Fleur, printemps, famille, nature, baladeFleur, printemps, famille, nature, balade
©Fleur, printemps, famille, nature, balade|Var Tourisme John Walzl

Our pick of country strolls celebrating the awakening of spring

Claude François put it in a nutshell with his song “Spring is singing”! Yes, those long afternoons wrapped in a plaid on the sofa are over and it’s time to put on your trainers and venture outdoors… The local plants and animals are coming out of hibernation too, offering up their faces and hearts to the gentle sunshine.

Rejuvenating rambles with a sea view

A full immersion in Calanques National Park

Let’s head out to explore Calanques National Park and Calanque de Sormiou fjord – a unique site far from the hubbub of daily life, where nature reigns supreme. While you’re here, try your hand at a Rando Yoga Sormiou yoga walk – also pretty unique! On the programme: a series of discovery activities including a hike in the fjord and on the surrounding ridges, descent into Sormiou canyon and meditation session to the sound of the waves courtesy of the Yantra Yoga session included in the outing… As you gaze at the horizon, you’ll no doubt be able to make out the Riou islands in the distance. And if you’re not afraid of the nippy spring sea spray, hop on board a sailboat to get a whole new angle on the “calanques” fjords!

An adventure in Port-Cros National Park

Opt for a 100%-natural weekend at Port-Cros National Park! The adventure begins at Les 3 Caps, between La Croix-Valmer and Ramatuelle. Take the Chemin des Douaniers coastal footpath from Plage de l’Escalet beach to explore Cape Taillat and its unique isthmus. Alternatively, the Circuit de Briande walk from Plage de Gigaro leads you to the extraordinary panoramic vistas of Cape Lardier, set against the backdrop of the Iles d’Or offshore islands. Lasting 2 and 4 hours respectively, these two hikes are the perfect choice if you’re seeking an unforgettable weekend experience at your own pace. There’s no need to be a seasoned hiker either: although some of the trails are stony, a good pair of shoes is all you need. And if you’re discreet, you might even catch sight of the famous peregrine falcon or elusive dartford warbler…

Little lessons in biodiversity

Mont-Ventoux Regional Nature Reserve through the seasons

Fancy a break combining family, animals and the great outdoors? You’ve come to the right place! The association Ventoux Passion Nature in the Mont-Ventoux Regional Nature Reserve offers a range of delightful specialist-interest walks adapted to each season[1]. In spring, the trees don their fresh green coat, orchids peek out from among the foliage and animals venture outdoors to soak up the sunshine… In other words, it’s the ideal time to discover the local flora and fauna and enjoy a fabulous hike to the top of Mont-Ventoux to admire the sunrise. What’s more, you’ll be able to learn all about our medicinal plants and their many properties courtesy of your knowledgeable guide.

 

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Into the forest at the Queyras Regional Nature Reserve

Longing for a rejuvenating break in nature? Discover the unique landscapes of the Queyras Regional Nature Reserve with a “Randonnée en Forêt” : curated from A to Z by the Agence Roc Écrins, this fabulous forest walk has been awarded the “Valeurs Parc Naturel Régional” quality label and promises a magnificent foray into the local larch, pine, riverine, oak and dwarf forests as they awaken in the spring sunshine. A passionate mountain guide, Pierre Bonneau simply loves sharing his knowledge with avid walkers and introducing them to the riches of the stunning Hautes-Alpes area and its flourishing biodiversity. And while you’re there, hop over to Écrins National Park, where you can take part in a fun spring workshop that’s sure to delight the kids!

Boost your batteries after the long winter months

Take to the heights in the Sainte-Baume Regional Nature Reserve

Experience the beauty of France on the heights of the stunning Sainte-Baume hills, overflowing with fascinating plants and animals. The hills are criss-crossed with numerous trails inviting walkers to explore the Sainte-Baume’s rich biodiversity. What’s more, the peaceful grottos you’ll stumble upon on the slopes offer a welcome haven for endangered bird species. The local stars? Two iconic Bonelli’s eagles you can admire soaring over the reserve! This is also a favourite playground for the European free-tailed bat, chamois and blue rock thrush… Our fave trail? Aiguilles de Valbelle : a 9.9-kilometre walk spanning the spectacular rocky needles of Valbelle, steeped in Provencal countryside and crossing a dense oak forest dotted with geological curiosities…

