Where to Go Hiking in France? Complete Guide to the Best Spots
Where to Go Hiking in France? Complete Guide to the Best Spots
January 28, 2026 (15-minute read)
From the 180 kilometers of the legendary Corsican GR 20 to the Breton coastal trails, France offers over 60,000 kilometers of marked paths for hikers of all levels.
But where to start when the choices are overwhelming? From the alpine peaks of the Tour du Mont Blanc, the lunar landscapes of the Cévennes on the Stevenson Trail, to the breathtaking panoramas of the Verdon Gorges, each mountain range reveals its own treasures. From family-friendly day hikes to multi-week treks with challenging elevation gains, from urban walks around Paris to Pyrenean crossings, we’ve compiled the must-visit spots for hiking in France.
Whether you’re a beginner looking for accessible trails or an experienced hiker seeking technical challenges, this guide helps you discover the most beautiful routes across the Hexagon, season by season.
Table of Contents
The Most Beautiful Regions to Hike in Southern France
Southern Alps and Mercantour: Mountain Trekking
The Mercantour region features over 600 kilometers of marked trails between the Mediterranean Sea and peaks reaching 3,000 meters. Mont Pelat (3,051 m) is the highlight, known as the “easiest 3,000-meter peak in the Southern Alps.”
Six valleys structure your trekking options: Tinée, Vésubie, Roya-Bévéra, Haut-Var, Cians, and Verdon. The GR 52 crosses the heart of the park over 98 kilometers, while the Grande Traversée du Mercantour links Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage to Saint-Dalmas-de-Tende in 12 stages.
High-altitude lakes punctuate the trails: Lac d’Allos (2,227 m, the largest natural lake in Europe), Lac du Trécolpas, and the Vallée des Merveilles with its 36,000 rock carvings.
Optimal period: May to October, depending on altitude. Refuges and gîtes line the routes for treks of 3 to 8 days.
Mont Pelat by kallerna
Provence and the Calanques: Mediterranean Nature Hikes
Between limestone cliffs and turquoise waters, the Calanques National Park stretches its wild coves over 20 kilometers between Marseille and Cassis. Trails cut through white rock, while Mediterranean scrub fills the air with its scent.
The GR 98-51 structures your route options: Calanque de Sugiton from Luminy (4 km, easy), the trio of Port-Miou, Port-Pin, and En-Vau from Cassis (12 km, 3h30), or Mont Puget (563 m, the massif’s highest point). Technical passages to Calanque de Morgiou require sure footing.
Summer restrictions: Access is regulated from June to September due to fire risk. Early departures and plenty of water are essential, as there are no resupply points on the trails.
Sugiton Calanques by Fabien from Pixabay
Corsica: The Legendary GR 20 and Island Circuits
The “Island of Beauty” showcases its mountainous character through the GR 20, considered the most demanding trail in France and even Europe. This 180-kilometer trail crosses Corsica from north to south along the main ridge, from Calenzana to Conca.
Two distinct experiences structure your hike: the GR 20 North (9 stages) involves rocky passages and technical terrain, with a total elevation gain of 7,000–8,000 m, while the GR 20 South (7 stages) offers smoother paths across pastoral plateaus. Guarded refuges operate from May to September along the route.
For testing your level, the Mare a Mare and Mare e Monti trails offer less technical alternatives. Mare e Monti North links Calenzana to Centuri in 10 days, combining maquis landscapes and authentic villages of the Corsican regional natural park.
Corsica landscapes by Stanislav Dadák de Pixabay
Pyrenees: From the Lower Verdon Gorges to the Peaks
Contrary to popular belief, the Lower Verdon Gorges, nestled in the regional park, offer an authentic alternative to the crowded Grand Canyon trails. The canal-guard trail winds 3 kilometers above crystalline waters, with secured passages via footbridges.
The Sainte-Maxime chapel marks a contemplative stop before heading toward the Pyrenean summits. Experienced hikers can tackle Grand Margès (1,577 m) from Aiguines, while family circuits explore loops around Lac de Quinson.
Technical tip: Prefer out-and-back routes rather than full loops to maximize time near the Verdon and enjoy the landscapes in different lighting.
La Palud-sur-Verdon, by Robert Pügner
Best Places to Hike in Northern France
Northern Alps: Tour du Mont Blanc and Vanoise
The Mont Blanc massif is the ultimate reference for alpine trekking in France with its legendary Tour du Mont Blanc. This 170-kilometer circuit crosses three countries, revealing seven distinct valleys and 71 glaciers.
The Vanoise offers a more secluded territory around its preserved glaciers. The Tour des Glaciers de la Vanoise stretches over six days between Maurienne and Tarentaise, passing the Col de la Vanoise (2,516 m) with spectacular views of the Grande Casse (3,855 m).
