Hi Friend! So you’ve booked your trip to France! Maybe you’re traveling for the Olympics, or finally visiting Paris and the beautiful French countryside. But hey, it’s summer, and you’re looking for the best outdoor activities beyond classic city tours and amazing French cuisine. I’ve got you covered!
For me, experiences make the most unforgettable memories. Life is meant to be an adventure! So, let’s dive in.
Below, I’ll share a curated list of some amazing summer outdoor activities in France, starting with Paris and then exploring other cities. You’ll find a mix of outdoor tours, thrilling adventures, and more!
So, let’s get started!
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Best Summer activities in Paris and nearby
Paris is one of my favorite cities in the world, offering breathtaking views everywhere you go. But if you want to make your visit even more memorable, here are some outdoor activities to embrace summer in Paris! (And no, it doesn’t involve swimming in the Seine with the shark from Netflix, luckily!)
Beware: get ready for an amazing time!
Helicopter Flight over Paris and the Château de Versailles
- Okay, so you want to see Paris, but you want to go a bit higher than the Tour Eiffel. Brace yourself! You’re about to have the experience of a lifetime! Hop on this helicopter ride over Paris and Chateau de Versailles. Definitely an experience of a lifetime!
- See full booking details here.
Private Boat tour in Paris
- Summer? Boat? Parisian views? Count me in! There’s something extremely magical about cruising the Seine with the stunning Parisian architecture as your backdrop. A private boat tour allows you to experience the charm of Paris from a different angle, away from the bustling streets. Definitely a must if you want to experience one of the most fun summer outdoor activities in Paris.
- See full booking details here (if that option is booked here’s another similar experience with great reviews!).
Paris by bike with a local
- Picture this: after having lunch you decide to hop on a bike tour, feeling the summer breeze while being delighted by the beautiful views of the Île de la Cité, the Louvre, the Place de la Concorde, Tour Eiffel and many other amazing spots. All while moving your body and doing some fun exercise!
- See full booking details here. (Also, if you’re more into an e-bike tour, here’s another option for you).
Taste of Paris Food and Bike Tour
- Want to have the bike and ALSO taste amazing French food on the way? Then this option might be for you! This tour combines the joy of cycling with culinary delights, taking you through vibrant neighborhoods and letting you sample the best of Parisian cuisine.
- See full booking details here.
Electric Scooter Tour
- So you don’t want to pedal, I get it! But you still want to feel the summer breeze and do a tour? Scooter tour might be for ya! Glide through the city effortlessly on an electric scooter, covering more ground than you would on foot while still enjoying the open air and all the sights.
- See full booking details here.
Plane Piloting Course in Lognes, near Paris
- Talk about something different! If you’ve ever thought or dreamt about learning to fly a plane, then this might be your experience of choice! Take control of a plane under the guidance of a professional instructor and get a taste of what it’s like to soar through the skies.
- See full booking details here.
Introduction to helicopter piloting at Toussus le Noble, Île de France
- If you’re a helicopter type of person, then this might be a better option! The best part? Apart from having your own instructor to guide you, you’ll be flying over the Vallée de Chevreuse. Woah!
- See full booking details here. ( Want to experience the helicopter learning experience, but want to make it easier to get there? With hotel pick up and drop off, this is another exhilarating experience if flying has always been on your bucket list!)
Hot air balloon flight in Fontainebleau
- You’ve heard about the beautiful Fontainebleau, you’ve heard about hot air balloons, but mostly in Cappadocia… well friend, you might have an amazing combo here! Fly in a hot air balloon over the woods of Fontainebleau! This one’s definitely on the top of my list of the summer outdoor activities in France.
- See full booking details here.
Small Group tour to Monet’s Enchanted Giverny with lunch
- If you love art and the countryside, then this experience might be right for you! Visit the picturesque Giverny with a small group and discover Claude Monet’s inspiration! Stroll through the beautiful gardens and the artist’s home, soaking in the tranquility and beauty that inspired some of the most famous paintings in history. This is one of the quintessential summer outdoor activities in France, perfect for art enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
- See full booking details here.
Day trip to Loire Valley Castles from Paris, with Wine tasting!
- A full-day tour from Paris that will have a little bit of everything: wine tasting, visits to the chateaux in the Loire Valley, plus a tour! PS: you’ll get to see the Château de Chambord, the inspiration for Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast”! This tour offers a rich blend of history, architecture, and gastronomy, making it a perfect day out in the French countryside.
- See full booking details here.
Versailles tour skipping the line, with transportation included
- So, you want to visit Versailles but don’t want to spend the entire day waiting in line to get in! Totally get it! This tour will take you there, guide you, and make sure you skip the line, perfect!
- See full booking details here.
Champagne Small-Group Day Trip with Lunch and Tastings from Paris
- Looking for a sparkling day? Pop, fizz, clink! Get ready for a bubbly adventure in the heart of Champagne on this full-day escapade from Paris! Visit legendary Champagne houses like Moët & Chandon, sip on fabulous fizz, and learn the secrets behind those irresistible bubbles. And don’t worry about getting there—round-trip hotel transfers are covered.
- See full booking details here.
