Are seeing the northern lights, making a wish under a shower of shooting stars or hiking in the Colorado desert part of your childhood dreams? Rest assured, you don't necessarily have to travel to the other side of the planet to make them come true. Metropolitan France, too, has its fair share of awe-inspiring natural phenomena . Here's a list of some of the phenomena you can observe in France.
1- The Perseid shooting star showers
Every year around the tenth of August, the sky is decked out with shooting stars. This phenomenon is due to the Perseid meteor shower. Although shooting stars can be seen all year round, they fall in much greater numbers at this time of year. This is also the case for the Geminids in December and the Quadrantids in January. But we have to admit that spending the night out stargazing is much more enjoyable in summer!
Good to know : to be able to observe the stars all year round, you need to get away from the cities to avoid light pollution! You can also visit "starry sky reserves" in the Cévennes, Vercors, Mercantour and Limousin regions.
2- High tides: one of France's most observable natural phenomena
High tides are a regular feature of French coastal life, particularly in Normandy and Brittany. They occur when the Moon and Sun are in opposition, and we speak of high tides when the coefficient is greater than or equal to 90. A tide gauge is used to estimate the height of water at a given time and place. In France, the best places to observe high tides are the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel, Cap de la Hague and the Bay of Saint-Brieuc.
The activity to book: your entrance tickets to Mont Saint-Michel Abbey, one of Normandy's greatest UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The article to read : take the opportunity to discover Brittany's must-sees.
3- Observe the ochre rock landscapes of Provence
The Provençal Colorado is one of the most beautiful hikes in Provence-Alpes-Côtes-d'Azur. The one at Rustrel, for example, is today a natural wonder, created by the abandonment of old ochre quarries. Listed as a historic site and monument, you'll get a real sense of America in the Lubéron.
4- Geysers among the natural phenomena to be observed in France
When we think of geysers, we think mainly ofIceland, but it's also possible to observe them in France, and in particular at Bellerive-sur-Allier. The so-called "Intermittent Spring" first gushed forth on January 31, 1844, following a previously unexploited borehole. Every 6 hours, the spring attracts curious onlookers. For just 3 minutes, it gradually emerges from the ground, growing until it reaches its maximum size, before returning underground.
5- The Mascaret in Gironde
The tidal bore is a natural phenomenon that occurs on some 80 rivers around the world, and can be observed in the Gironde estuary. It corresponds to a rise in water level created by tidal waves. It appears twice a day, but can be virtually invisible. Indeed, it's only during high tides that the waves are clearly visible on the water. Many people enjoy surfing them!
Related article: What to do in Gironde? The most beautiful places to visit.
6- The ephemeral lake on the Larzac plateau
The special thing about Lac des Rives, located on the Larzac plateau, is that it's not always there. This very rare phenomenon usually occurs after heavy rainfall, two kilometers from the village of Rives. Since 1963, the lake has only appeared 7 times, as conditions for its formation have become increasingly rare. When it last appeared in 2023, it was only visible for a few days, but in the 90s it sometimes remained visible for over a year.
Read our Tour du Larzac itinerary tips.
7- Aurora borealis among the natural phenomena observable in France
Although the aurora borealis is more of a polar phenomenon, it can sometimes be seen in France during major solar storms. This phenomenon occurs when solar particles come into contact with the Earth's atmosphere. To increase your chances of seeing them, it's best to stay away from cities and areas affected by light pollution. The best places to observe them are usually in Brittany or Hauts-de-France.
8- Bird migration in the Camargue
Every autumn, migratory birds begin their journey to warmer areas of southern Europe and Africa. While this phenomenon takes place almost everywhere on the continent, the Camargue is one of the best places for birdwatching. Visit the Pont de Gau ornithological park, where you'll see a wide variety of birds, as well as a colony of pink flamingos.
Tempted by our selection? Don't hesitate to book your train ticket now to take advantage of the best rates.
