Central Massif & River Valleys

The Massif Central in the heart of France is the great unknown of the French landscape — and precisely for that reason so appealing. This volcanic highland, which occupies about one-sixth of the country's area, offers a landscape that is unique in Europe.

The Chaîne des Puys in the Auvergne — a chain of 80 extinct volcanoes strung like pearls on a string — has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2018. The Puy de Dôme (1,465 m) is the most famous: A cogwheel train goes almost to the summit, from where you can see one-seventh of the country's area on a clear day. The volcanoes are "only" 8,000 to 95,000 years old — geologically speaking, babies.

The Gorges du Tarn and Gorges de l'Ardèche are deep gorges carved through limestone — breathtaking for canoeing, climbing, and hiking. The Pont d'Arc in the Ardèche, a natural stone arch over the river, is one of France's most impressive natural monuments.

The Great River Valleys

• Loire Valley — the "Garden of France" with over 300 castles (Chambord, Chenonceau, Amboise, Villandry), gentle vineyards, and the longest river landscape in Europe. UNESCO World Heritage on 280 km length
• Dordogne — river valley with medieval villages (Sarlat, Beynac, La Roque-Gageac), prehistoric caves (Lascaux), and one of the most beautiful cultural landscapes in Europe
• Rhône Valley — from Lyon to the Mediterranean, cradle of great wines and a connecting axis between north and south
• Lot Valley — less known but spectacular: The river valley winds in tight meanders through limestone cliffs. Cahors, the capital of black wine (Malbec), lies on its banks