Petit Mont Blanc (2,680 m) offers an exceptional viewpoint over glacial domes. Refuges at Plan du Lac and Péclet-Polset mark technical stages across lunar landscapes and high-altitude lakes.
These massifs require advanced skill and gear suitable for high mountain conditions.
Landscapes of the Tour du Mont Blanc by Steen Jepsen from Pixabay
Jura and Vosges: Grande Traversée and Circuits
Two iconic Jura mountains structure long-distance hiking in France: the Grande Traversée du Jura over 400 km from Ballon d’Alsace to Lake Geneva, and the Traversée du Massif des Vosges spanning 430 km from Wissembourg to Belfort.
The GR 5 crosses both massifs, offering over 30 days of trekking for adventurers seeking long-distance challenges. The Vosges reveal high-altitude meadows and authentic mountain inns, while the Jura showcases high-altitude lakes and secret valleys.
The GR 59 offers a quieter alternative linking the Southern Vosges to the Jura mountains over 585 km, avoiding crowds while traversing pristine landscapes between fir forests and panoramic ridges.
Lac des Corbeaux, La Bresse, Vosges by Tristan Schmurr
Brittany: Coastal Trails and GR 34
Nicknamed the “customs officers’ trail,” the GR 34 runs along the entire Breton coastline. Hikers cover over 2,000 km from Mont-Saint-Michel to Saint-Nazaire, discovering exceptional coastal landscapes at every step.
The Pink Granite Coast between Perros-Guirec and Trégastel showcases granite chaos sculpted by the sea. The cliffs of Cap Fréhel rise 70 meters above the sea, while the Gulf of Morbihan stretches 180 kilometers around the “little sea.”
Practical tip: Luggage transfer services are available along the route for light hiking. Tides affect some sections—check timings before departure.
Granit Rose Coast, Côtes d'Armor, Bretagne by Patrick GIRAUD
Normandy: Cliffs and Bocage
The white chalk cliffs of the Alabaster Coast offer a striking spectacle between Le Havre and Le Tréport. The GR 21 follows this coastline over 180 km, alternating ridge trails and descents to hidden valleys.
The inland bocage reveals authentic Normandy through sunken paths and marked circuits. The Suisse Normande concentrates its relief around Roche d’Oëtre, a natural viewpoint over the Rouvre gorges.
Normandy’s 12,000 km of trails suit all profiles: family hikes through Calvados’s rolling meadows or technical treks along Étretat cliffs. Each route combines historical heritage and preserved nature to form Normandy’s identity.
Cliffs of Étretat from Allyson Beaucourt on Unsplash
Where to Go for Easy Hiking in France
Île-de-France: Circuit des 25 Bosses and Forests
An hour from Paris, Fontainebleau Forest hides one of Île-de-France’s most emblematic circuits. The Circuit des 25 Bosses crosses the Trois Pignons massif over 17 km with 800 m of cumulative elevation gain.
Created in the 1970s by Parisian climbers, this loop alternates technical climbs and forest panoramas. Sandstone rock formations provide easy climbing passages among pines and heather.
Access: RER D to Fontainebleau-Avon then bus, or Croix Saint-Jérôme parking. Duration: 6–7 hours depending on pace. Sandy trails and red markings make navigation easy despite the challenging nature of the route.
25-bump circuit, Trois Pignons national forest by Jerome Bon
Massif Central: Accessible Stevenson Trail
Following Scottish writer Robert Louis Stevenson and his donkey Modestine, the GR 70 crosses four regions of the Massif Central: Velay, Gévaudan, Mont-Lozère, and Cévennes. This 272 km literary trail is divided into 12 stages, adjustable to your level.
Red-and-white markings guide you without technical difficulty across volcanic plateaus and preserved valleys. Moderate elevation gains and abundant accommodation make it an excellent introduction to multi-day trekking.
Highest point: Finiels on Mont-Lozère at 1,699 m. Luggage transport services allow light hiking between guesthouses and inns.
View from the GR 70 trail on the Arquejols viaduct by TouN
Coastal Trails for Beginners
France’s coastal trails are perfect for beginner hikers due to moderate elevation and easy accessibility. The Breton GR 34 offers its easiest sections between Saint-Malo and Cancale, where flat, well-maintained terrain is ideal for families.
The French Riviera offers accessible routes like the Mala Beach trail near Menton, suitable year-round. Coastal paths feature excellent signage and many resupply points in the villages crossed.
Practical tip: Check tide schedules for some sections and favor early departures in summer. Public transport nearby allows point-to-point hiking rather than loops.
