Hiking in France

Find your hiking trail in France

From the iconic trails of Chamonix in the valley of the Mont Blanc to the scenic views of the French countryside in Normandy, France’s hiking trails are as varied as they are breathtaking. The country’s national parks, such as Mercantour and Parc National de la Vanoise, provide you with endless options. With its extensive network of GR paths (Grande Randonnée), featuring trails such as Corsica’s demanding GR20 and the GR5 to Nice, it’s easy to see why France is one of Europe’s top destinations for hiking. France has also the most popular trail in Europe and maybe even in the world: the Tour du Mont Blanc. Looping a circuit through France, Italy, and Switzerland thousands of hikers hike this trail every year, stunned by the beautiful sights of the Mont Blanc Massif, the highest mountain in the European Alps.

France’s diverse hiking trails

Challenge yourself on one of the alpine trails in the regions Vanoise, Ecrins, Savoie-Mont Blanc, or Mercantour in the Alps, or discover the rugged French Pyrenees. It’s hard to choose with all these special trails in France. The Alpine regions include a great network of refuges for hut-to-hut trekking. In the countryside, trails run through historical villages, past ancient ruins, vineyards, and countryside, offering a plunge into French culture and heritage. Or you could choose one of the wild coastal trails such as the Sentier des Douaniers, one of the most famous coastal trails.

GR paths in France

The French part of the GR5, known as the Grand Traverse of the Alps, guides you from the shores of Lake Geneva to Nice on the French Riviera. This trail navigates through the heart of the Alps, passing Chamonix and the Mont Blanc Massif. A bit further you’ll hike through the breathtaking Vanoise National Park, France’s first national park, known for its protected wildlife and high-altitude landscapes.

Further west, the GR10 traverses the length of the Pyrenees as a thru-hike from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. This challenging path weaves through the Pyrenees National Park, offering rugged mountains. And as mentioned earlier, there is Corsica’s GR20. Often named one of the most difficult hiking trails in Europe, and for sure one of the most demanding hut-to-hut hiking trails, it is a guaranteed adventure with its rugged terrain, steep ascents, and breathtaking views on the ¨Isle of Beauty.¨ This trail cuts across Corsica from north to south, passing through the island’s mountainous spine.

The GR54 is a lesser-known hiking trail that circles the heart of the Ecrins National Park, one of France’s most rugged and pristine alpine regions. This might be a great alternative to the famous Tour du Mont Blanc. Make sure you book all the mountain huts in advance as it always can be busy, mostly in the high season and during the weekends.

Pilgrim trails and Caminos in France

Pilgrim trails are experiencing a rise in popularity, with the Camino de Santiago, also known as the Way of St. James. Originating from various starting points, including Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France, these ancient trails offer a blend of spiritual connection and community as you meet with other pilgrims. Along the way, the tradition of staying in albergues provides a unique way to connect with fellow hikers, offering communal accommodations that enrich the pilgrimage experience. Whether driven by faith, the love of hiking, or the trail’s history, the Camino de Santiago and its French routes will always be a great idea to hike for pilgrims worldwide. Buen Camino!