Beginner Hiking: the Best Easy Destinations

January 27, 2026 (16-minute read)

You look at your city shoes wondering if they’ll survive a “little mountain walk”? Bad news: they won’t. Good news: you don’t need to climb Everest to discover the joy of hiking!

According to the French Hiking Federation, 62% of beginners quit because they choose an unsuitable route. In other words, most failures come from one simple mistake: aiming too high, too soon.

France is full of perfect destinations for a gentle start — from 5 km loops near big cities, to moderate mountain trails with 300 m of elevation gain, to accessible coastal paths. The goal isn't to suffer, but to fall in love with the unique freedom of walking in nature.

In this guide, we’ve selected the best easy destinations for beginners, with all the practical tips to choose your route, gear, and avoid classic beginner mistakes.

Table of Contents

• Why choose these destinations to begin? • The best easy hikes in France • How to assess your level before leaving? • How to properly prepare your first hike? • Essential gear for a stress-free start • How to navigate on the trails? • Tips to start your first outing well • Mistakes you must absolutely avoid • FAQ

Why choose these destinations to begin?

These hiking routes offer progressive learning with no risk of discouragement. The selected trails have clear waymarking and proper infrastructure: regular water sources, shelters in case of bad weather, and easy access to rescue if needed.

Each destination lets you test different natural environments: coastal terrain to adapt to uneven ground, low mountains to get used to elevation gain, and forests to develop your natural sense of direction.

The motivating goal stays the same: build confidence through accumulating small wins — rather than facing technical challenges too early that require solid experience.

The best easy hiking destinations in France

Easy mountain hikes to start with

The Vercors plateau is an ideal training ground, with accessible limestone plateaus. The north-south traverse gradually introduces elevation gain with no technical passages — plan 6 to 8 days to discover mid-mountain hiking at your own pace.

The Vosges welcome you with well-marked trails at moderate altitude. The Massif Central offers ideal one-day loops to test your fitness: about +300 m of elevation gain on safe forest paths.

In the Alps, Lake Roy (1,660 m) is just a 30-minute walk from Taninges. The Emparis plateau introduces you to the glaciers of La Meije via an easy itinerary between lakes and mountain meadows.

Pro tip: choose family-friendly marked routes with regular water points and accessible refuges to make your first mountain hikes safe.

Easy loops near major French cities

Within 100 km of French metropolises, you’ll find short hikes perfect for beginners. GR 1 loops around Paris via the Fontainebleau forest — a 15 km day hike with +200 m elevation.

Near Lyon, the Beaujolais trails offer 8–12 km loops through vineyards and perched villages like Ternand — easily accessible by train from Lozanne.

Near Bordeaux, the Great Dune of Pilat offers a refreshing change of scenery: 7 km of sand walking with stunning ocean views. Around 3 hours of moderate effort and unique landscapes.

These urban-edge itineraries let you test your gear and pacing without worrying about accommodation.

Perfect weekend hiking escapes

Turning 48 hours into a real nature escape requires destinations where effort remains enjoyable. Successful weekend hikes rely on landscape variety rather than performance.

The GR 34 in Brittany offers exactly that freedom: walk 8 km per day along the coast, adjusting your pace as you please. Sleep in small fishing harbors like Ploumanac’h and wake up facing pink granite rocks.

For a first two-day hike, favor loop routes that naturally bring you back to your starting point. Your backpack stays light with just the essentials: first-aid kit, dried fruit, and a phone for emergencies.

These short escapes build experience without discouragement — every weekend becomes a motivating win.

Easy 4-day itineraries to get started

Four days is the perfect duration to discover backpacking without rushing. The GR 340 in Brittany — voted the French public’s favorite trail — offers 87 km over four days with moderate elevation gain and frequent lodging.

The Tour des Aiguilles Rouges introduces Alpine scenery between 1,000 m and 2,000 m. Accessible refuges make progress safe, while Mont-Blanc views reward every stage.

In the Massif Central, the Dômes loop alternates dormant volcanoes and forests on well-marked trails. It’s even suitable for children, thanks to short stages and multiple lodging options.

Practical tip: pack 2 liters of water per day, cereal bars, and a headlamp — essential for first multi-day hikes.

How to assess your level before leaving?

How many kilometers should a beginner aim for?

Your current physical condition determines your ideal starting distance. 5 to 10 km on easy terrain is a perfect entry point to get familiar with hiking sensations.

These first kilometers let you test your gear without risking exhaustion. Pay attention to your reactions: breathlessness, muscle pain, hydration management.

