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EIGHT OF FRANCE’S MOST EPIC ADVENTURE SPOTS

Chosen by some of our favourite outdoor photographers

 

CHAUDEFOUR VALLEY, PUY DE DÔME

Chosen by Florian Bompan

Why do you love this place?

“Chaudefour Valley, which has been a national natural reserve since 1991, is very important to me, and I go there often. It’s one of the three glacial valleys of the Sancy Massif, completely remote and perfect for lovers of the outdoors. There is extraordinary fauna and flora to discover there.”

What’s your favourite way to explore it?

“There is a long well-marked trail of about five or six hours that allows you to navigate the entire valley by nearby ridges. It’s quite difficult, but very impressive.”

What about for first-timers?

“After parking your car, head into the heart of the valley to see its two massive monoliths: la Crête du Coq (The Cockerel’s Comb) and la Dent de la Rancune (The Grudge Tooth), both very well-known climbing spots in the region. It is an unbelievable spot. It’s very accessible – you can do it with kids – and should only take you 90 minutes in total.”

What to pack for your adventure? 

“Of course, I never forget my camera. Depending on the season, the landscapes change completely and there’s always something splendid to shoot. Binoculars are a must, too. They’re the best way to observe animals such as mouflons, chamois or marmots without disturbing them. Finally, if I’m out in winter, I take my snowshoes and poles because there can be a lot of snow. Finally, always take a headlamp. You’ll want to stay in the valley until sunset, I promise!”

Best photo opportunity?

“Valley, animals or landscapes - the choice is vast. If there was one shot to get though, it would have to be of la Crête du Coq and la Dent de la Rancune, both icons of this place. Find a different angle than the one we always see, so try taking it from height or lay down in the grass, for example.”

Favourite place for a bite to eat afterwards?

“On you way back, I advise you to stop in the village of Murol. There are some really nice restaurants to try.”

GAUBE LAKE, HAUTES PYRÉNÉES

Chosen by Mickaël Peralta

Why do you love this place?

“You’ll find Gaube Lake at 1725m, at the foot of Vignemale mountain. I really like this place and it is very easy to access. After just one hour of walking from the Pont d’Espagne in Cauterets Valley, you’re there.”

What’s your favourite way to explore it?

“If you pick your moment wisely - during the week ideally - you can have the whole lake to yourself. The water is pure, the light (especially during spring) is warm and mellow, and the landscape is fabulous. Spring is an ideal period, by the way. Days are long so there is plenty of time to prepare the bivouac.”

What about for first-timers?

“No need to be an expert hiker – the trail here is ideal for everyone!”

What to pack for your adventure? 

“Camera of course, and I’d definitely recommend packing a cold beer and some crisps to share with a friend or better half in front of the lake after a long day of hiking.”

Best photo opportunity?

“It’s really easy to pitch a tent near the lake for the night. The next morning, when you wake up with the morning light on the lake, you’ll discover a moment that you won’t forget. For me this is the perfect moment to shoot this place peacefully.”

Favourite place for a bite to eat afterwards?

“Either have a picnic beside the lake or stop at the small inn at the beginning of the hike in Pont d’Espagne.”

VERDON’S STYX, BETWEEN ALPES DE HAUTE PROVENCE AND VAR

Chosen by Vanessa Martin

Why do you love this place?

“This part of the canyon is completely wild, and the shaped rocks reveal how powerful nature is. It is a true micro-adventure to go and explore the world’s end in the middle of Provence.”

What’s your favourite way to explore it?

"The only way to access it is called the Sentier Imbut, at the bottom of the Gorges du Verdon. It goes down steep in the forest and then follow the river. It is a six-hour hike, and quite difficult.”

What about for first-timers?

“I’d recommend the famous Sentier Blanc hike. It is less technical, but still requires a bit of endurance.”

What to pack for your adventure? 

“It gets dark quickly in the gorge so never forget a headlamp. Local saucisson too, as you’re guaranteed to build an appetite once you’re down there. Warm clothes are important as well, because it gets chilly near the stream and in the shadows.”