Best Summer outdoor activities in Annecy
Oh, Annecy! Also known as the “Pearl of the French Alps,” Annecy is breathtaking! There’s no wonder that Annecy is another preferred town to visit in France when summer arrives. Its crystal-clear Lake Annecy, surrounded by majestic mountains, the cobbled streets and the pastel-colored houses makes it a perfect destination for outdoor activities during the summer. Below are some fun activities you might want to try this summer!
Paragliding over Lake Annecy
- If you’re a nature lover, who appreciates breathtaking landscapes and views, then this experience might be just for you! You’ve heard of Annecy’s Lake and its beautiful mountain views. Imagine you could experience this all from above! Paragliding offers a unique vantage point and an exhilarating way to appreciate the natural beauty of Annecy. If you’re up for it, click the link below! PS: if you suffer from fear of heights you might want to take care of it before booking! 😉
- See full booking details here.
Hot Air Balloon flight over Lake Annecy
- Just imagine starting the day by enjoying the sunrise in a hot air balloon over Lake Annecy. Amazing, right? If paragliding is a bit too much, but you still want to experience the views from above, then hot air ballooning might be right for you! A great note about this activity is that it offers the option to book it as a shared or private experience as well.
- See full booking details here.
Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) on Lake Annecy
- Have you tried stand up paddle boarding (SUP) yet? If not, you might want to give it a go on Annecy’s Lake. Calm waters, beautiful views, and the tranquility of paddling on a clear, serene lake make this an ideal summer activity. It’s also a great way to get some exercise while enjoying the outdoors. I absolutely loved stand up paddle boarding when I did it in Milos Island and it’s a beautiful experience!
- See full booking details here. PS: if you want to chill with on Lake Annecy and take it very slow, you can also rent a pedal boat here.
Discover Boat Wakeboarding or Wakesurfing on Annecy’s Lake
- Speed, adrenaline, water sports? If you want to experience Lake Annecy and you also love fast watersports, then this experience might be right for you!
- See full booking details here.
Electric Mountain Biking
- Personally, mountains and lakes in summer are one of my favorite landscapes, and there’s nothing like feeling the summer breeze while delighting in some amazing views. The best part of electric mountain biking is that you can go for a long-distance bike ride and go up to the mountains, but without putting in all the effort needed to go uphill! PS: the views are so worth it. Among the many summer outdoor activities in France, this one stands out as a perfect blend of adventure and ease.
- See full booking details here.
Segway Tour
- This is a 2-hour activity, so it’s short and sweet! If you don’t have a lot of time in Annecy, you can enjoy this segway tour to visit both Annecy and Lake Annecy. What better way to move around on a warm summer day? Glide effortlessly and take in the sights without breaking a sweat.
- See full booking details here.
Best Summer Outdoor Activities in Ardèche
Ardèche is a gem in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, and it’s definitely a preferred summer destination due to its incredible natural settings. From the lush, green north to the dry, Mediterranean south, the diverse landscapes of Ardèche make it a perfect destination for summer outdoor activities in France. During summer, its vast forests and hillsides are ideal for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. If you’re visiting France in summer, this might be a perfect spot to visit!
Given the rugged natural beauty of Ardèche, the adventures here are not for the faint-hearted! Prepare for thrilling experiences that will get your adrenaline pumping (trust me, you’ll see! 😉).
Giant abseil of 180 m in Gorges de l’Ardèche
- When I told you these summer outdoor activities in France were super fun and adventurous, I wasn’t kidding. Get ready to descend a giant abseil of 180 meters from the Autridge lookout in the Ardeche Gorges with instructors! Definitely not for the faint hearted!
- See full booking details here.
Mini Adventure Raid of Pont d’Arc: canoeing, climbing and via corda
- Can’t decide on your outdoor activity in Ardèche? Experience it all in one day! Paddle through Ardèche’s gorges, conquer rock faces via climbing, and traverse thrilling via corda routes. It’s an action-packed adventure that promises breathtaking views, adrenaline highs and definitely a beautiful way to enjoy summer in France!
- See full booking details here.
Via ferrata of Pont du Diable
- Ever wondered what a Via Ferrata is all about? It’s like climbing a rock face but with a twist! You’ll use metal bars, cables, and even swing across monkey bridges and ladders. It’s designed to make the ascent easier and more fun, even if you’re new to it. If this sounds intriguing, the Pont du Diable course in Ardèche is perfect for beginners—it’s accessible and doesn’t require any prior Via Ferrata experience! Ready to challenge yourself and soak in some stunning views?
- See full booking details here.
Full Day Guided Wine Tour with Tasting and Lunch
- Prefer a more relaxed day? Hey, I don’t judge you! Explore Ardèche’s vineyards with a private car, sampling wines and enjoying a gourmet lunch. It’s a perfect blend of culture, relaxation, and indulgence in one of France’s renowned wine regions.
- See full booking details here.
Finally!
And that wraps up our tour of the best summer outdoor activities in Paris and nearby! I hope you’re buzzing with ideas to spice up your visit. Whether it’s paragliding, or doing an outdoor tour, I hope you have the most wonderful time.
Experiences are what life is all about. Creating memories that last with us for longer than our stay. If you reviewed the list and you feel you’re on the thrill and adventure side of the traveler spectrum, check out this site for in-depth information by sport and location. Oh, and if you’re venturing beyond France this summer, why not catch the Belgian Grand Prix on July 28th at Spa Circuit? Secure your tickets here.
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Hop on!
Claire
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