France has offered some of my favourite travel experiences over the years, especially when it comes to outdoor adventures. Two places that stand out are Fontainebleau and Morzine—completely different settings, but both unforgettable in their own ways. Climbing in Fontainebleau is something special. Just an hour or so from Paris, the forest opens up into this otherworldly landscape of sandstone boulders scattered among the trees. It’s a playground for climbers of all levels, and there’s something incredibly satisfying about working on a problem with nothing but a crash pad, some chalk, and the sound of the forest around you. The climbing scene there is welcoming and social, and the setting itself is peaceful enough that even a quiet day just walking through the woods feels worthwhile.
At the other end of the spectrum is snowboarding in Morzine, in the heart of the Portes du Soleil. The scale of the ski area is huge—you can ride all day and barely scratch the surface. The conditions have always been solid when I’ve visited, with everything from smooth groomers to powder-filled tree runs depending on the day. The town of Morzine itself is a great base: lively without being over the top, with plenty of good food and cosy après spots. There’s something about coming off the mountain and heading straight into a warm bar or restaurant that really brings the day to a perfect close.
Between the boulders of Fontainebleau and the slopes of Morzine, France has a way of delivering not just on landscapes and adventure, but on atmosphere and rhythm too. It’s a country where I’ve always felt like I could mix activity with downtime, and come away feeling like I’ve really made the most of it.
