10 Top Hiking and Trekking Spots in France

We’ve got to start off with the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB). This iconic trail traverses some of the most stunning landscapes over a stretch of 170 km. The hike, which takes seven to 10 days to complete, crosses the borders of Italy and Switzerland, circling Mont Blanc in effect, before finishing in France.

The Luberon Natural Regional Park is a pure delight. The trails here weave through pretty, hilltop Provence villages with views of vineyards, olive groves and renowned red Luberon rocks. Although Gordes is the most renowned village in the region, Roussillon is equally disarming. These trails are generally great for all walking abilities, and the best part is you’ll come across everything ranging from hundred-year old chapels to prehistoric caves en route.

Luberon Natural Regional Park, France

This Mediterranean trek – also called the Balcony of the Côte d’Azur – runs from Menton to Marseille along the GR51 route. The full trail passes through some of South of France’s finest spots including picturesque hilltop villages, pine woods by the sea, and plateaus with mountain views. Depending on where you are in the region, you can get on the trail from different points.

Rugged and beautiful, this well-explored area of France is steeped in history but hasn’t lost any of its allure. You’ll probably be here for the cemeteries, but make it a point to also check out the vast stretches of sand and undulating coastline.

The Loire Valley can easily be overlooked when it comes to hiking trails, however, this region in the North of France – known for its fairy tale castles and serene villages – is excellent for rambling. The routes here start from 3 km, but if you’re more of a long-distance trekker, you can take the GR3 – which roughly follows the Loire river.

Like the Loire Valley, Mont Saint Michel, too, is popular in its own right, which explains why its circling trails have gone somewhat unnoticed. However, The Pilgrims’ Trail is one of France’s top walks, as well as the easiest.

Possibly the most dazzling trail of the lot, the Haute Randonnée Pyrénéenne (HRP)is a high mountain route, between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. This hike is not for the fainthearted, and can take almost 45 days to complete – which also makes it one of the most rewarding.