French Sports & Activities

The most important cycling race in the world happens in France. This race is for professionals as it is the hardest of races and is one that lasts for three weeks. France also has beautiful beaches where swimming and surfing are enjoyed. Rock climbing, mountaineering and skiing are also popular.

  1. Tour De France

    • The Tour De France attracts tens of thousands of spectators.

      The Tour De France is a race that is known around the world that dates back 100 years. The race takes about three weeks or 21 days to complete. It covers about 2,200 miles around the country and goes close to neighboring countries. This sport attracts hundreds of thousands of fans. The tour starts in Rotterdam and ends in Paris on the Champs-Elysees.

    Alpine skiing

    • Due to ski lifts or ski elevators skiers can now enjoy more challenging courses.

      Alpine skiing is a sport that is challenging as it tests the skier's downhill ability and coordination. This type of skiing came out of cross-country skiing when ski elevators made it possible for skiers to go higher thus allowing them to ski down long steep slopes. The French Alps offer many resorts as the conditions in that area are favorable for skiing. According to About France.com, the Alps are the greatest mountain range in Europe and one of the top destinations for skiing.

    The French Open

    • The French Open is one of the most highly-rated events in tennis

      The Stade Roland Garros in Paris is home to the French Open tennis tournament. This event takes place in the months of late May and early June and has been participated in by many world-class athletes. The Open is considered to be one of the world's toughest tournaments, is broadcast worldwide and viewed by many fans.

    Surfing at Biarritz

    • Those looking for thrill seeking waves will enjoy surfing in the autumn and winter.

      Located on the south west coast of France, Biarritz has become known for its year round surfing. This town is located on a long sandy coastline with water that swells from the north Atlantic into the Gulf de Gascoigne providing outstanding waves for surfing. Biarritz is a resort town with plenty of accommodations as well as surfing schools and lessons.

    Hiking in France

    • France has its hiking trails marked for the ease of the hiker.

      France has thousands of miles of well-marked trails. In France, longer hiking trails are marked with red and white lines whereas the shorter trails are marked with a single yellow line. Hikers of all skill levels find this helpful. For the past 60 years, walking has become one of the most enjoyed of the leisure sports.

    Wine Tours

    • Numerous tours to Frances wine making areas are available. There are a total of 10 wine-making regions each associated with its varieties of grapes and kind of soil. A highlight during the year are the Beaujolais Nouveau newly released in late November, the Vendanges grape harvesting festival in Autumn, and the champagne tasting in Champagne. Cheese tastings are often paired with wine tastings.