Fabulous outdoorsy French destinations to inspire your travel bucket list

We are firmly into 2021 with Covid vaccines being deployed the world over and various countries slowly starting to re-open for responsible travel.

That said, now seems like a good time to re-start that travel bucket list! Given the fact that we’ve all been cooped up indoors for the better part of the last year, we thought it would be refreshing to explore some stunning destinations in France that will provide a very welcome outdoor escape. All of these destinations are easily reached via a direct flight to Paris with Air France, and a quick onward journey to your final fabulous French destination.

Avignon
Avignon is found in south-eastern France in the region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, sitting pretty on the left bank of the River Rhône. It is affectionately known as the gateway of Provence because it is a very popular base for exploring the wider region. While formally deemed a city, Avignon feels more like a lively village rich with history, music, art, culture and so much more! For centuries it was actually known as one of the major artistic centres of Europe, and for good reason. To this day there are many fine examples of medieval architecture, beautiful courtyards and gardens and so much more scattered throughout the city that make for beautiful viewing while outdoors. Foodies will be in heaven when paying a visit to Les Halles, Avignon’s central market, which has a large variety of local produce including speciality bread, various cheeses, olives, and Mediterranean vegetables.

Marseille
Lonely Planet sums Marseille up best: ‘Grit and grandeur coexist seamlessly in Marseille, an exuberantly multicultural port city with a pedigree stretching back to classical Greece and a fair claim to the mantle of France’s second city.’ An outdoor stroll in this port city will showcase yachts and pleasure boats aplenty – which also provides a fantastic opportunity to take to the seas and enjoy the great outdoors in all its glory. Diverse neighbourhoods, museums, stylish boutiques, gourmet French cuisine, and more await you on a trip to Marseille.

Fun fact: In 2013, the city was deemed the European Capital Culture.

Nice
After being bound indoors for the better part of 12 months, the sights, sound, and smell of the sea are just what the doctor ordered. When it comes to seaside beauty, it doesn’t get better than Nice. Vibrant street life, the best French dishes, opulence to the max, sea views for days, and sunshine all year round, Nice is a winner in our books. Visiting Nice you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to outdoor activities (and opportunities to social distance) – swimming, relishing in stunning sunsets, lazing by the beach, kayaking, skating and so much more! If you’re a lover of Italian and French culture, Nice is the perfect hybrid combining the best of both cultures.

PICTURE: Supplied