Nature: 5 destinations for a weekend in France

Total disconnection with nature has become a real challenge for many people. The consequences of the hectic pace of life are felt in the form of depression and insomnia. This is why we have put together a list of five eco-tourist getaways in France, easily accessible by train or car. Put on your Coco Pongo , and let's explore these exceptional natural destinations.

1. Le Doubs: A Paradise for Nature Lovers

Lovers of authentic nature will be enchanted by the vast green expanses of the Doubs. This region is full of natural elements such as water, rock, forest, and mountains, as well as diverse flora and fauna. The altitude can reach up to 1,463 meters, notably at Mont-d'Or. It is an ideal place for nature lovers to observe animals such as chamois, peregrine falcons, and eagle owls. The Mont-d'Or trail, reachable in just two hours, is a recommended option. For the more adventurous, a several-day hike around Mont-d'Or will immerse you in a breathtaking environment.

2. The Sancy Massif in Auvergne: A Volcanic Nugget

In the heart of the Massif Central, the Puy de Sancy and its massif offer a variety of landscapes and astonishing activities. When visiting Puy de Sancy, it is essential to prioritize time over distance, and in winter, snow tires or chains are essential. The Sancy Massif is ideal for slow tourism, offering a real breath of fresh air. A stay of three to four days is generally recommended to fully enjoy the mountains, hiking trails, lakes, and spas. You can climb the Puy de Sancy, the highest volcano in Auvergne peaking at 1,886 meters, visit the town of Mont-Dore, and cool off at the large waterfall.

3. The Chevreuse Valley in Île-de-France: Nature Nearby

No need to take the car or the train, the RER B will take you to the Vallée de la Chevreuse from Paris. This region is home to the first regional natural park in Île-de-France, offering an easily accessible getaway from the capital. There you can discover the Yveline ponds and rills national nature reserve, one of the latest nature reserves created in April 2021. Explore the Maréchaux trail, a 6 km walk in the town of Senlisse, which will take you to the quarries of sandstone unexplored since 1930 to the edge of the Cernay pond.

4. Discover Corrèze: Preserved Nature

Corrèze is full of unique and preserved natural sites, such as lakes, waterfalls, peat bogs and forests. Numerous trails run through these thousand-year-old landscapes. A weekend surrounded by nature will allow you to discover the Cascades de Murel, located 15 km northwest of Argentat. These waterfalls, formed by three successive falls in steep and wooded gorges, offer a breathtaking natural spectacle. You can also visit the Gouffre de la Fage, a cave divided into two galleries, home to a rich variety of geological formations and one of the largest bat colonies in Europe.

5. Corsica: An Island of Preserved Nature

Corsica is an ideal department for total immersion in preserved nature. The island will dazzle you with its mountain ranges plunging into the sea, its superb beaches, its small secret coves, its green forests ideal for magnificent hikes, and its remarkable rock formations. Don't miss the opportunity to visit Alta Rocca, a mountainous region in the heart of Southern Corsica, located in the Corsica Regional Natural Park. Alta Rocca offers a great diversity of landscapes, making it one of the richest regions of the island. You can indulge in hiking, visit the Mare a Mare, and discover the natural wonders of this Mediterranean island.

France offers a multitude of options for nature lovers looking for disconnection and eco-tourist adventures. Whether in the Doubs, the Massif du Sancy, the Vallée de la Chevreuse, Corrèze, or in Corsica, these getaways will allow you to reconnect with nature and experience unforgettable moments in the open air. So, take the time to plan your next nature weekend and set off to discover these French natural treasures.