The walking options in France are endless. The alpine regions are renowned, featuring trails with magnificent mountain and valley vistas, alpine meadows, picturesque villages and hearty hospitality.
In contrast, much of southern France is more accessible with plenty of sunshine and little rain. In the south-east, for example, historic Provence is renowned for its picturesque landscape full of dazzling colour and storybook villages. And in the south-west, the Dordogne Valley features a magical mix of tranquil woodlands, stunning medieval villages and scenic riverside walking.
On this page, France’s iconic walks are listed by reference to the region in which the walk is located. Click on the region name below to skip to that section, or just scroll down.
Note that our iconic walk summaries refer to the whole walk - it’s always possible to do part only.
The Alps
Tour du Mont Blanc
Circling the majestic Mont Blanc Massif amidst the grand Alps of France, Italy and Switzerland.
⏱ Duration: 10 - 11 days
🗺 Distance: 170 km
⛰ Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
🗓 Best Time: July - Sept
Provence
Haute Provence Trail
Featuring France’s Grand Canyon - the Verdon Gorge - plus a mix of Provencal scenery and villages.
⏱ Duration: 8 days
🗺 Distance: 95 km
⛰ Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
🗓 Best Time: Apr - Nov
Massif Central
Stevenson’s Trail
Follow in the footsteps of author Robert Louis Stevenson through the Cevennes National Park.
⏱ Duration: 10 - 12 days
🗺 Distance: 225 km
⛰ Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
🗓 Best Time: Apr - Oct
Way of St James
The most popular French pilgrim route leading to the Spanish Santiago de Compostela trails.
⏱ Duration: 38 - 40 days
🗺 Distance: 742 km
⛰ Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
🗓 Best Time: May - Oct
Dordogne
Dordogne Valley Trail
Riverside and hillside walking through an historic valley, plus medieval villages and chateaux.
⏱ Duration: 5 - 7 days
🗺 Distance: 82 km
⛰ Difficulty: Moderate
🗓 Best Time: Apr-May/Sep-Oct
The Pyrenees
Meridian Way
Showcasing the extraordinary Cirque de Gavarnie and the stunning Pyrenees mountains.
⏱ Duration: 8 days
🗺 Distance: 80 km
⛰ Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
🗓 Best Time: June - Sept
Corsica
Corsica - Mountains to Sea
Highlighting the red cliffs of Calanches de Piana and exploring the rugged mountain interior.
⏱ Duration: 5 - 6 days
🗺 Distance: 60 - 80 km
⛰ Difficulty: Moderate
🗓 Best Time: Apr - Oct