All types of watersports are available in France including diving, snorkeling, surfing and white water rafting.

France has over 3,000 km (1,880 miles) of coastline, ranging from the rugged English Chanel and the Atlantic coasts on the north and west to the sunny shores of the French Riviera (Côte d'Azur) and along the Mediterranean in the south. All types of watersports are available, although the warm climate of the Mediterranean provides obvious advantages, with swimming in the sea possible practically all year round. Diving and snorkeling are popular in Porquerolles and Corsica, while the colder English Chanel and the Atlantic waters are popular with sailing enthusiasts.

Surfing is best in the southwest corner of France, around Biarritz, where waves can reach four meters. Windsurfing is popular along the Atlantic coast and on lakes across the country, where you can hire equipment too.

Rivers leading from the Massif Central and the Alps are popular for rafting and camoeing, the Gorges du Verdon for white water rafting and the Gorges du Tarn for kayaking.