Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SPORTING ACTIVITIES
1. WALKING
From the coastal paths to mountain tracks inland, Provence could have been created
for walkers. Strollers may amble around bays or along woodland paths, while serious
hikers can take to the National Hiking Trails (Grandes Randonnées or GR) which
criss-cross the region.
2. SAILING
Almost all the coastal resorts have well-equipped pleasure ports and cater for both the
beginner and the experienced. The islands of
Porquerolles
and
Bendor
have renowned
sailing schools.
View photo
3. CLIMBING
For some of France's finest, toughest rock climbing, head for the Buoux cliffs in
the Luberon (for further details see
Parc Naturel Régional du Luberon
), the Verdon
Gorges, with 933 routes (for further details see
Grand Canyon du Verdon
)
or the
creeks between Marseille and Cassis (for further details see
Les Calanques
). Easier
conditions can be found in the
Dentelles de Montmirail
.
View photo
4. SCUBA DIVING
The richness of marine life, clear waters and a sprinkling of wrecks all draw divers to
the Mediterranean coast. The Iles d'Hyères are noted for their seascapes and for the
underwater “discovery trail” on Port-Cros (for further details see
Scuba-diving, Port
Cros
). Cavalaire and Marseille remain, however, the best known and best equipped
centres.
5. CANOEING
The classic trip is to canoe down the Verdon Gorges - a two-day, turbulent, 24-km
(15-mile) trip from Carrejuan Bridge to
Lac de Ste-Croix
. Slightly calmer spirits might
prefer canoeing La Sorgue, from
Fontaine-de-Vaucluse
.
