8 Best Hikes in France for Your Next Trip
France is a dream destination for travellers, known for its rich heritage, vibrant cities, and world-renowned cuisine.
The country offers more reasons to visit, from hosting a major international sporting event to launching a new cycling trail.
For outdoor enthusiasts, France's diverse landscapes, stretching from the towering Alps to the sun-drenched Mediterranean coast, provide endless hiking opportunities.
Whether you're after a multi-day trek or a leisurely day hike, France has something to offer every type of hiker.
Here are some of the best hikes we recommend at Skyhook!
1. Tour du Mont Blanc
Distance: 180km (112 miles)
Duration: 10-14 days
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Best Time to Hike: Late June to early September
The Tour du Mont Blanc is one of the best multi-day hikes in Europe. It is also one of the best mountains to climb in Europe.
You get the gist - most scenic, most challenging, most famous - it's a must-try!
The trail circumnavigates the Mont Blanc massif, taking you through France, Switzerland, and Italy. It offers some of the most jaw-dropping scenery in the Alps, making it a Europe bucket list hike for many outdoor enthusiasts.
When hiking, you can expect to spend nights camping under starry skies or staying in rusting Tour du Mont Blanc refuges. The trail allows spotting high-altitude wildlife such as marmots, chamois, and ibex.
You'll climb clockwise, starting and finishing in Les Houches near Chamonix. This direction allows you to acclimatise gradually, with the more challenging climbs coming towards the end of the trek.
Skyhook offers two fantastic ways to experience this trail: Tour du Mont Blanc - 10 Days trek covering the entire circuit, and Tour du Mont Blanc (4-Days) adventure that focuses on some of the most stunning sections. Both options provide an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Alps.
2. GR20, Corsica
Distance: 180km (112 miles)
Duration: 2 weeks
Difficulty: Very Challenging
Best Time to Hike: June to September
Want the ultimate hiking challenge in France? The GR20 in Corsica is one of the hardest mountains to climb in Europe.
This two-week trek traverses the island of Corsica from Calenzana in the north to Conca in the south, offering a wild and rugged experience that's not for the fainthearted.
The GR20 delivers nonstop drama with its varied terrain: deep ravines, glacial lakes, granite crags, wind-battered craters, peat bogs, snowy peaks, and lush forests.
As challenging as it is, come ready to be self-sufficient, drawing water from springs and sleeping in mountain refuges along the route.
3. Sentier du Littoral, French Basque Country
Distance: 25km (15.5 miles)
Duration: 56 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Best Time to Hike: Spring or Autumn
If you'd rather a less strenuous but equally scenic hike, the Sentier du Littoral in the French Basque Country offers a stunning coastal experience. The day hike stretches from Bidart to Hendaye, hugging the coastline between the Pyrenees and the Bay of Biscay.
You're in for panoramic views of the Bay of Biscay from Colline de Cenitz and spending time in the charming seaside town of Saint Jean de Luz.
You can also explore Socoa's impressive 17th-century fort and view the dramatic cliffs of the Corniche, the Jaizkibel mountain range, and Les Trois Couronnes.
While technically easy, the trail can be challenging in summer due to heat. It's best to start early in the morning or hike in the cooler seasons. Don't forget to pack plenty of water and sun protection.
4. Chemin de Stevenson, Cévennes
Distance: 270km (169 miles)
Duration: 2 weeks
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Hike: May to October
The Chemin de Stevenson, also known as the Robert Louis Stevenson Trail or GR 70, is a classic long-distance hike that follows in the footsteps of the Scottish author's 1878 journey through the Cévennes with his donkey, Modestine.
You'll go through the forests of the Cévennes, the granite Mont Lozère massif, rolling farmland and valleys of Gévaudan and Velay, stone-built hamlets and ruined châteaux, and the UNESCO-listed Parc National des Cévennes.
The full route from Le PuyenVelay to Alès takes about two weeks, but it's possible to hike shorter sections.
The trail is moderately challenging, with several ridge ascents adding some difficulty to what would otherwise be a gentle walk.
You can enjoy peaceful nights camping or staying in simple rural gîtes (guesthouses).
