10 Best Hikes in France
Where to Walk Around France’s Most Beautiful Landscapes?
The best hikes in France highlight the country’s natural beauty and stunning landscapes. Choose from short walks through fragrant lavender fields, moderate hikes along coastal paths or strenuous climbs up rugged mountains. History buffs can explore war memorials and experienced hikers can challenge themselves on a gruelling trek across Corsica.
Hiking in France is ideal from June to September, especially in the alpine regions. You’ll be able to enjoy the flora and fauna without worrying about trekking through snow, and you’ll get breathtaking views over azure lakes and iconic landmarks. Discover more handy tips for your hikes in France in our guide below.
1. Verdon Gorge
Breathtaking beauty
Categorías: Fotos, Familias, Asequible
Verdon Gorge lies in the heart of picturesque Provence, in southeast France. It’s the largest canyon in Europe, with over 100 km of hiking trails. Many of the trails overlook vertiginous cliffs and pass through charming Provençal villages where you can stop for a rest. For experienced hikers, the Martel Trail is well-known for its diverse terrain and spectacular views of the canyon and emerald-green river.
Shorter hikes, particularly those departing from Saint-Laurent-du-Verdon, are a great choice for families. Snap lovely photos of symmetrical rows of vivid purple lavender from the Plateau de Valensole and inhale the intoxicating aroma. Then, continue down to the refreshing lakes and river where kids can splash and swim.
Verdon Gorge
2. Mare a Mare Sud
A coast-to-coast trail
Categorías: Fotos, Aventuras
Mare a Mare Sud traverses southern Corsica, showcasing the beauty of the island. The name of the trail translates as “sea to sea” and this challenging trail covers 82 km from Porto-Vecchio on the east coast to Propriano on the west coast. Experienced hikers can usually complete this trail in 5 stages over 5 days, but there are several peaks to climb and lots of rocky sections, so you may want to take your time.
Climbing up the Punta di a Cuciurpula mountain will give you panoramic views over the tiny villages below. You’ll pass through some of these traditional villages, including Quenza and Serra-di-Scopamène, where you can take beautiful photos of the old stone buildings.
Mare a Mare Sud
3. Corsica GR 20
A challenging hike with lots of climbing
Categorías: Fotos, Aventuras
The Corsica GR 20 is not for the faint-hearted. The trail extends 178 km, often over rugged terrain, exploring the mountainous region down the centre of the island. Start your hike in the delightful town of Calenzana in northern Corsica and admire the mountain villages and picturesque houses nestled into hillsides as you follow the route.
The trail ends in Conca, in the south, and it can take anywhere from 7 to 17 days to complete. It’s a well-marked trail and easy to follow. Be sure to take advantage of the refugios (mountain huts) along the way. You’ll love the generous servings of local cuisine at reasonable prices, which are great for stocking up on supplies to continue your hike.
Corsica GR 20
4. Grande Traversée des Alpes GR 5
For alpine lovers
Categorías: Aventuras, Fotos
The Grande Traversée des Alpes GR 5 is a mammoth trail which extends from Lake Geneva, in Switzerland, down to the Mediterranean Sea, in the south of France. The GTA, as it’s known by locals, gives you breathtaking views over the Alps and you’ll discover incredible biodiversity and changing landscapes as you cross 600 km of southeast France.
This hike is best completed between June and October, and the 40 stages let you take things at a leisurely pace. Visit the Alpine fortifications and admire the beautiful fauna, including edelweiss and wild orchids. The wildlife is amazing too. You’ll see Alpine ibex, deer and groundhogs along the trail, and you’ll hear the enchanting sound of cowbells on Alpine pastures.
Grande Traversée des Alpes GR 5
5. Sentier du Littoral, French Basque Country
An easy path with ocean views
Categorías: Asequible, Fotos, Comida
The Sentier du Littoral, French Basque Country, is a gentle hike of around 25 km along France’s southwest coastline. Depart from the quaint town of Bidart and get sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean as you head down to Hendaye, next to the Spanish border. At Parlementia Beach, near to Guéthary, you’ll see lots of surfers riding the huge waves and it’s a great viewpoint over the ocean and surrounding cliffs towards Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
Pass through small, coastal towns and villages on this gentle hike and reach Hendaye just in time for a seafood dinner in one of the many beachfront restaurants. Enjoy a spectacular sunset over the ocean to end your day-long hike.
