What Does GR Mean in Hiking? Complete Guide and Tips
What Does GR Mean in Hiking? Complete Guide and Tips
January 19, 2026 (8-minute read)
GR: three letters that make millions of hikers’ hearts beat faster. But what exactly do they mean?
Grande Randonnée. That’s the meaning behind this iconic acronym in the world of walking. GR trails are marked routes designed for multi-day or even multi-week hikes, crossing diverse landscapes throughout France.
Since 1947, with the creation of the first section of the GR 3 between Orléans and Beaugency, these trails have continued to expand. Today, more than 65,000 kilometers of GR trails crisscross the country, from the famous GR 20 in Corsica to the GR 34 along the Brittany coastline.
Recognizable by their red and white markers, GR trails offer adventures suitable for all levels. Whether you are a beginner hiker or an experienced trekker, understanding how they work will open the doors to a limitless territory of exploration.
Table of Contents
GR in Hiking: Meaning and Definition
GR literally stands for Grande Randonnée. This term refers to walking routes designed to be completed over several days, or even weeks.
Created in 1947 by the National Committee of Grande Randonnée Trails (CNSGR), these paths met a new need that arose after paid vacation was introduced in 1936. Jean Loiseau, with the support of the Camping Club of France, developed the characteristic marking system.
The red and white stripes, the distinctive sign of GR trails, measure 10 cm wide by 5 cm high. This standardized marking guides hikers across 65,000 kilometers of officially maintained routes, supported by 8,500 passionate volunteers.
The Fascinating History of GR Trails in France
Jean Loiseau, the Pioneer of GR Trails
An archivist at the Bank of France, Jean Loiseau discovered his passion for walking as early as 1910 through scouting. After World War I, he founded Les Compagnons Voyageurs and traveled across Europe with a compass and map in hand.
His decisive inspiration came from the Belgian Ardennes in 1936. During a camp in the Ourthe Valley, the idea emerged: why not create "great walking routes" in France? With the support of the Camping Club of France, he developed this revolutionary project.
In 1946, the characteristic red-and-white trail marking was finalized. On August 31, 1947, the first section of the GR 3 between Orléans and Beaugency was inaugurated, leading to the creation of the National Committee of Grande Randonnée Trails.
1947: Birth of the First Official Trail
The project took concrete form with the creation of the National Committee of Grande Randonnée Trails on August 22, 1947. This organization brought together the Touring Club of France, the Camping Club of France, the French Alpine Club, and several scouting groups.
Nine days later, on September 1, 1947, the first official section was inaugurated: 28 kilometers connecting Orléans to Beaugency along the Loire. The GR 3 thus became the very first marked long-distance hiking trail in France.
The following year, the first segments of the GR 1 appeared in the Paris region, notably between Dammartin-en-Goël and Orry-la-Ville. 1952 marked a symbolic milestone with 1,000 kilometers of officially recorded GR trails.
How to Read Trail Markers
The Red and White Markings of GR Trails
Two superimposed rectangles, one white and one red: this is the visual signature of the Grande Randonnée trails. These marks measure 10 cm wide by 5 cm high and repeat approximately every 150 meters on trees, rocks, or posts.
The FFRandonnée has standardized these colors according to precise references: red RAL 3020 and white RAL 9016. You will encounter these markings painted or as weather-resistant stickers.
Be careful not to confuse them with forestry markings, which are also red and white but have a different shape. The 8,500 volunteer markers maintain these signs to ensure hikers don’t lose their way while exploring a region.
Understanding Symbols and Signs
On the trail, three main shapes guide your progress. A simple horizontal line indicates that you are following the trail correctly. An arrow next to the rectangle signals a change in direction: turn as indicated without hesitation.
A red-and-white cross represents a strict prohibition. Turn back immediately to find the correct path, usually located a few meters behind.
Directional signs complement this system at key intersections. They indicate destinations, distances, and estimated walking times. In mountainous areas, prioritize time estimates over kilometers due to variable elevation changes.
Some regions add their own codes: colored triangles for mountain biking, orange stripes for equestrian routes. Focus on your specific markings to avoid unintended detours.
What Is the Difference Between GR and GRP?
GR de Pays: Yellow and Red Markings
GR de Pays follow a territorial logic: highlighting a coherent local heritage rather than crossing multiple regions. These looped routes, identifiable by their yellow-and-red markers, explore a homogeneous geographic area.
Unlike numbered GRs, GRPs only have evocative names: “Tour du Beaufortain” or “Green Belt of Île-de-France.” This approach allows for an in-depth exploration of a region, often achievable in a few days.
The yellow-and-red rectangle follows the same coding as classic GRs: horizontal stripes measuring 10 cm by 5 cm, placed every 150 meters. The 8,500 FFRandonnée volunteers maintain these 65,000 kilometers of trails with the same technical rigor.
PR: Local Trails
Very different from GRs that cross regions, PRs (Promenade et Randonnée) focus on local exploration. These proximity trails are marked in yellow and offer routes lasting 1 to 6 hours maximum.
112,000 kilometers of these trails crisscross France, created in collaboration with local authorities: town halls, tourist offices, and natural parks. Perfect for beginner hikers or family outings, they highlight local heritage without the need for overnight accommodation.
The yellow line guides thematic loops: geological discovery, historical circuit, birdwatching walk. Unlike long GR crossings, these trails always return you to your starting point.
How Many GR Trails Exist in France?
Essential GR Trails to Know
Among the 300 routes across France, some paths leave a lasting impression on hikers. The GR 20 crosses Corsica over 177 kilometers of pure mountain terrain, while the GR 34 stretches 2,090 kilometers along the Brittany coast.
The Tour du Mont-Blanc remains the ultimate reference with its 170 kilometers across three countries. More accessible, the GR 58 circles the Queyras over 128 kilometers, perfect for alpine hiking beginners.
For variety, the GR 5 connects Lake Geneva to Nice over 600 kilometers of high mountain terrain, passing through three national parks. History enthusiasts will appreciate the GR 70, which follows Stevenson’s footsteps through the Cévennes over 272 kilometers of preserved heritage.
Maps and Resources for Choosing a Trail
Choosing your next GR requires reliable tools to assess difficulty and plan your hike. IGN offers thematic packs with all the TOP 25 maps needed per GR, avoiding multiple purchases.
GR @ccess, FFRandonnée’s online service, centralizes over 70,000 kilometers of trails with detailed descriptions and elevation profiles. This paid platform also provides official GPS tracks, essential for navigation.
For an overview, the general GR map at 1:960,000 scales all metropolitan routes. MonGR.fr complements these resources with an interactive map allowing filtering by region, duration, and difficulty level.
Proper Gear for Hiking GR Trails
Hiking Grande Randonnée trails requires equipment suited to the specifics of these marked routes. Your 40–60 liter backpack is the centerpiece, sized for several days of autonomy without compromising walking comfort.
Hiking boots are your direct interface with often rugged trails. Opt for high-cut models with Vibram soles, tested beforehand to prevent blisters over long distances.
Your navigation system combines an IGN 1:25,000 map and a mobile app with downloaded GPS tracks. This redundancy ensures safety in areas with limited network coverage, common on mountain GRs. Portable battery packs are essential to keep your geolocation active for several consecutive days.
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