikers tackle the GR20, one of Europe’s most demanding trails, while families prefer the coastal customs paths. Wild swimming and guided bivouacking complete the picture.

Discover our eco-friendly campsites in Corse!

Nature holidays in the mountains and vast unspoiled spaces

France’s landscape is home to nature sanctuaries where altitude thins out the crowds. Four gorges and mountain ranges promise sweeping panoramas and strictly protected biodiversity.

Gorges du Verdon

The Gorges du Verdon form the largest canyon in Europe, with cliffs plunging over 700 metres. The emerald waters of Lac de Sainte-Croix invite canoeing and swimming, while the Sentier Blanc-Martel crosses the canyon floor. Climbing, hiking and via ferrata delight the more sporty visitors. A designated Natura 2000 site, this gem of PACA calls for strict respect for wildlife and marked trails.

Discover our eco-friendly campsites in the Gorges du Verdon!

Parc national du Mercantour

The Parc national du Mercantour protects magnificent alpine biodiversity, from the ibex to the wolf, which has returned on its own. Its valleys hold the Vallée des Merveilles and its millennia-old rock engravings. High-altitude lakes and passes suit hikes of every level. Far from the coastal bustle, this range in PACA forms a refuge of unspoiled high mountains, just a stone’s throw from the Mediterranean.

Parc national des Cévennes

The Parc national des Cévennes is home to Europe’s largest International Dark Sky Reserve, with 3,560 km² protected from light pollution. By day, its limestone plateaus, valleys and rivers suit hiking as much as swimming. At night, the sky reveals thousands of stars to the naked eye. This mid-mountain territory delights families who value calm and silence.

Massif des Vosges

The Massif des Vosges has one of the densest networks of waymarked trails in Europe, maintained by the Club Vosgien. Its glacial lakes, fir forests and rounded summits create a soothing landscape. The Route des Crêtes reveals panoramas that sometimes reach as far as the Black Forest. Summer and winter alike, walking and cycling reign here, in a green, rolling setting in the Grand Est.

Choosing a truly responsible nature getaway

A responsible nature stay is recognised first by its certifications. They guarantee concrete practices rather than mere green claims. Before booking, check for the presence of these reliable markers:

• The Écolabel Européen certifies rigorous management of water, energy and waste.
• The Clef Verte label recognises more than 320 French campsites committed to sustainable tourism.
• The ACSI card rewards establishments that are mindful of their environment while remaining affordable.
• The eco-friendly habits on the ground matter just as much: waste sorting, short supply chains and renewable energy.

Being eco-friendly doesn’t mean giving up comfort. Glamping, lodges and mobile homes combine green practices with cosy accommodation, without sacrificing well-being. On our site, every address clearly displays its labels and commitments, which makes it easy to choose an eco-friendly campsite in line with your values.

Your next nature holiday starts with the right accommodation. Which region will make your heart beat faster: the forests of the Périgord or the Gorges du Verdon? Book your stay now among the 430 eco-responsible campsites listed on our site and experience nature without a single compromise!

FAQ – Nature holidays in France

Where to go for a cheap nature holiday in France?

For a cheap nature holiday, opt for bare pitches or mobile homes at a certified campsite, outside the summer season. The Vosges, inland Corse and the Périgord offer gentle prices, often from €160 a week. Campsites in the ACSI network also offer affordable overnight stays in the shoulder seasons.

What is the best time for a nature holiday?

The best time for a nature holiday runs from May to June and then September to October. The weather stays pleasant, visitor numbers drop and wildlife is easier to spot. Natural sites such as the Gorges du Verdon or the Dune du Pilat can then be enjoyed in precious calm, away from the crowds of July and August.

Can you go on a nature holiday as a family?

Absolutely, nature holidays with the family are among the stays best suited to children. Swimming in a lake, bike rides, birdwatching or nights under the stars fill the days. Eco-friendly campsites often offer educational activities around biodiversity, perfect for raising awareness of environmental respect among young and old alike.

How can you recognise a responsible nature accommodation?

To recognise a responsible nature accommodation, check its certifications and the transparency of its actions. A trustworthy establishment details its eco-friendly habits, displays its labels and favours gentle activities over energy-hungry infrastructure. On a specialised portal, compare the commitments of each address before booking your stay with complete confidence.

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