The 15 most beautiful gorges to visit in France

Would you like to leave at the heart of nature in exceptional sites? Start exploring the most beautiful gorges to visit in France!

France has a large number of natural sites with dazzling beauty. In different regions of the metropolis you can explore gorges by hiking, cycling, kayaking, climbing... It is the ideal opportunity to escape in the middle of nature for an unforgettable holiday. So discover our selection of the most beautiful gorges to visit in France.

1. Gorges du Verdon

The Gorges du Verdon, the largest canyon in Europe, are among the most beautiful gorges to visit in France. They are located in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, between Castellane and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, on the border of Var .

As for the river Verdon, an emerald colour, it winds up to the lake of Sainte Croix, passing at the feet of the vertiginous cliffs. There are also many activities such as climbing, hiking, paragliding, rafting or canoe-kayak.

2. Gorges de l’Ardèche

At the heart of a national nature reserve, the gorges of the Ardèche are among the most beautiful gorges to visit in France. The Pont de l’Arc, a natural arch, emblematic of the site, dominates the Ardèche River. The site is listed in Unesco as “Break of Humanity”, thanks to the Chauvet cave overlooking the throats.

Also, it is possible to take a boat ride and take Via Ardèche, on foot or by bike. Not to mention for the most athletic, the descents as a reminder or canoe-kayak.

3. Gorges du Tarn

This is an exceptional site, between Lozère and Aveyron. Through the wild nature and the vast expanses, the Tarn River sculpts the landscape, in the Grand Causses Regional Park . These gorges are one of the most beautiful gorges to visit in France, allowing you to discover the Causse Méjean, the Sauveterre and especially small picturesque villages.

To enjoy all the beauty of the site, do not hesitate to descend the gorges in a boat, with the bworkshops of the region.

4. Gorges de Kakuetta

A natural site to be discovered in the Basque country, it is the gorges of Kakuetta. Between the vertiginous cliffs, the impressive canyon, and lush vegetation, Kakuetta deserves to be one of the most beautiful gorges to visit in France.

Indeed, it is one of the must-see sites of Basque Country and Pyrenees . From Sainte-Engrâce, discover this beautiful site. With the beauty of the landscapes, waterfalls, caves, transparent water and odors of foam, the scenery is guaranteed.

5. Gorges de l’Hérault

In Occitanie, southeast of the Séranne massif, the gorges of the Hérault benefit from the label "Grand site de France". The drylands, dug by the gorges, offer magnificent views.

It is also an opportunity to admire the Pont du Diable , ranked at UNESCO World Heritage, and one of the oldest French bridges of the medieval era. The exploration of the gorges also allows to visit the medieval village of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert .

6. Gorges du Gardon

The Gardon Gorges are known for the famous Pont du Gard That's close. The famous Roman aqueduct, dating from the 1st century of our era, is most photogenic with the Gardon river that winds at its feet.

To appreciate the beauty of the gorges, a canoe descent is ideal. You can also take a walk in the garrigue and put your towel on the shore for a picnic or a swim in the summer. It is also possible to make guided tours on different themes, such as castors or raptors.

7. Gorges de Galamus

Take the direction of the southwest, between Catalan and Cathare countries, with Galamus Gorges. The road that allows you to discover these gorges by car is narrow enough. The best solution to appreciate the landscape of this classified and protected site is canoeing, on the waters of Agly.

In addition, you can visit the hermitage of Saint-Antoine-de-Galamus, suspended on the edge of the cliff. The mill of Galamus is also part of the heritage of the region, not to mention the small villages of the surrounding area.

8. Gorges de la Jonte

A beautiful landscape to discover between Lozère and Aveyron, in the Great Causses region, these are the Gorges de la Jonte . Deeper throats than those of the Tarn, which are not very far away, but will make the happiness of nature lovers. Climbing enthusiasts will appreciate the rocky walls because this site is renowned.

Also, these gorges are suitable for hiking. Not to mention the observation of the raptors and especially the wild vultures that have been reintroduced.

9. Gorges d’Holzarte

During a stay at Basque Country and in the Atlantic Pyrenees, the Gorges d’Holzarte are one of the gorges to visit in France. Plan walking shoes and go on the trails that allow you to discover this surprising landscape.

If you don’t have vertigo, cross the famous Holzarte Bridge on the commune of Larrau. This hanging bridge dates back to 1920, it overlooks the Olhadoko Erréka torrent and Olhadibi Creek, which flows at the foot of the gorges.

10. Gorges du Doubs

The Gorges du Doubs are the natural border between France (Franche County/Doubs) and the Switzerland (canton Neuchâtel). A beautiful landscape labeled Grand National Site.

You can admire the famous Saut-du-Doubs waterfall renowned for being one of the most beautiful in the region. To appreciate the beauty of the landscape, nothing like a hike! And for a magnificent view of the waterfall, the ideal is to board a fly-boat.

11. Gorges d’Héric

Direction l’ Occitania and the department of Hérault to discover the gorges of Héric, especially in Rosis and Mons-la-Trivalle.

In the heart of Haut-Languedoc Regional National Park , in the massif of Caroux, these gorges to visit in France are interesting for the geological aspect, carved in the gneiss, metamorphic rock, by the stream Héric. A hiking trail allows you to discover the geological aspect, as well as fauna and flora. Finally, climbers also enjoy this site.

12. Gorges de l’Aveyron

During a stay in Occitanie on the trail of the most beautiful gorges to visit in France, make a stop at the gorges of Aveyron. A path along these limestone gorges crossed by the river Aveyron allows you to discover picturesque villages, the cave of Bosc, a medieval past and imposing castles.

Different circuits will make the greatest happiness of cyclists. Not to mention kayak and canoe descents.

13. Gorges du Fier

Here is a must-see natural site Savoie , which is one of the most beautiful gorges to visit in France! These are the Gorges du Fier, in Lovagny, just a few kilometers from Annecy. An unforgettable visit to a bridge above a magnificent canyon, lost by the Fier River, in the heart of local legends.

Also, geology lovers will be combined with the different types of rocks and the famous sea of rocks.

14. Daluis Red Gorges

Among the must-sees of the Var are the famous red gorges of Daluis. The specificity of this canyon is the red color of the rocks composing the cliffs, the pélites, which date from the Permian. The site " Colorado Niçois". Also, this site labeled Regional Natural Reserve is located on the communes of Daluis and Guillaume.

15. Gorges de la Sioule

Let’s go on the track of the gorges to visit in France in the department of Allier! The gorges of Sioule, steep and green, are classified as Zone Natura 2000 and Natural Area of Ecologic, Floristic and Faunistic Interest. A visit to the Sioule Gorges is a dive in the heart of nature. It is also an ideal setting for canoeing or fishing.