The trail showcases France's rich biodiversity, with opportunities to spot beavers, otters, roe deer, and golden eagles in the Cévennes National Park.
Get the genuine experience
5. Lac Blanc, Chamonix
Distance: 11km (7 miles) round trip
Duration: 56 hours
Difficulty: Challenging
Best Time to Hike: Late June to September
The trail to Lac Blanc in Chamonix is hard to beat for a challenging day hike with rewarding views. This hike gives you some of the most impressive views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding Alpine peaks.
Starting from TréleChamp in Argentière, the trail climbs steeply, gaining over 1000m (3280 ft) in elevation. You will need to negotiate rocky terrain and a few sections with fixed ladders, adding an element of adventure to the trek.
But don't worry, you'll love the views of the Lacs des Chéserys, the stunning Lac Blanc (with its sapphire-blue waters), the Mont Blanc (4808m) and the Aiguille du Midi. Plus, there are plenty of opportunities to see Alpine wildlife like ibex and golden eagles!
At the end of the trail, you can refuel at the Refuge du Lac Blanc, perched at 2352m (7717 ft). This mountain hut offers meals and even overnight accommodation should you want to extend your Alpine experience.
6. Blanc-Martel Trail, Gorges du Verdon
Distance: 16km (10 miles)
Duration: 67 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Hike: April to October, avoiding the summer heat
The Gorges du Verdon, often called Europe's Grand Canyon, offers some of France's most spectacular hiking. The Blanc-Martel Trail allows you to test trail winds through the gorge, with views of limestone cliffs rising to 700m (2297 ft).
You'll love the startlingly turquoise Verdon River, trails carved into high canyon walls, tunnels to traverse (bring a torch!), and wooden steps and bridges to add to the adventure!
This point-to-point hike requires some transportation planning. Most hikers start at Chalet de la Maline in La Paludsur-Verdon and end at Point Sublime, where a shuttle bus can return you to the starting point.
The gorge can get extremely hot in summer, so start early and bring plenty of water and sun protection.
7. Puy de Dôme, Massif Central
Distance: 6km (3.7 miles) round trip
Duration: 1.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Hike: May to October
In the heart of France, the Puy de Dôme offers a unique hiking experience on an ancient volcano. This hike is part of the Chaîne des Puys, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring a string of cinder cones and lava domes.
The trail to the summit, known as the Chemin des Muletiers, is a short but steep climb that takes to panoramic views of the surrounding volcanic landscape and a glimpse into France's geological history - especially the ruins of a Gallo-Roman Temple of Mercury at the summit.
While many visitors opt to take the rack railway to the top, hiking the old mule trail offers a more rewarding experience.
The path is well maintained, with wooden steps in steeper sections, making it accessible for most hikers with a reasonable level of fitness.
At the summit, you'll find a visitor centre where you can learn more about the region's volcanic history. On clear days, the views extend far across the Auvergne region.
8. Sentier des Ocres, Roussillon
Distance: 1.5km (0.9 miles)
Duration: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Best Time to Hike: MidFebruary to December
For a short but spectacular hike suitable for all ages, consider the Sentier des Ocres in Roussillon, Provence. This trail takes you through a former ochre quarry, showcasing a landscape that seems more akin to the American Southwest than typical French countryside.
You'll also be in for stunning eroded rock formations, a palette of reds ranging from pale pink to deep terracotta, a desertlike landscape dotted with chestnut and pine groves, and informative panels about local plants and wildlife!
This circular trail is ideal for families and those looking for an easy walk with dramatic scenery. The stark beauty of the ochre cliffs against the blue Provençal sky creates a striking contrast that photographers will love.
Remember to wear sturdy shoes and avoid white clothing, as the ochre dust can stain. Also, the site is accessible for a small fee, which goes towards maintaining the trails and protecting this unique landscape.
Conclusion
France's trails invite you to dive into the heart of some of Europe's most captivating landscapes.
Each path tells its own story, whether it's the alpine brilliance of Mont Blanc, the rugged charm of Corsica, or the coastal sensation of the Basque Country.
Seize the moment and let these French trails lead you to adventure. Your next unforgettable journey awaits - right on the trails of France!
