Southern France has many things to do outdoors. You can kayak or canoe, white water raft, bicycle, climb rocks, hike, swim, participate in water sports and much more.

Ardeche Gorge

Southern France is blessed with beautiful limestone cliffs, some reaching about 300 meters high. Among these cliffs are gorges that provide many different outdoor activities. Ardeche Gorge offers kayak rentals in this wonderland of limestone. You can paddle under the Pont d’Arc, a natural stone arch that crosses 60 meters. You can start in Vallon and end in Chames, or just paddle a few hours if you wish. There is also the opportunity to camp on the banks of the river.

Gorge du Verdon

Gorge du Verdon is called the Grand Canyon of France. Here you can hike and kayak to your heart's content. The best part of the gorge is around Castellane and Moustiers Sante Marie. The ravine is about 700 meters down from the top of the limestone cliffs. Hikes here will take all day long.

Cassis

You're missing out if you don't visit the fishing village Cassis, about 45 minutes from Marseille. You can rock climb and hike and find the various hidden beaches along the way. The cliffs are known as Les Calanques, and you can get to the water at several points to kayak or take another type of boat. The beach at port En Vau can only be accessed by boat or on foot. Be warned that hiking trails are usually closed from mid June to mid September to reduce wildfires. Once you're tired of hiking or kayaking, you can go to town to look around the boutiques and eat at the restaurants.

Mont Ventoux

The highest area in the province is Mont Ventoux, and it's on the Tour De France route. What better place to do some cycling? It can take about 3 hours to climb on a bike if you aren’t a professional, and it's quite a challenge.

French Riviera

The French Riviera is in the South of France, and here there are some of the best beaches in the world. You can sail, fish, windsurf and dive around several sunken wrecks. There's even an area on the Atlantic coast to surf and body board.

Pyrenees

The Pyrenees start at the foothills near Toulouse, and this is a perfect area to go hiking. There are many different trails, some for experienced hikers and some for the not-so-experienced. The scenery is beautiful.

Southern France is a great place to visit for the active family. There is so much to do, and everywhere you look are things that are unique to the area.