Hiking in France

Find your hiking trail in France

From the trails of Chamonix in the valley of the Mont Blanc to the views of the French countryside in Normandy, France’s hiking trails are famous without needing much advertising. The country’s national parks, such as Mercantour and Parc National de la Vanoise, have endless options, and 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 also has 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 people hike this trail every year, enjoying the Mont Blanc Massif, the highest mountain in the European Alps.

France’s diverse hiking trails

Challenge yourself on the alpine trails in Vanoise, Ecrins, Savoie-Mont Blanc, or Mercantour in the Alps, or head over to the rugged French Pyrenees. It’s hard to choose with all these special trails in France! The Alpine regions have a great network of refuges for hut-to-hut trekking and in the countryside, trails run through villages, ancient ruins, vineyards, and countryside, showing off some of the culture and heritage of the country. 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, takes you from the shores of Lake Geneva to Nice on the French Riviera. This trail goes through the heart of the Alps, passing Chamonix and the Mont Blanc Massif. A bit further, you’ll then 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 goes along the entire length of the Pyrenees as a thru-hike from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. 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 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 well-kept alpine regions. This is 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 different starting points, including Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France, the ancient paths are a blend of community and spirituality as you meet other pilgrims. Along the way, you stay in albergues, which are communal accommodations that enrich the pilgrimage. 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!