The most beautiful natural sites to discover France

Stretching over 3,5 kilometres, this interpretive trail presents itself as a gentle opportunity to discover the riches of the natural heritage of the banks of Saône. Jalonné of explanatory panels, he invites you to deepen your knowledge of fauna and fauna. Accessible to all, it is also a good opportunity for children to familiarize themselves with the different animal and plant species in the region. So go to the park on the banks of Saône in Port-sur-Saône, and forward for this nature walk!

Tariff: free.

Distance: 3,5 km.

Difficulty: .

Just a few kilometers from Beaune, the Golden Ponds are an area of relaxation and entertainment. Formed naturally in old quarries, these ponds have recently been designed to welcome the public. Thematic circuits invite you to walk through its 200 ha to discover the flora and fauna that colonize the various bodies of water. You will find observatories in particular to see the many birds and mammals that come to mind.

Located 1 250 metres above sea level, the Longetraye cave is accessible from the village of Freycenet-la-Cuche by a two-kilometre trail. Excavated in ancient lava flows, this cave sheltered prehistoric men more than 12 000 years ago. Yet it was almost destroyed by the rocky exploitation at the end of the th century. This trail is therefore a tribute to those who fought to save it.

Tariff: free.

Duration: 2 h.

Difficulty: .

Lovers of geological curiosities that Mother Nature has had fun sowing all over the world to smile at the far-fetched interpretations that men will give them, Dieffenthal's granite rocks will undoubtedly arouse your interest. In Alsace, it is the best example of the erosion of "granite in balls" due to the circulation of water in the cracks of rocks. From the Dieffenthal church, the trail is marked by blue rings and information panels on the sights encountered. The first stop is the Medieval Garden where medicinal herbs used in the past to heal the sick were planted. You will then arrive at the famous Celtic Rock shaped by the power of the waters: tradition claims that it is a birth seat! Other rocks with unusual shapes are to be discovered throughout the walk (about 45 minutes) which ends with a crossing of the vineyards.

Discovered in 1878, the cave of Lastournelle is located a few steps from Villeneuve-sur-Lot. It has a bar, a snack bar, a shop and games such as turnstile, swings, treasure hunt, etc. Its seven rooms can be visited in 45 minutes, with a guide, or through original animations. These are offered on dates available on the website. Among them is The Speleological Adventure, aimed at children and which will allow them to solve puzzles and take up challenges. Themed treasure hunts are also organized during the holiday season: Halloween, Christmas, Easter...

Price: 7,50 €.

Duration: variable.

Difficulty: easy to difficult

A 4-hour loop from the dock, the Port-Man circuit begins with the plant trail, a route of 1 h 30 round-trip linking the village to the beach of Palud, allowing to discover the Mediterranean flora through a coastline offering beautiful views. Passionnés of flora, we recommend before you get the brochure "Plant trail" at the Maison du Parc (1,50 €): it will prove useful in deciphering the numbered plates marked throughout this first part. From the landing, go to the Post Office, take the first
track on the left, and logically follow the signs "plant trail". From Fort du Moulin to Fort de Port-Man (count approximately 1 h 30), follow the point of the Miladou and its point of view on the rock of the Rascas, the Beach of La Palud (final point of the plant trail), the tip of the Galley and its panorama on the long sand, then the beach of Port-Man. In normal time, the loop ends with the massif through the ruins of the Sardine, the pass of the Four paths and the road of the forts; in the event of fire danger, a half-turn will have to be made.

In the direction of the Courtade beach you will see a stone point. History tells us that a young shepherd named Charles in this clearing a pine in honour of his young wife he loved so much. If the original pine that gave its name to this uncommon place has disappeared - however replaced by a young tree of the same species - the tradition has remained unchanged: young married people are invited to jump over the point to live happily and especially the ladies who want to promote a pregnancy and an offspring, the borne with a phallic shape…

This club chaired by Bernard Renoux and his charming team is opened with all in love ones with nature and the sport (as of five years)! It accommodates all the year most sporting within the club located at the nautical base of Papinière. Independently, one can rent kayaks for one strolls as regards water which constitutes Erdre worthy of Sucked. One will be able also to go up the river or to go down again it by the strength of paddles. And it is an absolutely exceptional environment which is revealed with us... It is possible to come to Sucé-sur-Erdre by the train in twenty minutes from Nantes. Attention, the rental of the kayaks is carried out on reservation by phone or by e-mail; and it is well at the port of Sucé-sur-Erdre that we are invited to recover equipment (not with the club). Various fixed rate formulas are proposed, into individual or group. In addition, within the water sports club, one can practise the following activities: schools of paddle for young people and adults, kayak-sports shirt, left in water-sharp and discovered. Here with Sucked, a shuttle can take us along upstream from Nort-sur-Erdre to Moulin des Vaux, in order to go down again the river. To make in family or between friends, guaranteed pleasure! It any more but does not remain to take along the sunscreen, a quantity of water sufficient and to envisage one hour, one half-day or the day for the excursions!

The marina of Cercy-la-Tour is an essential stopover on the Nivernais canal between Decize and Auxerre, for both pleasure boating and cycling. Numerous services are provided for the reception of yachtsmen as well as cyclists (tourist point, services, shops). A beautiful flower-filled stopover in a pleasant green setting much appreciated by tourists. Don't miss the open-air swimming pool and its solarium just a stone's throw away.

The Bois wood is a Natura 2000 protected area and is the highest point in the High Viennese department (777 metres). This wooded massif, which dominates the lake, is distinguished in the landscape by its deciduous trees (mainly oaks and beech) when the surrounding areas have been invaded by the conifers. From stones to hollow roads, from washing into villages, you will cross the green heart of Limousin.