Go on a holiday you will remember for a lifetime when you go hiking in France. Perfect for walkers of all levels, there’s something for everyone. Check out our list of hiking routes now.
Hiking in France: Mountains
From the Alps to the Pyrenees, there is a range of great mountain walks for you to enjoy. Not all these walks are for expert hikers, either. So if you’re a beginner or with family, read on.
Tour du Mont Blanc
We’ll start our list of great hiking routes in France with the Tour du Mont Blanc, which is in the French Alps. Offering the highest peak in Europe, which is 4,810 metres above sea level, it’s one for experienced hikers. The entire route is 170km (105 miles) and starts at various points, such as Chamonix. To get here, fly to Geneva and take an SAT bus the rest of the way.
Offering stunning views and a range of iconic animals, such as an ibex and the fluffy marmot, there’s something around every corner. It’s best to enjoy this hike in July and August when the weather is good, and there is minimal snow. During the journey, you can stay at accommodations like Park Hotel Suisse and Spa in Chamonix, which is the perfect place to begin your hike. The route is well-signposted too, so you’ll have no problems following it.
Cirque de Gavarnie
Next up on our tips for hiking in France is the Cirque de Gavarnie in the French Pyrenees. It is a gentle walk that is suitable for all the family and takes in beautiful nature, such as wildflowers and waterfalls. This route is a UNESCO World Heritage site too, so you know you’re in for a treat before you even arrive. This hike is relatively flat and only 4.18km (2.6 miles), so it’s great for beginners.
To get there, you can drive from the nearest large town, Lourdes, in about 1 hour. The route is best to do between May and October when the weather is pleasant, and snow is less likely. Accommodation like Hotel du Cirque et de la cascade is an excellent option for those that don’t want to deviate from the route too much. You can follow the well-signposted plaques on the trail to ensure you don’t make a wrong turn too, so this is great for those just starting out.
Luberon Mountains
Another of the top hikes in France is in the Luberon Mountains, which is situated in Provence. The closest airports are in Avignon or Marseille, from where you will need to drive just over 1 hour. Luberon Mountains is another UNESCO site, which has a variety of hiking trails through picturesque villages. One example is from Gordes to Roussillon, which is approximately 10km (6.2 miles) and takes in a medieval hilltop village and stunning landscapes.
This hike is suitable for all fitness levels and has yellow and red signposts along the way for you to follow. A perfect place for romantics to stroll hand in hand, you’ll love the natural beauty surrounding you. For lodgings, stay at Hotel Le Jas de Gordes, so you can easily start the hike the following day. Visit in late spring or early autumn for the best weather conditions.
Béarn Mountains
The final of our mountain routes when it comes to hiking in France is that of the Béarn Mountains, which is in the Pyrenees. The closest airport to this mountain range is Pau Pyrenees Airport, which is around a 21min drive away. The Béarn mountains are known for being an idyllic and peaceful region with lush fields, pastures, forests, and valleys. There is a range of entry-level walks that you can do from the town of Jurançon, making this ideal for beginners and families.
The best time to go is during the summer, but depending on how the weather looks, Spring and Autumn tend to be fine too. You can stay at accommodation like Chambres d’Hotes Cote aux Sud, which is great for budget travellers and located on the doorstep of the mountains. Once in the region, you’ll see signposts aplenty for various routes.
Hiking in France: Coastal
If you want to combine a coastal holiday with a hike, we’ve got the answer. The perfect way to stay fit and healthy when you’re on a relaxing break, coastal walks are a guaranteed family pleaser.
The Nietzsche Path
Over by the coast, you’ll also find some great hiking in France, with The Nietzsche Path being one of our favourites. Situated on the French Riviera, you can get to it from Nice Airport in about 30min by car. With an intermediate route of around 4km (2.6 miles), you’ll get to enjoy stunning views of the Mediterranean and maybe even catch a glimpse of the island of Corsica.
Beginning in the town of Eze and finishing at Eze-sur-Mer, hikers can reward themselves at the end with a dip in the sea.
The path is very easy to follow, with signposts at both the top and bottom. If you’re looking for accommodation, try Hotel Arc En Ciel at the beginning of the trail. You can take on this route on any dry day throughout the year. The Nietzsche Path is the ideal type of hike for those looking for a testing adventure.
Dune du Pilat
Go for a hike on the famous Dune du Pilat, which is 2.7km (1.6 miles) long and offers stunning views across the Landes Forest and out to Cap-Ferret. The dune, which is the largest in Europe, frequently changes shape due to the direction of the wind. So whilst the walk itself is suitable for those with intermediate fitness, it can take a bit of energy for you to climb the 100 metres to the top. To get there, you can take a bus or drive for about 15min from Arcachon.
Along with the cracking vistas, it’s also a great place to bird watch, with species like the Kentish Plover frequently visiting. There’s no need for signs once on the dune, as it’s simple to follow the crowds of people going in the same direction. Try out accommodation like Hotel La Co(o)Rniche for an upmarket stay. This route is great on any sunny day throughout the year.
Hiking in France: the best of the rest
With too many great hikes to name, we’ve listed the rest of the hikes which deserve mention. Take in the iconic island of Corsica, head up to pay your respects in Normandy, or take on a world-famous pilgrimage.
Corsica
The GR20 Trail in Corsica is a legendary walk that is only for experts and experienced walkers. Boasting dramatic gorges and raw hillsides, it’s not advisable for inexperienced hikers. With over 180km (112 miles) of remote but well-signposted terrain, it’s as much of a psychological challenge as a physical one. The route starts in Calenzana village, which is a 2h 30min drive from Ajaccio Airport.
The best time to start the hike is late June or early September because the weather is too hot in the summer. If you’re looking for accommodation, Au Pied des Oliviers is at the starting point.
Route Napoléon
Another of the great hiking routes in France deserving of mention is Route Napoléon, which is part of the Camino de Santiago. This famous pilgrimage route, which finishes in Spain, is one of the most challenging areas in France. This 25km (15.5 miles) passes through the Pyrenees and requires hikers to tackle 700 metres of elevation. The route is signposted with plaques decorated with scallop shells.
The route encompasses stunning views with mountains, forests, and fields aplenty. You can get to the beginning of this route, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, from Biarritz Airport in about 50min. Along the route, you can stay at accommodation like Chambres d’Hotes Maison E.Bernat.
WW1 Remembrance Circuit
What better way to remember the lost souls of WW1 than to hike the Somme Battlefields? Along the way, you’ll get to see beautiful beaches, lagoons and sand dunes too. An iconic walk that’s close to Calais, it’s got something for both nature and history lovers. The Remembrance Trail is from the town of Peronne to Albert so that you can take in the important memorials along the way.
The trail itself is 92km (57 miles) long, with 48 different walking paths that you can do. It’s great for walkers of all ages, and you can do it throughout the year when the weather is nice. However, visiting in late spring means you’ll see the poppy fields in full bloom. For accommodation, check out Auberge des Remparts.
Alsatian Villages
Last but not least on our list of the best hiking routes in France is a walk through the Alsatian Villages. Located in the North Vosges Regional Natural Reserve, you can get to this walk from Strasburg Airport in around 1 hour by car. One of the routes is the 8km (5 miles) walk from Berghelm to Riquewihr, which takes you through medieval towns and quaint lanes. For the best directions, it’s good to have a map ready before you set off.
This walk is excellent during the summer, but there’s nothing to stop you from doing it in the winter on a nice, bright day. It’s also suitable for most fitness levels, so everyone can get involved. You can stay at lodgings like La Cour du Bailli Suites and Spa when you’re on the route.