Best photo opportunity?

“Take a picture of la Baume river, with the turquoise torrents and big rocks. On a sunny day, the colour of the water turns luminous.”

Favourite place for a bite to eat afterwards?

“Head for the village of Aiguines and choose one of its excellent bistros.”

 

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SPITZKOEPFE, VOSGES

Chosen by Anthony Dimitri

Why do you love this place?

“Spitkoepfe can be translated as ‘Pointed Heads’. I love to climb over these rocks and enjoy the view on the summits of the Vosges Massif. I often pitch my tent nearby, as I like to observe the stars from here too. Sunrise is incredible and, if we stay quiet, we can see chamois. Wild and less-travelled, it is definitely a must-hit in the Vosges.”

What’s your favourite way to explore it?

“The most beautiful way to access it is from the top of the Hohneck. From there, take the trail des Névés. It only takes 35 minutes to arrive at Spitzkoepfe.”

What about for first-timers?

“I’d rate the difficulty at around four out of ten - beginners can hike it with good hiking shoes. The most difficult part is the walk back up to the top of the Hohneck.”

What to pack for your adventure? 

“To make amazing memories, I suggest packing binoculars to observe Vosges Massif and, with some luck, the chamois; a flask to keep hydrated; and a camera to immortalize the view.”

Best photo opportunity?

“Ask your hiking partner to take a picture of you on top of the first rocks of Spitzkoepfe. Don’t hesitate to ask him to move backwards so he gets the panorama behind you too!”

Favourite place for a bite to eat afterwards?

“Eat something at the restaurant Le Sommet du Hohnheck. The views are great.”

 

TARDEVANT’S PEAK THROUGH TARDEVANT’S LAKE, HAUTE SAVOIE

Chosen by Céline Ducrettet

Why do you love this place?

“This place is a reminder to me that beautiful views have to be earned, and that you have to be ready to walk for a few hours to reach them. If you like to gain height and discover a panoramic 360-degree view on the stunning mountains around, this is for you.”

What’s your favourite way to explore it?

“The hike begins at the end of the road leading to Lac de Confins, in La Clusaz. Follow the direction of Paccaly, then the well-marked trail heading to Tardevant. Make a small stop at Lac de Tardevant before attempting the peak. It’s a difficult hike, especially because you have to walk through scree for the summit, and there’s an aerial pass once you’re at the top. The trail is clear and without danger, but if you have a fear of heights it can be a bit testing. A hike to the peak takes three hours forty-five minutes, and the descent around two.”

What about for first-timers?

“For an easier and more family-friendly hike, I’d suggest the route beginning at the Col des Aravis and heading to Chalet du Curé. Elevation is low and it is a really nice walk with a stunning view on all Mont-Blanc range.”

What to pack for your adventure? 

“You will need good hiking shoes (preferably mid boots so the ankle is held in the scree) and water to stay hydrated. Pack a telephoto lens if you like photography.”

Best photo opportunity?

“When you frame the peak, you’ll notice the nearby mountains arriving one after another in layers. With a bit of luck and patience, a bird could come and make it even more perfect. The best shots come in the beautiful light of the end of the day.”

Favourite place for a bite to eat afterwards?

“When back, you can just enjoy a drink or snack in one of the bars and restaurants of La Clusaz.”

PLATEAU D’EMPARIS (ECRINS), IN BETWEEN ISÈRE AND HAUTES-ALPES

Chosen by Clara Ferrand

Why do you love this place?

“Last summer, I embarked on a three-day hike in Ecrins, to discover this part of the Alps known for its splendid landscapes. From the Plateau d’Emparis, you can observe Ecrins’ glaciers but also chamois and ibex.”

What’s your favourite way to explore it?

“The trail to Plateau d’Emparis follows the as GR54, a long-distance hiking trail. It takes you through various passes with some steeper parts to spice the hike a bit. Count three days with an average level and two if you’re a seasoned hiker. It is possible to pitch a tent near the lakes or sleep in mountain huts.

