Natural canyons in France offer scenic landscapes and biodiversity

France offers several lesser-known natural canyons that provide spectacular landscapes and biodiversity away from major tourist crowds.

The Gorges du Gardon, located between Russan and Collias in the Gard department, features white limestone walls reaching heights of approximately 30 meters. The area is known for its transparent waters and diverse flora and fauna, including rose tamarisks, holm oaks, and colonies of griffon vultures reintroduced by the Groupe Ornithologique du Gard. Activities include canoeing and hiking along the GR63 trail.

In the Basque Country, the Gorges de Kakuetta provides a lush, tropical-like environment characterized by verdant walls and a microclimate. The site includes an emerald lake, wooden footbridges suspended over the canyon, and a 20-meter waterfall. The area also features the Kakuetta Cave, which contains stalactites and stalagmites.