Sentier du Littoral, French Basque Country
6. Le Chemin des Rognes
Rocky terrain for experienced hikers
Categorías: Fotos, Aventuras
Le Chemin des Rognes is a rugged trail in the French Alps. Head to Bellevue, just 8 km from Chamonix, to start this challenging hike. The path was created following a natural disaster in 1892 and it has been restored in places. The terrain can be tricky and, whilst there are cables in place on the difficult parts, you’ll reach a vertiginous height of over 2,700 metres at the Cabane des Rognes (mountain cabin).
From this hike, you’ll get some breathtaking views of Mont Blanc and the Aiguille du Goûter with its unique, dome-shaped refuge perched at 3,835 metres high. Be sure to check weather conditions before attempting this hike in case you need crampons or an ice axe.
Le Chemin des Rognes
7. Lac Blanc
Spectacular scenery and overnight accommodation
Categorías: Fotos, Aventuras, Ambiente nocturno
Lac Blanc lies in the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Preserve, close to Chamonix. This Alpine lake has an altitude of over 2,300 metres so you’ll need a good head for heights. Choose from three different routes depending on how strenuous you want your hike to be. When you reach this azure lake, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view of the mountain peaks and their reflection in the glistening water.
For a unique experience, spend a night in the lakeside refuge. The following morning, enjoy a hearty breakfast whilst watching the sun rise over the water, before setting off on your descent. You’ll need to book well in advance as the refuge is small, with limited capacity and it’s very popular.
Lac Blanc
8. D-Day Beaches, Normandy
Gentle trails along a historic coastline
Categorías: Historia, Fotos
The D-Day Beaches, Normandy, are a solemn reminder of World War II. On 6th June, 1944, Allied Forces landed on 5 different beaches in this region to attack the occupying forces. Guided hikes are popular along this stretch of coastline as you’ll learn how the events of that historic day shaped the future of France and the rest of the world.
Many guided hikes cover the 80 km coastline in 7 days, giving you plenty of time to take in the sights. They’re suitable for all levels, with mostly flat terrain. You can also do 1-day hikes around each beach. Start with Omaha and stand in awe at the cemetery of white crosses overlooking 10 km of golden sand.
D-Day Beaches, Normandy
9. Western Front Battlefields
A multi-week hike
Categorías: Historia, Fotos, Aventuras
The Western Front Battlefields cover a challenging hike that stretches over 1,000 km. You’ll walk from the Swiss/French border, through eastern France and up to the Belgian coastline, on a hike that usually lasts around 40 days. You’ll see the trenches and the sites where some of the bloodiest battles took place during World War I, including the Battle of Verdun.
The Western Front Way is a huge network of hiking trails and cycling paths that takes you through now-tranquil countryside and towns. The hike is long and the most challenging section is through the Vosges. Take the Col du Bonhomme pass over the mountains and you’ll see the preserved trenches at the Linge Memorial. It’s a sobering sight.
Western Front Battlefields
10. The Pilgrim’s Trail, Mont St. Michel
A magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site
Categorías: Fotos, Historia, Aventuras
The Pilgrim’s Trail, Mont St. Michel, leads you to one of France’s most popular sites. Retrace the footsteps of the millions of pilgrims who have travelled to this iconic landmark on one of several routes. The shortest hike is the Caen Route, which extends over 190 km. It starts on the coast and takes you through lush green countryside, forests and charming Normandy villages.
For a more strenuous hike, try the Rouen Route. On this 360 km hike you’ll discover the majestic, fortified castle at Falaise and beautiful, medieval towns. As you reach the Bay of Mont St. Michel, have your camera ready and prepare yourself for one final hike to the abbey right at the top of the island.
The Pilgrim’s Trail, Mont St. Michel
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