15 km is a maximum for an ambitious first hike — but only if you already practice regular physical activity. Elevation gain is more decisive than distance: +300 m of elevation is comparable in effort to 6 km on flat terrain.

Understanding elevation gain to choose correctly

Elevation gain represents the difference in altitude between two points on your route. It matters far more than the raw numbers: it determines your real effort.

• Positive elevation gain: total of all ascents on your hike. +400 m of gain is an excellent beginner threshold — even if split across multiple climbs. • Cumulative gain accounts for additional climbs after each descent — meaning a rolling route can quickly become a physical challenge.

Check the elevation profile on your IGN map or hiking app: steep slopes require hiking poles and increase the risk of slipping. Always choose progressive ascents to tame this new dimension of effort.

How to properly prepare your first hike

Choosing an easy itinerary suited to your abilities

Honesty with yourself is the first step toward a successful hike. If climbing three flights of stairs leaves you winded, begin with 5 km loops and under +300 m elevation gain.

Choose well-marked trails (like GR routes) to avoid navigation mistakes. These offer clear landmarks and escape routes if your body reminds you of its limits.

Check the weather forecast 48 hours before departure: threatening skies can turn a pleasant walk into a nightmare. Always pack sunscreen even under clouds — and permanently ban jeans, which become torture when wet. Opt for quick-drying technical pants.

The right gear is the difference between discovery and discouragement. Careful preparation will let you enjoy your first mountain sunset in the best conditions.

Checking weather and trail conditions

Consult Météo France 48 hours beforehand, but don’t rely solely on general forecasts. Specialized apps like Windy or Meteoblue show altitude-based details: temperature, wind, cloud cover.

Weather traps to avoid: a clear valley sky can hide mountain fog. Check refuge or summit webcams for real-time conditions.

Contact local tourist offices for trail status: a path may be closed due to landslide or flooding even during good weather — and such alerts often aren’t published online.

Uncertain weather doesn’t mean cancel — simply adapt. Choose routes with refuges or shelters to stay safe if conditions worsen.

Planning your route and rest breaks

Planning your break times is what transforms an exhausting hike into a progressive discovery. Mentally split your route into 45–60 minute segments — your body needs these regular pauses to recharge.

Identify natural rest spots in advance on your IGN map: refuges, viewpoints, water sources, shaded areas. These give you motivating intermediate goals and add safety.

For a first hike, plan 15-minute breaks every hour plus 30 minutes for lunch. This buffer prevents stress and allows you to fully enjoy the scenery.

Essential gear for a peaceful start

Footwear: your #1 investment

Your feet will support 100% of your weight for hours over uneven terrain — your sneakers won’t cut it.

For beginners, pick mid- or high-cut hiking boots to support your ankles. Lightweight shoes ease your first steps — but prioritize stability above all.

Test them in-store with your hiking socks — in the afternoon, when your feet are slightly swollen. Leave 1 cm of space between your longest toe and the front — your toenails will thank you on descents.

Minimum budget: €100–150 for a reliable pair that makes your outing a pleasure, not a struggle.

Backpack and essential contents

A 20–30 L backpack is more than enough for your first day hikes. Empty, it should never exceed 1.5 kg — every gram counts when carried for hours.

Smart packing order: • Heavy items (water bottle, food) against your back • Light gear outward • Map, phone, energy bars in side pockets — always within reach

Non-negotiable: a first-aid kit — bandages, survival blanket, disinfectant, painkillers. Also carry a headlamp even for a daytime hike — days shorten quickly in the mountains.

Protect your gear with waterproof bags — a soaked backpack can ruin your day faster than rain itself.

Clothing and seasonal protection

The three-layer system adapts perfectly to seasonal variations you’ll encounter while hiking. This modular approach allows you to adjust your protection without overloading your backpack.

• Spring and Autumn: combine a breathable technical t-shirt, a light fleece, and a windproof jacket. These unpredictable seasons require flexibility — you can remove or add layers depending on the weather.

• Summer: simplify your gear with a long-sleeve UV-protective t-shirt and a compact waterproof jacket. Sun protection becomes a priority — even in the mountains, sunlight is stronger.

• Winter: wear thermal base layers, a thick insulating layer, and a hardshell waterproof jacket. Add gloves, hat, and neck gaiter to protect extremities from the cold.

Important: avoid cotton, which retains moisture. Choose synthetic fabrics or merino wool that efficiently wick sweat.