What about for first-timers?

“For first-timers, it is possible to drive up to the mountain hut of Mouterre, park the car there and only walk around the plateau from the summit.”

What to pack for your adventure? 

“A camera, some binoculars to observe the chamois and a local beer from the plateau – you can buy it directly to the hut.”

Best photo opportunity?

Capture the reflection of the Meije mountain in the lakes of the Plateau d’Emparis – it is the photo not to miss. And if you catch an ibex in frame, then you’re the happiest in the world.”

Favourite place for a bite to eat afterwards?

“Besse-en-Oisans is a typical village of the Ecrins range. You can find some nice restaurants to get some strength back after this beautiful hike.”

 

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GRAND VEYMONT (VERCORS), ISÈRE

Chosen by Sébastien Mas

Why do you love this place?

“I have family in Vercors so I visit this place often. Many places are still preserved and we can hike for a long time without meeting a lot of people.”

What’s your favourite way to explore it?

“The trail starts from the parking of the Maison Forestière de la Coche, around 7km from Rousset en Vercors. The best view is from the Grand Veymont itself. The hike is mid-level, and you need approximately eight hours for the whole loop. Be careful - in winter it can become dangerous. It is safer to attempt it during summer.”

What about for first-timers?

“Beginners can choose to do the whole or part of this hike. If you don’t feel it possible to hike up to the top, the plateau at the bottom of Grand Veymont are already great.”

What to pack for your adventure? 

“The essentials: a flask, a camera and good hiking shoes.”

Best photo opportunity?

“Clearly from the top of Grand Veymont with the view on Mont Aiguille. Choose the beginning of the day or in the late afternoon because in mountains, the light of the day can be quite crushing.”

Favourite place for a bite to eat afterwards?

“Hmm, there isn’t much choice around, so prepare a big sandwich and picnic in the outdoors.”

25 BOSSES (FONTAINEBLEAU FOREST), SEINE-ET-MARNE

Chosen by Jeanne Lepoix

Why do you love this place?

“The 25 Bosses is a loop of 16km and 800m D+ in the western part of Fontainebleau Forest, not far from Paris, in which we hike up and down 25 small hills. Be sure: your calves will be put to trial during this day! You won’t get bored here, hopping from a playful trail full of pines and heather to narrow passages between sandstone boulders. And that’s without speaking about the stunning panoramic views on the forest when you get on top of them. Oh, and you can’t complete it without using your hands as well as your feet as some point.”

What’s your favourite way to explore it?

“As it is a loop, you can start wherever you want but the easiest way is to leave the car in the parking at des Trois Pignons. It’s a demanding trail but open to anyone, as there is always an opportunity to bypass a difficult spot. It can be used for a family walk on a full day, or a very athletic 3-hours trail run.”

What about for first-timers?

“There are technical parts to the trail that require some climbing, and a head for heights. As a first taste, I would recommend the Denecourt-Colinet Trail, beaconed in blue in the forest. It’s a smaller circuit giving the opportunity to discover some of the must-see features, like the view of Croix du Calvaire, the Roche-Eponge (‘Sponge Rock’), the Denecourt Tower and some fountains.”

What to pack for your adventure? 

“You’ll need a slimline backpack to stop you getting stuck between two boulders. A compact camera is a good idea too. Finally, treat yourself to a slice of olive cake as a reward for making it through the most difficult parts.”

Best photo opportunity?

I love the pictures where we jump from on rock to another. It’s like we are levitating above the emptiness. Wow effect guaranteed!”

Favourite place for a bite to eat afterwards?

The whole trail takes place in the forest so there is no place to get food or water – you need to think about you picnic, treats and energy sources! You won’t need to look too hard for a place to stop and eat with a stunning view.”

If you’re up for exploring further afield, check out these hit-lists for Italy , the UK  and AustriaGermany and Switzerland.