SPORTS & OUTDOOR IN THE PROVENCE

The spectacularly varied landscapes of the Provence and the perfect weather conditions offer ideal settings for sporting holidays. You can bask in the sun along the coastline of the Mediterranean Sea, hike around the soft rolling hills through vineyards and lavender fields, climb majestic mountains and discover the hidden treasures of the region.

From the coastal paths to mountain tracks, Provence is a paradise for walkers. You can wander around bays or along the woodland paths, while professional hikers can explore the National Hiking Trails.

Climbing

There are hundreds of cliffs and rocks in the Provence scattered on a wide area covering the southern Alps down to the coast. For finest and toughest rock climbing in France, visitors go to the Buoux cliffs in the Luberon national park. One can try the Gorges du Verdon there are plenty of routes or the creeks between Cassis and Marseille. Those who prefer the easier conditions head to the Dentelles de Montmirail. Les Calanques is located on the outskirts of Marseilles and is one France's most famous natural beauties. The limestone cliffs are marked by an impressive, jagged Mediterranean coastline with deep green bays and white rocks plunging into the sea. This place offers not only breathtaking panoramas and swims but also some of the most varied climbing activities in France. A great number of hikers frequent the area, following the marked trails. Check our holiday homes in the mountains in France.

Scuba Diving

The magnificent marine life, crystal clear waters and a variety of wrecks draw many divers to the Provencal coastline. The Iles d’Hyères are famous for their seascapes and for the underwater “discovery trail” on Port-Cros. Cavalaire and Marseille are still the most popular and best equipped scuba diving centers.Our holiday home in Narbonne-Plage are a perfect choice for your scuba diving vacation in the Provence.

Rafting & Canoing

The Gorges du Verdon is 700m deep in places and the perfect environment for white-water activities such as kayaking, rafting, hot-dogging. Castellane is the main center for white-water activities and here you can join for half or full-day expeditions. The classic trip is to canoe down the Verdon Gorges – a, turbulent, 24-km trip from Carrejuan Bridge to Lac de Ste-Croix. Calmer spirits might practice canoing at La Sorgue, from Fontaine-de-Vaucluse. Rafting is also a fancy water sport in Gorges du Verdon, and it can be enjoyed by young and old alike. Children aged 8 or older are accepted on the initiation courses. We offer a wide selection of holiday homes near water in the Provence for families and couples as well.

Skiing

The Southern Alps offer all the conditions to satisfy the snow lovers whether they wish to ski, practice snowboarding or skating, whether they hike or snowshoe. The resorts are concentrated in the area where Provence and the Alps meet. Pra-Loup, the Ubaye valley, Le Sauze offers international-standard facilities just like in the Allos valley, Seignus and La Foux. On Mont Ventoux you can enjoy family-standard skiing at Mont Serein. Find out more about our winter sports holiday homes in France.

Mountain Biking

Provence is the perfect destination for two-wheel activities. The fabulous landscape is covered with bike tracks made for day trips or longer itineraries. If you have thighs of steel and strong lungs head to Mont Ventoux in Vancluse in the Haute-Provence region for Provence's toughest bike trails. The easier routes of the Luberon National Park and Massive of Maures are more inviting for the average people. Refreshing stops along vineyards, olive groves, and lavender fields will make you push the pedal harder. The marked trails, up and down the mountains of the Alpes de Haute-Provence, are endlessly inviting. Our summer holiday homes in the Provence cater for all your outdoor needs.

If swinging through the trees is something you always dreamed of, check out Passerelles des Cimes in Lagnes, Vaucluse an adventure playground high in the trees. Supervised from professional staff children and adults can walk high through the trees, crossing bridges, spider webs and obstacle courses. All you need is a short initiation exercise and the fun can begin. Five different levels of difficulty and 2 hours of activity provide a fun way to spend the afternoon with your kids.