15 ideas for a green weekend

Treat yourself to a stay in the destinations of France known for their natural wealth. A discovery experience to share with family or lovers.

Reconnect with nature for a weekend or during the holidays to do some good

A man wearing sunglasses lying in the grass Credit: BartekSzewczyk

Nothing like a trip in the middle of nature for relax with family or lovers. pass a week-end or a vacation in the countryside to get a little closer to nature is only good. Indeed, spending a peaceful stay in the heart of a natural park in France or a night under the stars in a campsite in the middle of the forest is the best way to forget stress . Choose accommodation located in the heart of the forest, an unusual house or even a cabin in the mountains for even more change of scenery.

In France, there are many destinations that allow you to reconnect with nature. Do you like tropical-looking beaches? Do you prefer mountain landscapes dotted with forests, criss-crossed by rivers and lakes? Wherever you go, you will find a pleasant hotel that will welcome you with family, friends or lovers. Activities in nature abound and cultural visits will not be lacking.

15 holiday destinations in France for a stay in the heart of nature

A champ de lavande Credit : Ronnybas

Spend a memorable stay by discovering these destinations in France which have everything to seduce nature lovers. Succumb to the charm of these landscapes for a day or night walk. You can choose a room with a view of nature, a lake or even a castle. You will be spoiled for choice not only in terms of accommodation, but also outdoor activities for the whole family: hiking, spa, swimming pool, entertainment for children...

1- The Orient Forest in France for a family weekend

Beautiful nature in the forest Credit: valio84sl

Located in the Grand-Est region, the Orient Forest, less than 3 hours by car from Paris , is one of the largest natural parks in France. This site of more than 70,000 hectares is home to hundred-year-old trees and several lakes which constitute privileged sanctuaries for a variety of fauna and flora. In particular, it has an ornithological reserve comprising nearly 267 bird species . The lakes are conducive to many activities for the whole family such as sin , the canoe , rowing , or the sail . Many hotels and bed and breakfasts offer rooms with a view of nature.

2- The Causses du Quercy regional natural park in France

An unforgettable landscape in the Causses du Quercy park Credit: sosobuzuk

Located in the region Occitania , the Causses du Quercy regional natural park is full of exceptional sites: lakes, picturesque villages, caves, and many other natural curiosities.

During your stay in a hotel or on a campsite, you will have the opportunity to visit Rocamadour and the Dordogne valley , Cahors and the Lot valley or even Figeac and the Célé valley.

Do not miss the hikes that lead to the ' triangle noir », an area particularly conducive to spending a night under the stars. Don't forget the underground walks in the Causses du Quercy cavities, a top caving site in France.

3- The Cévennes in France for a family weekend

A beautiful landscape of nature in the Cévennes Credit: Tim Starke

At about 700 km from Paris , the Cévennes form a real haven of peace in the south of the Massif Central. It is an ideal destination for chaining visits to castles, natural sites and other places of interest before returning to the hotel room for a well-deserved night's rest.

The Cévennes park is indeed a wild and preserved territory , home to a rich fauna and flora that have earned it the status of World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.

The Cévennes National Park obtained in 2018 the label ' International Dark Sky Reserve for the exceptional quality of its sky at night.

4- The Ariège Pyrenees in France for a family weekend

The hinterland of the Ariège Pyrenees Credit: Marc Andreu

The Pyreneesariégeoises are an ideal destination to take a breath of fresh air, whether for holidays or for a weekend. This part of the Hautes Pyrénées has a countryside rich, vast and unspoilt nature . This territory seduces hiking enthusiasts from all over France. The many hiking trails pass through green pastures, crystal clear lakes, wild ponds and sublime waterfalls.

The stay will also be enhanced by visits to the picturesque villages where the inhabitants and local craftsmen are very welcoming. The stops will be an opportunity to taste the local cuisine before returning to your hotel room for a restful night.

5- Touraine in France for a family weekend

A green valley by the river in Touraine Credit: Gim42

Touraine, located in the Centre-Val de Loire region, is crossed by the Loire. Touraine has been able to preserve a natural heritage which contrasts harmoniously with its dynamic town planning. Among the places of interest to discover during holidays in Touraine are the sumptuous castles surrounded by vineyards. The troglodyte houses housing museums are also worth a visit. The hiking trails also cross vast forests and cross rivers that are ideal for river walks. Your children will enjoy the trip as much as at Disneyland!