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Heading to the Verdon Regional Nature Reserve

As the snow gives way to the first narcissi, the Verdon canyon erupts into an explosion of colour and ode to springtime, promising the most enchanting of hikes. Make your way to the top of Mont Chiran at an altitude of over 2,000 metres: you’ll find an observatory there, together with sweeping vistas over the surrounding Alpine mountain ranges. Immerse yourself in the ancient days of pastoralism, discover everyday life in the mountain pastures and have fun spotting the various animals that have made the mountains their home with this 14.8 km hike (6 ½ hours), guaranteed to enchant sports aficionados and mountain lovers alike!

Make way for new activities

The Courthézon saltmarshes spring to life

Fancy a change of scenery? Get back in touch with nature with a beautiful hike in France. Spring is the ideal moment to visit the Courthézon saltmarshes, as the local frogs and toads strike up a symphony and birds hiding among the reeds sing to their heart’s content. As you make your way around the marshes, you’ll come across a plethora of different plant and animal species, in particular migratory birds such as the marsh harrier, reed warbler and even the little bittern, Europe’s smallest heron. You’ll also be able to admire dragonflies, butterflies and the iconic natterjack toad. A truly remarkable walk graced with an endless show of nature’s beauty…

Thrills & spills in the Préalpes d’Azur Regional Nature Reserve

We’re off to the Préalpes d’Azur Regional Nature Reserve for an outdoor weekend! The reserve offers a sumptuous palette of official “Valeurs Parc Naturel Régional” tours hosted by specialist guides, inviting visitors to discover the reserve and delve into its stunning biodiversity. One of our faves is Thomas Patyn’s walk, perfect for increasing awareness and decoding the pre-alpine landscapes. Meanwhile, amateur and seasoned sports fans can try their hand at climbing with Terre des Lacs – a great opportunity to rub shoulders with the rock faces. And if you’re a thrills and spills aficionado, opt for an introduction to canyoning with Yannick Obradovic and the qualified instructors from Fun Trip!

Off the beaten track in Mercantour National Park

When the fine weather comes around it’s time to make the most of the last snowfall and first sunshine of spring. Make your way to Mercantour National Park to discover one of France’s most beautiful hikes… And we’re hardly exaggerating! Christiane Ray Anezin, a passionate mountain guide, leads mountain lovers on compelling adventures along the trails of Mercantour. Our fave? Her 3-day snowshoeing ecotourism break held in February, March and April in the magnificent Verdon valley – perfect for getting to know the flora and fauna of this Alpine mountain range and the picturesque villages of Colmars les Alpes and Allos. Added extra: treat yourself to a night in the heart of nature at a Gîte Panda cottage!

The Golden Triangle: Camargue, La Crau and the Alpilles

A voyage through the Camargue Regional Nature Reserve

The very words Camargue Regional Nature Reserve conjure up images of iconic white horses, elegant pink flamingos and impressive black bulls… But that’s not all: Camargue harbours a truly incredible biodiversity . Slip into your best walking shoes and head off to explore the reserve with a specialist-interest tour courtesy of the Bureau des Guides Naturalistes. The tempting line-up includes tours of the saltmarshes, horse trekking and birding – and they’re all sure to leave you starry-eyed. Our fave: the 2-hour guided tour combining walks and short minibus rides, with stop-offs at the local bird hides. The perfect way to get up close and personal with the flora and fauna of Camargue!

A history-packed hike in the Alpilles Regional Nature Reserve

Treat yourself to a family nature weekend in the Alpilles Regional Nature Reserve – an invigorating breath of fresh air out on the trails in the capable hands of a Bureau des Guides Naturalistes nature guide, where you’ll learn where and how to observe the region’s typical wildlife, such as the European kingfisher or European roller. If you’re seeking a history-packed family hike, opt for the 2-kilometre Chemin des Trémaïés, offering a fascinating immersion in rock art and cradled by the sound of chirping birds celebrating the return of spring. What’s more, the 360° view from the heights of the village of Les Baux-de-Provence, spanning the emblematic scenery of the Alpilles, is quite simply awe-inspiring…

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