France is a country known for its rich culture, world-class cuisine, and iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. But beyond the cities, France offers some of the most diverse and beautiful hiking landscapes in Europe. From the towering peaks of the Alps and the Pyrenees to the rolling hills of the Provence countryside, hiking in France provides endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for a challenging mountain trek or a leisurely walk through picturesque villages, here are my top picks for the best hiking in France.

9 Best Trails For Hiking In France

1. Tour du Mont Blanc, Alps

• Length: 170 km (10-12 days)
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Best Time to Hike: June to September

The Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) is one of the most famous long-distance hikes in Europe, encircling the Mont Blanc massif and crossing three countries: France, Italy, and Switzerland. This multi-day trek offers jaw-dropping alpine views, with opportunities to pass glaciers, lush valleys, and charming mountain villages. The TMB is a challenging hike, requiring good fitness and stamina, but the scenery and the experience are well worth the effort. There are many mountain refuges and guesthouses along the route, making it relatively easy to plan your accommodation in advance.

2. GR20, Corsica

• Length: 180 km (15 days)
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Best Time to Hike: June to September

The GR20, located on the rugged island of Corsica, is considered one of the most challenging and rewarding hikes in Europe. The trail runs from the northern to the southern tip of the island, offering spectacular views of Corsica’s dramatic mountains, jagged cliffs, and crystal-clear rivers. Along the route, hikers will encounter steep ascents and descents, rocky terrain, and sections that require scrambling. Despite its difficulty, the GR20 is beloved by serious hikers for its wild beauty and sense of adventure. The trail is well-marked, and there are refuges along the way, but the remote nature of the hike demands good preparation.

3. The Verdon Gorge, Provence

• Length: 14 km (Sentier Blanc-Martel)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Best Time to Hike: April to October

The Verdon Gorge, known as the “Grand Canyon of Europe,” is a stunning natural wonder located in the Provence region. The Sentier Blanc-Martel trail is the most famous hike in the area, offering breathtaking views of the deep turquoise waters of the Verdon River below. The hike is moderately challenging, with some steep sections and stairways carved into the rock. Along the way, you’ll pass through tunnels, alongside cliffs, and through pine forests. The sheer beauty of the gorge, combined with the dramatic drop-offs, makes this hike an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventurers alike.

4. Cirque de Gavarnie, Pyrenees

• Length: 10 km
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Best Time to Hike: May to October

The Cirque de Gavarnie is one of the most spectacular natural sites in the Pyrenees, a massive natural amphitheater with towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls. This UNESCO World Heritage site is accessible via a relatively easy hike from the village of Gavarnie. The trail winds through lush meadows, past rivers, and up to the base of the cirque, where you’ll be rewarded with views of the 400-meter-high Grande Cascade, the highest waterfall in France. This hike is perfect for families or those looking for a moderately easy day hike with stunning mountain scenery.

5. Calanques National Park, Marseille

• Length: Varies (8 km for the popular Calanque d’En Vau)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Best Time to Hike: April to October

Located near Marseille on the Mediterranean coast, the Calanques National Park is famous for its striking limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, and secluded coves. The hike to the Calanque d’En Vau is one of the most popular routes in the park, offering stunning views of the rugged coastline and crystal-clear sea below. The trail involves some steep climbs and rocky terrain, but the effort is rewarded with breathtaking scenery and the chance to swim in the secluded bays along the way. Hiking in the Calanques is best done outside of the hot summer months, as temperatures can be quite high and there is little shade.

6. Hike to Lac Blanc, Chamonix

• Length: 7 km
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Best Time to Hike: June to October

Chamonix is a hiker’s paradise, and one of the most popular day hikes in the area is the trek to Lac Blanc. This alpine lake, situated high above the valley, offers some of the best views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding peaks. The hike starts from the Flégère cable car and involves a steep but manageable climb through alpine meadows and rocky terrain. Once at Lac Blanc, you can take in the stunning reflections of the snow-capped mountains in the crystal-clear waters of the lake. It’s a relatively short hike, but the views make it one of the most rewarding in the Chamonix valley.

7. The Auvergne Volcanoes, Massif Central

• Length: Varies (6 km for Puy de Dôme)
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Best Time to Hike: May to October

The Auvergne region in central France is home to a chain of extinct volcanoes, offering a unique experience for hiking in France. The most iconic hike in the area is the trail to the summit of Puy de Dôme, an ancient volcano that offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and volcanic landscape. The hike is relatively short but steep, with an elevation gain of around 500 meters. Alternatively, you can take a train to the top if you prefer a more leisurely ascent. The Auvergne region is less crowded than other parts of France, making it a great option for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy nature.

8. The Stevenson Trail (GR70), Cévennes

• Length: 272 km (12 days for the full route)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Best Time to Hike: May to October

The Stevenson Trail, also known as the GR70, is a long-distance trail that follows the route taken by Scottish writer Robert Louis Stevenson in 1878, as described in his book Travels with a Donkey in the Cévennes. The full trail takes about 12 days to complete, but shorter sections can be done as day hikes. The route takes you through the beautiful and remote Cévennes mountains, passing through chestnut forests, rolling hills, and charming villages. The trail is moderately challenging and is a great way to experience the wild beauty of the Cévennes region while following in the footsteps of a famous literary figure.

9. Mont Saint-Michel Bay, Normandy

• Length: Varies (8-10 km for crossing the bay)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Best Time to Hike: April to October

Mont Saint-Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of France’s most iconic landmarks, and the hike across its tidal bay is a unique experience. The bay is known for its rapidly changing tides, and the hike must be done with a guide to ensure safety. The walk across the sandy flats offers stunning views of the island abbey, as well as a chance to experience the otherworldly landscape of the bay. This hike is less about physical challenge and more about the experience of walking through a historic and natural wonder.

Tips for Hiking in France

• Plan Ahead: Many of the popular hiking in France, such as the Tour du Mont Blanc and GR20, require advance booking for mountain huts and accommodations, especially during peak season.
• Weather: Be prepared for changing wither conditions, particularly in the mountains. Always check the forecast and pack layers, including waterproof gear.
• Navigation: Hiking in France are generally well-marked, but it’s always a good idea to carry a map or use a GPS app to ensure you stay on track.
• Cultural Etiquette: In rural areas, it’s common to pass through private land, so be respectful of property, close gates, and follow Leave No Trace principles.
• Local Food: One of the joys of hiking in France is the opportunity to stop in small villages and enjoy local cheese, wine, and pastries. Many trails pass through towns with bakeries or restaurants, so take advantage of the culinary delights along the way.

Conclusion

France offers an extraordinary range of hiking experiences, from high-altitude alpine treks to leisurely coastal walks. Whether you’re tackling the GR20 in Corsica or enjoying a peaceful hike in the rolling hills of Provence, the natural beauty and cultural richness of France will leave you in awe.