The Causses du Larzac in France for a family weekend

An end-of-the-world landscape in the Causses du Lazarc Credit: tupungato

The Causses du Larzac Regional Natural Park, in Occitanie, is a pleasant destination for lovers of wide open spaces and nature. This territory is known to be sparsely populated and calm, but you will still find charming hotels, small welcoming villages and activities to share with children. Enough to disconnect from the world as a family . This Regional Natural Park gives the opportunity to carry out various outdoor sports activities, but also to visit farms where to taste the best local products.

1- The Haut Languedoc in France for a family weekend

A small village in nature buried by mist Credit: Gilles_Paire

The Haut Languedoc offers you a getaway break to relax in nature. After a night at the hotel, punctuate your stay with many discoveries, from wine-growing plains to cereal-growing areas, passing by lakes and caves dating from the Neolithic period. You can book your accommodation all year round.

2- The Gorges de l'Ardèche in France for a family weekend

The Ardèche Gorges river Credit: Philippe Paternolli

Classified exceptional sites in France , the Gorges de l'Ardèche extend over about thirty kilometres. They can be explored by canoe, on foot, by bike or on horseback via the many marked trails offering breathtaking panoramas.

You can also indulge in rock climbing, caving or even paragliding during your family stay. The descent of the Gorges de l'Ardèche can be done in a weekend. The information and photos on the Ardèche gorges will make you want to book a hotel room as soon as possible!

3- The Hautes-Vosges Greenway in France for a family weekend

The snow-capped Hautes Vosges Credit: Pixel-68

The Vosges massif is also a holiday resort where you can take a breath of fresh air in the heart of nature. Whether you go solo, as a couple, with friends or family, the vast area of ​​the Voie Verte will soothe you with its lush vegetation. Forget your car and let yourself be tempted for a horseback or mountain bike ride to reach places of interest and cultural relics steeped in history.

4- Provence in France for a family weekend

The famous purple lavender fields in Provence Credit: Serbek

During a family weekend, discover the famous lavender fields which represent one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in France.

Provence, in the region of Provence- Alps -Côte d'Azur in the south-east of France, will amaze you with its fields of lavender as far as the eye can see and its ocher cliffs.

This holiday destination has several marked routes for hiking lover . Discover the very rich cultural heritage and ancestral traditions of the region, not to mention its gourmet gastronomy which attracts so many visitors.

5- The Camargue in France for a family weekend

The flaming roses of the Camargue Credit: Byrdyak

The Camargue guarantees a true return to the sources for forget the stress of big cities . Located between the Rhône and the Mediterranean, this park allows you to observe colonies of pink flamingos in their natural habitat. To enhance your stay, bullfighting, horseback riding, and swimming in the natural pool are popular activities in this beautiful destination. Many vacation rentals have a spa and a restaurant featuring local cuisine.

6- La Corte in France for a family weekend

A panoramic view from the heights of La Corte Credit:: Jan Zabrodsky

Located in the center of the Island of Beauty, and served by direct flights from Paris, La Corte is a small village clinging to the rock. It offers a panoramic view of the sumptuous Gorges de la Restonica, a river dotted with waterfalls and natural pools. This territory is a true land of adventure and escape , perfect for a stay with family or lovers under the theme of communion with nature. Do not hesitate to book your vacation rental as soon as possible, because the Corte is taken by storm in summer.

7- The Dordogne Valley in France for a family weekend

The beauty of the Dordogne valley Credit: Mogala

The Dordogne valley, nicknamed the valley of wonders, seems ideal for a weekend of relaxation in nature. This Moselle countryside has wonderful landscapes between rolling meadows, gardens and cultivated fields. Strolls in the gardens of Marqueyssac and the discovery of picturesque villages for gourmet stops (foie gras, duck breast, truffles and porcini mushrooms on the menu) will enhance your stay.

8- The Gers in France for a family weekend

Countryside landscape in the Gers Credit: dutourdumonde

Located at the gates of Gascony, in the south of France, about 7 hours from Paris , the Gers invites you to escape and return to your roots. This agricultural territory is criss-crossed by small streams bordering the vines, groves, and fragrant hedges as far as the eye can see. A few Gascon castles, castels and bastides rise on rocky promontories.

9- The Loiret in France for a family weekend

A castle to discover in Loiret Credit: StockPhotoAstur

Located between Montargis and Pithiviers, 80 km from Paris , the Saint Loiret is surrounded by the forest of Orléans which covers 35,000 hectares. Its rich soil, its preserved nature and its cultural heritage are worth the detour. Punctuate your journey on this Brittany route with visits to religious buildings, castles forts, unusual museums, but also gardens on theRoute des Roses.