1. Pilat Dune, Europe’s highest dune
Pilat Dune, the sentinel of Arcachon Bay, deserves its title as "Europe’s highest dune". Outstanding for its sheer size: 117 m high, 2.7 km long, 500 m wide, once you have climbed to the top, you’ll be rewarded with the site's most remarkably magical vista.
A kaleidoscope of marine colours, pine green and sand gold, enhanced by salty scents and balsamic fragrances.
Find out more about Pilat Dune
2.La Rhune summit
In the Pays Basque, La Rhune proudly guards the coast. This site is one of enchantment, woven with pastoral slopes and unveiling a mysterious, secret atmosphere. Here, you’ll discover cromlechs: great blocks of stone erected in circles, pointing to the sun. You’ll hear many a legend and you’ll meet pottoks: small, semi-wild native horses, along your way. And, while you’re there, why not hop on board the little Train of La Rhune, on a real rack-railway: a 30-minute journey at a speed of 8 km/h.
3. Soussouéou’s sumptuous landscapes in the Pyrénées
An unbelievable panorama awaits you in Béarn. Here, you’re in the high mountains, in the Pyrénées National Park. When you arrive in Artouste, you’ll be amazed by the variety of landscapes where a plethora of crags, vast pastures, never-ending stretches of beech and pine forests, not to mention lakes, are waiting to be explored… A one-of-a-kind opportunity to watch incredible birds circling above you: golden eagles, peregrine falcons and griffon vultures watch over this dreamscape valley. Don't miss the amazing Artouste little train (traveling at an altitude of 2,000 m) along the highest track in Europe. An absolute must-do!
4. The Meschers-sur-Gironde cliffs
South of Royan and opposite the Médoc area, the Meschers-sur-Gironde cliffs embrace the “Côte de Beauté” coast and, tower 30 metres high, overlooking Europe’s largest estuary. Invaluable heritage speckled with caves and troglodytic dwellings, covering a distance of 1,500 m. The Caves of Régulus and Matata are open to the public. The most exquisite site for admiring the white cliffs of Meschers is located in the magnificent village of Talmont-sur-Gironde.
5. The Bort organ-pipe columns in Limousin, a balcony upon the Auvergne mountains
At the very heart of the Massif Central, in the Upper Dordogne Valley, the Bort organ-pipe columns are 437 metres high. A natural wonder formed by lava, spewed from Earth millions of years ago. This natural monument is a succession of vertical columns which make it look and sound like the pipes of an organ : blueish rock in the daylight, which makes a hollow sound when tapped. These rocks are referred to as phonolites. Gigantic, musical and amazingly superb !
Highly-inquisitive and nature-loving explorer, hiker and geographer, Sophia's thing is to discover new landscapes while breathing in the fresh country air. On her holiday programme: hiking, canoeing, river cruises, or simply sunbathing...Goodbye traffic jams, hello Mother Nature! This is what “sustainable” tourism looks like!
