France - Activities

Winter sports

The French Alps and the Pyrenees offers an abundance of snow activities, tracks, trails, slopes for the inexperience and the skilled snowboarder and skier.

Spas

There are spas in Biarritz, Contréxeville and Vittel.

Lourdes

Join a pilgrimage to Lourdes, in the southwest, famous since the visions of Bernadette Soubirous in the mid 19th century.

Camargue

Beautiful Camargue is famed for its wild horses, bull fights and salt pans. This is also western Europe's largest river delta, a bird-watchers' paradise, home to 400 species of birds, including the pink flamingo. Beware of mosquitoes in summer and make sure that you have the appropriate travel insurance.

Casinos

In Monaco, Nice and Deauvilled.

Boules

The traditional game of boules (also called pétanque) is played in public squares, especially in the south of France. The game requires as much social skill as manual dexterity.

Vineyards

There are 10 principal wine regions including Alsace, Burgundy, Champagne, Rhône Valley, each with its own identity based on grape varieties and terroir (soil). Many vineyards offer free tours.

Sporting events

Top events throughout the year include the

• Tour de France cycling race,
• The French Open at Roland Garros near Paris,
• The 24-hour motor race at Le Mans, 
• The Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe,