It is especially southern Europe that lures many holidaymakers to its regions year after year and offers them a relaxing flair with sun, mountains and seas. Depending on preference, Italy, Spain and France can boast of being interesting for a large number of guests. France in particular becomes a real insider tip in various respects. Of course, the culture of the country and its metropolises such as Paris is well known. As is the fact that varied destinations can be found here for summer and winter alike, enabling skiing as well as diving and swimming. But it is not quite so well known that the south of France in particular also offers good opportunities for climbing.
Varied possibilities
As much as the south of France is associated with a Mediterranean climate, sun and glorious beaches, it also offers a climbing paradise. For numerous gorges, steep walls and overhangs practically invite you to climb them. Depending on ability and the challenge desired, the beginner will feel just as at home here as the professional. For it is the mixed tours in particular that demand a lot from the sportsperson. By this we mean those hikes that begin in fine sunshine and warm temperatures at not too high an altitude, but can end on snow-covered summits. The mountaineer experiences not only incomparably beautiful views and uplifting moments, but also has to face and defy the adversities of extreme altitudes.
Mountains and gorges
Particularly attractive possibilities arise wherever climbing in gorges and caves is possible. This is the case, for example, in the region around the Verdon. In the area, which offers the diversity of a national park, tours with a dreamlike view are not rare. The same is true for the Alpes-Maritimes, where the climber can let his gaze wander over Nice and far out over the Mediterranean. The climatic challenges, on the other hand, become somewhat greater in the Hautes-Alpes: the area in the south-east of France mostly extends far into the cold and snow-covered regions. Depending on the desired outing, suitable equipment must therefore be ensured, for however picturesquely beautiful every mountain may be, a tour there can end dangerously.
Suitable for every wish
Anyone who now feels like going climbing in the south of France should plan this challenge well in advance. For whether in summer or winter, for beginners or professionals, on steep walls or in caves: the whole area in the south of the nation is crossed by elevations and large mountain massifs. For every wish the right thing can be found here. Especially at higher altitudes and in the mixed zones (tours through temperate to icy climate), however, a mountain guide should accompany the group as a precaution. The whims of nature are hard to judge here too. Especially since the beauties of the country can only really be enjoyed in full safety.