How to navigate on the trails?

Understanding trail markings

Following colored marks on trees and rocks becomes your new natural compass. These painted stripes follow a precise code:

• White and red = GR (Grande Randonnée)

• Yellow = PR (Promenade et Randonnée)

• White and yellow = GR de Pays

Pay attention to changes in direction: a mark shifted right or left indicates a junction. Directional signs at intersections provide destinations and estimated walking times.

Golden rule: if you don’t see any markings for 10 minutes, backtrack to the last visible mark. Your IGN map remains essential to confirm your location, even on marked trails.

Apps and maps to never get lost

Your smartphone makes navigation easy, even without a mobile signal. IGNrando’ and Visorando dominate the French market with detailed downloadable offline maps and 35,000 indexed routes.

Download your route before departure — these apps work in airplane mode via GPS. AllTrails is excellent for discovering new trails with community reviews, while Komoot automatically plans routes based on your level.

Smart tip: most offer free access for beginners. Premium IGN maps cost around €20/year. Keep an external battery in your backpack — these tools consume more energy than normal usage.

Tips to start your first outing well

Finding your right walking pace

Starting like a sprinter guarantees exhaustion before noon. Your body needs 15 minutes to adapt: start slowly, then increase pace gradually.

• On flat terrain: aim for 3.5–4 km/h for your first hikes. This pace lets you maintain conversation without breathlessness — a reliable indicator.

• Uphill: halve the pace. +300 m elevation per hour is comfortable for beginners.

Sync your breathing with your steps: 2 inhales, 2 exhales per walking cycle. This simple technique naturally regulates pace and avoids sudden bursts of effort.

Listen to your body, not your watch. A comfortable pace can be sustained for hours without strain. Experience will refine your cadence.

Managing effort and breaks

Take a break every hour to maintain consistent effort. This allows you to check hydration and adjust pace before fatigue sets in.

Drink 150 ml of water at each stop, even if not thirsty. Snack lightly on dried fruit or energy bars — small, repeated doses are better absorbed.

Keep breaks under 10 minutes to avoid muscle cooling. Too long a stop stiffens joints and makes restarting harder. Shake legs and arms lightly before resuming to reactivate circulation.

Watch for signs of excessive fatigue: persistent breathlessness, emerging cramps, loss of concentration. These require a longer rest or immediate turnaround.

What to do in case of difficulty

If the weather suddenly worsens or your energy fails, stop immediately and assess the situation. Find natural shelter (rock, dense tree) and put on rain gear before getting soaked.

Stay on marked trails even if tempting shortcuts appear — unmaintained paths can lead to dead ends. If you lose trail markings, return to the last known reference point instead of proceeding blindly.

For health issues (fainting, persistent cramps), never push limits. Safety always comes before the day’s objective. A cautious hiker keeps enough energy for the return trip.

Mistakes to absolutely avoid

Overestimating abilities at the start

Beginner enthusiasm often turns a discovery hike into an obstacle course. Do you think you can climb +1,500 m because you climb stairs regularly?

This common mistake leads novices to choose unsuitable routes. An experienced hiker can cover 20 km with +1,000 m; you may struggle with 8 km and +400 m.

Start with 2–3 hour walks with moderate elevation. Test your response to prolonged effort, weather changes, and backpack weight.

Mountains don’t forgive misplaced pride: exhaustion, injuries, and danger await those who rush.

Being poorly equipped or overloaded

The “just in case” syndrome hits beginners hard: three spare socks, two fleeces, a first-aid kit like a field hospital — your bag weighs 8 kg before water and food.

Golden rule: your pack must never exceed 20% of your body weight. For 70 kg, max 14 kg including full gear.

Test new shoes on short walks before the big adventure. Unbroken-in footwear turns a beautiful hike into a blister-filled ordeal. Wear them at least 20 hours in town before taking them to trails.

Poor gear ruins enjoyment faster than unpredictable weather.

Neglecting preparation and hydration

Leaving at 11 a.m. without drinking since waking up? Your body will struggle in the first kilometers. This classic oversight turns fun into endurance trial.

Drink 500 ml in the 2 hours before departure to compensate for overnight fluid loss. Your morning urine should be clear — a reliable indicator.

During the hike, 150 ml every 20–30 minutes maintains optimal performance. Waiting until thirsty signals 1–2% dehydration, reducing capacity by 10–15%.

Plan water points along the route or carry at least 1.5 L for a multi-hour hike. Hydration preparation determines success as much as shoes do.

FAQ