Hiking in France: the most beautiful trails
Guide to hiking in France: long-distance routes, mountain paths, coastal trails and forests. Plan your trek with our tips and itineraries.
Updated on 8 April 2026
France is a paradise for hikers. With over 180,000 km of marked trails, including a network of long-distance footpaths (GR routes) crossing the entire country, every walker can find the right itinerary — from a family stroll to a demanding multi-week trek.
Iconic long-distance routes
GR20 — Corsica
Rated among the most challenging hikes in Europe, the GR20 crosses Corsica from north to south over 180 km. Between granite ridges, mountain lakes and fragrant maquis scrubland, it is an unforgettable challenge for experienced walkers.
Tour du Mont Blanc (GR TMB)
The Tour du Mont Blanc links France, Italy and Switzerland over 170 km and 10,000 m of cumulative elevation gain. It is consistently ranked among the world’s most spectacular treks.
GR10 — Pyrenees
The GR10 crosses the Pyrenees from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean over 866 km, following the French-Spanish border through legendary passes and Basque, Béarnais and Catalan villages.
GR34 — Brittany
The Customs Officers’ Path follows the entire Breton coastline for 2,000 km, offering a succession of exceptional maritime panoramas.
Mountain hiking
The Alps
The French Alps offer endless possibilities: Vanoise, Écrins, Mercantour. The Chamonix Valley is the starting point for many legendary routes beneath the needles of Mont Blanc.
The Pyrenees
The Haute Randonnée Pyrénéenne (HRP) is a wilder alternative to the GR10, traversing ridges and high-altitude passes. The Azun valley, Néouvielle and the Cirque de Gavarnie are unmissable gems.
The Massif Central
More accessible, the Massif Central features unique volcanic landscapes: the Cantal, the Chaîne des Puys (UNESCO) and the Mézenc offer hikes for all levels.
Forest hiking
- Fontainebleau Forest — climbing and hiking on Paris’s doorstep
- Landes Forest — the largest artificial forest in Europe
- Brocéliande Forest (Brittany) — mystical landscapes and Arthurian legends
- Vosges — wooded trails with ridge-top views
Tips for planning your hike
- Choose your level: allow 300 m of elevation gain per hour in the mountains
- Equipment: waterproof walking boots, trekking poles, windproof layers
- Maps: IGN 1:25,000 maps, Komoot or Visorando apps
- Weather: check Météo-France the evening before and on the morning
- Water and food: allow 1 litre of water per hour of effort in hot weather
- Accommodation: book mountain refuges well ahead in high season (CAF huts)
Best seasons
- Mountains: June to September (risk of snow outside this window)
- Coastal trails: year-round, quieter outside summer
- Forest and lowland: spring and autumn for the light and colours