In France, the land of passes and valleys, hiking is more than just a leisure activity. It is a true passion for many French people. With a network of trails that wind through landscapes of breathtaking beauty, France offers a veritable range of hiking routes for all desires. Today, we will discover the most prestigious trails together. From the Alps to Île-de-France, get ready to be amazed!
Mont Blanc, jewel of the Alps
Mont Blanc is the highest point in the Alps and offers perspectives breathtaking. This is a real challenge for experienced hikers. The Tour du Mont Blanc route, one of the more iconic, offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and deep valleys.
Your departure will be done from one of the more villages charming people of the region, Chamonix. As the days pass, you will cross passes, skirt high-altitude lakes and pass through historic refuges like the Tartaglione refuge or theHeilbronner Hütte. Plan stops for picnics at the edge of thewater and don’t forget to stock up onpotable water. There duration level of this hike is approximately 10 to 12 days, depending on your pace.
The Écrins National Park: a hike in the heart of the Alps
The Écrins National Park is another must-see for nature lovers. hiking more demanding. Located between Grenoble and Briançon, it offers a diversity of landscapes and hiking trails which make it a paradise for walkers.
Your adventure will begin in Bourg d’Oisans, a charming village nestled in bottom of the valley. Throughout your uneven step, you will enjoy exceptional views of the surrounding glaciers and peaks. You will go through shelters welcoming for a dinner accommodation well-deserved. Don’t forget to go through the collar du Lautaret, a real balcony overlooking the Alps. This hike of duration level from 7 to 9 days depending on your pace, will end at Serre-Ponçon lake, one of the most beautiful in the region.
The Customs Trail: a hike by the sea
The Sentier des Douaniers, located in Brittany, is one of the more beautiful hiking routes by the sea in France. Along the coast, this hiking trail offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and allows you to discover charming coastal villages.
The route starts in Saint-Malo and ends in Cancale, passing numerous beaches and viewpoints. Plan breaks to swim or taste oysters in one of the many establishments in the region. The duration of this hike is one day, but it can be extended over several days if you decide to stop in a hotel or a guest room.
The GR 1: an escape just a stone’s throw from Île-de-France
The GR 1 is a hiking route that goes around of Île-de-France. Despite its proximity to the capital, this hiking trail offers a real change of scenery with its forests, castles and charming villages.
The departure is in Paris and the route takes you to discover the forests of Fontainebleau, Rambouillet and Montmorency. You will also have the opportunity to discover castles such as Versailles or Fontainebleau. Allow 15 days to complete this entire hike.
At the end of our excursion through these chic hiking routes, one thing is certain: the France is a country full of treasures for walking enthusiasts. Whether you are looking for physical challenges, breathtaking landscapes or an immersion in nature, you will find a trail that suits your desires. So, put on your walking shoes and embark on the adventure!
