French regions where adrenaline is king

On this World Tourism Day, celebrated every September 27 since 1980, France, the number one tourist destination in the world, stands out once again. Beyond its cultural and gastronomic treasures, France is now establishing itself as a privileged destination for adventure tourism. The popularity of outdoor activities has continued to grow in recent years. In 2023, 56% of French people said they regularly go hiking, and 34% cycle.

A recent study by the bicycle sales platform Buycycle (1) highlights the best regions to get your fill of thrills. Its methodology is based on an analysis of nine criteria, including cycling routes, hiking trails, climbing routes and even extreme sports possibilities such as bungee jumping or hot air balloon flying. This ranking once again confirms the diversity of the French territory and its potential to meet the expectations of travelers in search of sensations.

Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes: the big thrill

Undisputed leader, the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region climbs to first place. Its mountain landscapes offer an exceptional setting for outdoor sports. With 75,557 cycle routes and 22,200 mountain bike trails, the region attracts cycling enthusiasts from all over the world. But the adventure doesn’t stop there: hikers can explore nearly 3,000 trails, while height enthusiasts take off in a hot air balloon or launch into the void during a bungee jump. Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes also has 73 water and amusement parks, 17 skydiving centers and 283 kayak trails. A region that ticks all the boxes for an active holiday.

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Occitanie: the call of the Pyrenees

Second in the ranking, Occitanie has nothing to be ashamed of. With its natural heritage, it extends over 86% of the Pyrenees massif, which makes it an ideal adventure playground. Its 47,700 mountain bike trails (a record in France) and its 53,149 cycle routes make it a paradise for cyclists, beginners and experienced alike. Hiking enthusiasts will not be left out, with 2,375 routes to discover, not to mention the kayaking possibilities which pass along sites as remarkable as the Château de Foix. In terms of water parks and attractions, Occitanie still stands out with 116 options. For seekers of aquatic thrills, the region rises to the top.

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New Aquitaine: a diverse adventure

Third on the podium, Nouvelle-Aquitaine seduces. Neighboring Occitanie, it offers a variety of experiences for nature lovers. With 57,676 cycle routes and 34,500 mountain bike trails, cyclists have plenty to enjoy. It also stands out for having the largest number of hiking trails in France, with 3048 routes. Whether on foot, by bike, or on the water (522 kayak circuits), there is no shortage of opportunities to experience an adventure. New Aquitaine also stands out for its 91 amusement parks and 23 hot air balloon flights, perfect for gaining a little height.

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Île-de-France: beyond the monuments

In fourth place, Île-de-France, often reduced to its urban attractions, reveals itself to be a region full of surprises for adventurers. With an impressive total of 113,945 cycle routes, it ranks at the top of the rankings in this category. Also first for climbing with 30,776 routes listed, it attracts climbers looking for challenges. Despite a more limited offer for hiking (566 trails), the region offers many options for adventure sports enthusiasts, particularly skydiving, where it ranks second with 33 specialized centers. A region to rediscover for those looking to combine adventure and cultural escapades.

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Hauts-de-France: adventure on a low budget

Hauts-de-France completes this top 5. Known for its proximity to Belgium, this region has something to appeal to thrill-seekers without emptying their wallets too much. With 26,838 cycle routes and 8080 mountain bike trails, it offers a great variety of options for cyclists. It also stands out for its 34 amusement parks, 25 skydiving centers and 45 hot air balloon flights, ideal for memorable aerial experiences. Although less rich in hiking trails, it remains a popular destination for families looking for fun and accessible activities.

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(1) To learn more about the methodology used to classify regions, here is the link to the study .