Walking in France

With its diverse range of walking regions and impressive array of way-marked walking routes, France has something to satisfy all walking tastes. Those seeking a challenge will be drawn to the “Grand Randonnees”, a network of marvellous long-distance walking trails that extend throughout Europe (each long-distance footpath is designated by a number, preceded by the letters GR). The GR trails in France cover approximately 60,000 kilometres. There are also many other shorter way-marked paths which enable walkers of all abilities and interests to explore France at their own pace. The local culture, history, architecture, vineyards and gastronomic delights are enticing side benefits.

The list of walking options in France is seemingly endless. The advent and popularity of recreational walking in the twentieth century led to the formation of many walking clubs throughout France, with a view to surveying, protecting, clearing and waymarking walking routes across the nation. The Federation Francaise de la Randonnee Pedestre has been the primary protector of France’s walking paths since 1978 and has waymarked an astonishing 180,000 kilometres of tracks. France is also home to nine national parks and fifty regional nature parks.

France is particularly well known for its dramatic mountain trails. The legendary French Alps were sculpted by glaciers and are dominated by the mighty Mont Blanc Massif. The alpine region features superb walking paths with magnificent mountain and valley vistas, alpine meadows, picturesque villages and hearty hospitality.

Southern France enjoys ideal walking weather conditions with plenty of sunshine and little rain. In the southeast, historic Provence is renowned for its picturesque landscape full of dazzling colour and storybook villages. In the southwest, the Dordogne Valley features a magical mix of tranquil woodlands, stunning medieval villages and scenic riverside walking.

Along France’s southern border with Spain, the French Pyrenees mountain range offers memorable mountain hiking amidst spectacular landscape and traditional hilltop hamlets. For those interested in the French Camino de Santiago pilgrim paths, the Camino Le Puy starts in central France at the spectacular town of Le Puy-en-Velay and follows the popular GR65 trail towards Saint Jean Pied de Port on the French side of the Pyrenees.

Picturesque walking trips can also be found in the Alsace vineyard region in northeastern France (a unique mixture of French and Germanic culture), Brittany in northwest France (pink granite coastline and Breton culture), the Cevennes mountain range in south-central France (wild mountain scenery and ancient small towns), the Loire Valley in central France (historic chateaux and gardens) and Burgundy in east-central France (UNESCO World Heritage vineyard region). Additionally, the island of Corsica (located southeast of the French mainland in the Mediterranean Sea) is well known for its remote mountain and coastal walks as well as the gruelling GR20 trail which traverses the island’s spine.

Interested in a multi-day walk in France?

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• Learn more about France’s walking regions by clicking on the region name below.