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On a trip around the world in France
Explore the World Without Leaving France: A Journey Across Cultures, Cuisines, and Landscapes.
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Travelling the world in France with 10 unique places
Did you know that France is home to a temple reminiscent of Siem Reap, Cambodia? And that there is a mini desert by the sea, where you take the most beautiful selfies? France also offers a lot of spectacular nature, similar to other places in the world. So you can do more than play out Paris in one weekend and canoe in the Ardennes in this country. During a holiday, you'll cross almost everything off your bucket list that you'll also see with a trip around the world. Pack your bags already and visit these 10 unique places in France!
1.
Lac Goléon in Côte d'Azur
Do you like a bit of hiking? Nice! Lac Goléon is a lake located at 2500 m altitude on Mount La Meije in the Côte d'Azur. You can walk to it from the village of Les Hières, for example. Once at the lake, you have a chance to discover the animal and plant life of the Alps. Have you ever seen a glacier? From the lake, you have views of the Aiguilles d'Arves and Aiguille de la Saussaz. Fancy this hike already? Take it in spring, summer or autumn. In winter, you're better off visiting this area for a week of winter sports.
Hiking and taking a rest by a beautiful mountain lake is not only done on the other side of the world, but also in France! After just one day's drive, you are already in the Alps.
2.
A desert in Europe: Dune du Pilat
Always wanted to visit a desert? You don't have to fly as long for that as you think. You can also just visit one in France! Ahead, it is a mini desert, a lot smaller than the Sahara, but unique for that very reason. Dune du Pilat is located in the south-west of France, on the coast. At 500 m long and 110 m high, this is the highest dune in Europe. You can sunbathe, swim and walk up it for a view of the forests and Atlantic Ocean surrounding it. It is best to visit this place in good weather.
Taking selfies in a mini desert? It's possible in France, at Dune du Pilat!
3.
Lac des Corbeaux looks like the lakes in British Columbia, Canada
At an altitude of 887 m, hidden among the rounded mountains in the most forested area of France, lies Lac des Corbeaux. It is an oval-shaped glacial lake with small, narrow strips of beach surrounded by countless pine trees. From the village of La Bresse, you can walk there in about 1 hour. It is also doable if you are not an experienced hiker. We recommend doing it in spring, autumn or summer. Swimming in the lake is unfortunately forbidden. Fortunately, you get a lot of cooling in summer by sitting next to it!
You don't have to go to Canada to see breathtaking mountain lakes, Lac des Corbeaux in France is equally beautiful and much closer!
4.
France's mysterious coastal town: Nonza, in Corsica
Does the mystique and tranquillity of semi-abandoned towns appeal to you? Then head to Nonza, a village of 69 people built on cliffs on Corsica's coast. Although few people still live there, there is much to discover: a church, a monastery, ruins and a beach with black-grey sand. Past the village runs the D80, a famous road that takes you along the Cap Corse to other sights. This makes Nonza a suitable pit stop during a road trip with your partner or family!
Abandoned mountain villages are visited all over the world - so why not just in France too!
5.
Postman Cheval's Palais Idéal, as if you were in Siem Reap
Always wanted to go to Asia to visit temples? You can do that much closer to home! Okay, the Postman Cheval's Palais Idéal is not Asian, but made by a Frenchman. A French postman, to be precise. Ferdinand Cheval began building this historic monument in 1879, after stumbling over a stone and finding inspiration as a result. He devoted a total of 33 years to building this palace. This story alone makes the temple worth visiting. It is located in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and can be visited all year round.
For a unique visit to a 19th-century temple, you don't have to go to Asia; you can simply visit France.
6.
Lac Lauvitel, the French version of Mystic Lake, Montana
In Les Écrins National Park in the Auvergne region, Lac Lauvitel lies at an altitude of around 1,500 m. You hike there in spring, summer or autumn with the family from, for example, the village of La Danchere. This lake is special: its altitude varies by about 20 meters in 1 year. For this reason, it is being studied and, unfortunately, access for visitors is prohibited. However, you can feast your eyes on it because it is so beautiful, and settle down on the beach northeast of the lake.
You know those pictures of turquoise lakes surrounded by Aspen trees, taken in America or Canada? Lac Lauvitel looks exactly like that!
7.
Imagine yourself in Hawaii or Seychelles on Plage du Lotu
Clear and turquoise waters, mountain views from a long white beach, no shops or villages nearby and all the peace and quiet in the world…. Doesn't that sound like something you want to go to right now? The great thing is that Plage du Lotu is not at all far from the Netherlands: it is in Corsica. Because it is so remote, it is difficult to visit it by car. Easier is to catch the boat from Saint-Florent. The hidden beach is worth a visit on any beautiful day. Do bring lunch and an umbrella, otherwise you'll be without food and shade all day!
Don't book a faraway trip to an exotic island! France also has hidden, white beaches where you can completely unwind.
8.
Saorge, Provence: nature as in Nepal
Do you like walking through remote villages where you hear few sounds besides your own footsteps? Then visit through the ancient streets of Saorge, in the mountains of Provance. This town is in the Alpes-Maritimes department, which is much quieter than the rest of the region. During this cultural outing, you can visit an abbey and monastery and enjoy local dishes. It is nice to visit this place all year round!
The mountains in the Alpes-Maritimes are a bit like those in Nepal, but closer to home.
9.
Vanoise national park: New Zealand in Europe
Fond of spending a few days hiking in high mountains and nature? Vanoise national park in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes has mountains up to about, 3800 m high and some 500 hiking trails. The flora and fauna in the park are protected, so you will see an awful lot of plants and different types of animals. In addition, this park also has a lot of religious heritages that is being restored. So, a trip through Vanoise gives you an adventure and cultural holiday in 1!
Do you travel the world hiking through impressive mountains? Then plan a holiday in Vanoise too!
10.
Mont Blanc: 1 of the 10 most unique hikes in the world
Everyone knows Mont Blanc. A trek over this mountain is even on a National Geographic list of the world's most spectacular hikes. But what makes it so unique? It is the highest mountain peak in Western Europe. With a 10-day hike, you'll walk through 3 countries, 7 valleys, have spectacular views of glaciers, enjoy local food from villages and experience much more. No need to bring a tent - along the way you'll pass huts where you can eat and sleep. National Geographic also recommends mountains in Tasmania, Canada and New Zealand to visit, but why go there when this is so close?
Is hiking really your thing? Then you simply must have visited Mont Blanc!
Ready to pack your bags and go on a world tour to France?
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