View of Cap de la Chèvre along the GR34 hiking trail by Thesupermat
Treks and Hikes of 3 to 5 Days
Tour of Queyras in 5 Days
The Queyras Regional Natural Park concentrates alpine landscapes in a compact 115 km circuit. This condensed version of the GR 58 alternates high passes and relaxing stops in authentic refuges.
Each stage reveals a different side of the massif: flower-filled pastures of Saint-Véran, high-altitude lakes of Malrif, panoramic ridges overlooking Mont Viso. Moderate daily elevation gains (600–800 m) make this trek accessible to hikers accustomed to mountains.
Highlights: Overnight at Refuge Agnel (2,575 m), crossing the legendary Casse Déserte, spotting marmots near Clausis. Red-and-white markings guide without technical difficulty across larch forests and preserved valleys.
The route is family-friendly from age 8, thanks to luggage transport between accommodations.
Mount Viso seen from the Guil Valley, Hautes-Alpes, France by Pline
Three Lakes and Three Becs: 3-Day Circuits
Provençal Drôme offers two exceptional circuits, perfectly complementing each other over three days. The Trois Becs—Veyou (1,589 m), Signal, and Roche Courbe—dominate a unique geological syncline, while surrounding valleys host pristine high-altitude lakes.
Day 1: From Col de la Chaudière to Veyou via Pas de Siara, recently secured after refurbishment. Stone steps ease progress on this historic shepherd passage. Day 2: Traverse the three summits via Picourère passages, bivouac possible near Rocher de la Laveuse. Limestone cliffs provide an exceptional adventure between Vercors and the Rhône Valley.
Attention: Wildlife protection zone with restrictions from May 15 to July 15. Steep trails without markings require precise navigation near rock cliffs.
View of the Trois Becs from Mirabel, Drôme by Toutaitanous
Easy GR Routes for a One-Week Trek
A week-long trek is ideal for experiencing long GR routes without committing to multi-week crossings. Three hikes stand out for accessibility and excellent marking.
The GR 70—Stevenson Trail covers 272 km in 12 flexible stages through Velay, Gévaudan, and Cévennes. Moderate daily gains (max 500 m) and frequent accommodations ease progress. Luggage transport available between stage stops.
Mountain alternative: Traversée du Vercors South-North via GR 91 offers 5 days on the High Plateaus. Mid-mountain routes with no technical difficulty, with refuge at Chalet de la Bruyère and regulated bivouac options.
Logistical tip: Local shuttles allow splitting the itinerary according to availability, turning each section into an independent micro-adventure.
Crossing the Vercors at the GR91-GR93 junction by Gilbert Bohec
Best Time to Hike by Season
Hiking in France in April: Where to Go?
April marks the spring awakening of French trails with ideal weather for resuming walking. The Massif Central stands out: the Puys of Auvergne emerge from winter under generous sun, daffodils cover Puy-en-Velay slopes, and Lac de Guéry reflects clear peaks.
The Southern Alps also offer exceptional terrain with Verdon massif accessible and Montagne Sainte-Victoire benefiting from optimal sun. Chamonix’s Mer de Glace remains passable via the Balcon routes, while last cross-country ski tracks linger on Jura heights.
Brittany shows its best features: Crozon peninsula, flowering heaths, and accessible coves without summer crowds. Temperatures range from 15–20°C depending on region—perfect for gentle hikes with light elevation.
Volcanoes of Auvergne by Alpha du centaure
Hiking Spots in November
November transforms French mountains into a playground for hikers seeking tranquility and authenticity. Northern Pre-Alps parks—Bauges, Chartreuse, and Vercors—offer perfect conditions with moderate elevation gains and contrasting landscapes of autumn colors and first snows.
Calanques National Park shows its true character away from summer crowds. Enjoy panoramic trails without access restrictions and mild temperatures around 15°C. Wild coves regain their original serenity.
Mountain alternative: Tour of Queyras remains accessible until mid-November on lower sections. Golden larch forests and authentic villages like Saint-Véran form exceptional scenery. Watch for early snow on high passes—check conditions before departure.
How to Gear Up for Your Hikes
Essential Gear by Trek Duration
Your backpack is the foundation of any trek gear. For a day hike, 20–30 liters is sufficient, holding a waterproof jacket (essential regardless of forecast) and a minimum 1-liter water bottle.
2–3 day treks require 40–50 liters to accommodate a sleeping bag and spare clothes. Favor a compact stove and lightweight cookware for bivouacs.
For more than 5 days of autonomy, choose 60–70 liters. Gear includes a tent, sleeping pad, and food for multiple meals. Trekking poles become essential when weight exceeds 12 kg, reducing knee pressure by 25%.
First aid kit and emergency whistle are priorities regardless of trek type, weighing less than 200 g but potentially lifesaving.
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