France is well known for its artistic offerings, fine dining, and quaint towns and cities. But it also has some of the most breathtaking hiking trails in the entire world. There are endless opportunities to discover France’s breathtaking natural beauty on foot, from the rocky Brittany coast to the high Alps. Here are a few of France’s best hikes.
GR20, Corsica
The GR20 is regarded as one of Europe’s most difficult walks, but it’s also one of the most rewarding. This 180-kilometer track leads hikers through breath-taking scenery, from rocky peaks to verdant valleys, as it winds through the harsh mountains of Corsica. The hike usually takes 15 days to complete and calls for good physical condition and previous mountain hiking experience. Hikers can stay in mountain homes along the way and eat Corsican food.
Verdon Gorge, Provence
In the French province of Provence, there lies a breathtaking natural wonder called the Verdon Gorge. The gorge’s waters, which are blue and crystal pure, are almost 700 meters deep and more than 25 kilometers long. The gorge’s peak is covered in hiking trails that provide beautiful views of the canyon below. The Sentier Martel trail, which is about 15 kilometers long and takes about 6 hours to complete, is the most well-liked hike.
Tour du Mont Blanc, Alps
A well-known long-distance walk, the Tour du Mont Blanc passes through France, Italy, and Switzerland. Over 170 kilometers of the trail are covered in the course of about ten days. Hikers will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Alps surrounding them and the Mont Blanc massif. The well-marked trail travels through picturesque mountain towns where hikers can relax and eat regional fare.
Calanques National Park, Marseille
A beautiful coastal park close to Marseille, the Calanques National Park offers a striking contrast between brilliant blue waters and craggy limestone cliffs. There are many hiking trails in the park, from simple strolls to strenuous excursions. A well-known trail that takes around 3 hours to complete and provides stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea is the Sentier des Douaniers.
GR10, Pyrenees
From the Atlantic to the Mediterranean Sea, the GR10 long-distance hiking track follows the Pyrenees Mountains. Over 800 kilometers of the trail must be hiked in about 50 days. The walk, which travels through forests, valleys and mountain passes, offers breathtaking views of the Pyrenees. Hikers can stay in mountain huts along the way and eat traditional Pyrenean food.
Camino de Santiago, Northern Spain and France
Over a thousand years have seen pilgrims travel the Camino de Santiago, a well-known pilgrimage route. The Santiago de Compostela Cathedral is located in northwest Spain, and the trail connects a number of beginning places in France and northern Spain. Depending from where you start, the walk could take a few days to several weeks. By going through lovely cities and villages and providing an opportunity to interact with other pilgrims from all over the world, the Camino offers a distinctive cultural experience.
The Mercantour National Park, Alps
A beautiful area with a variety of fauna, the Mercantour National area is located in the southern French Alps. There are many hiking trails in the park, from simple strolls to strenuous excursions. A well-liked long-distance walk across the park, the GR5 trail provides breathtaking vistas of the mountains and valleys. The park also has a number of mountain huts where trekkers may relax and eat food from the region.
The Vosges Mountains, Alsace
Beautiful mountains that border Germany in eastern France are known as the Vosges Mountains. There are many different hiking trails in the highlands, from simple strolls to strenuous hikes. The Vosges Mountains are traversed by the GR5 trail, which provides breathtaking views of the lakes and woodlands. Numerous mountain villages can be found in the mountains, where hikers can rest and eat regional fare.
The Loire Valley, Central France
The Loire Valley is a gorgeous area in central France that is well-known for its magnificent castles and picturesque landscape. There are many hiking paths in the area, from simple strolls to strenuous hikes. The Loire Valley is traversed by the GR3 trail, providing an opportunity to discover the picturesque cities, villages, and stunning river. There are a number of vineyards in the area where hikers can try the local beverages.
The Jura Mountains, Eastern France
Beautiful mountains that border Switzerland in eastern France are known as the Jura Mountains. There are many different hiking trails in the highlands, from simple strolls to strenuous hikes. The Jura Mountains’ GR9 trail offers breathtaking vistas of the lakes and forests as it winds through them. In the winter, a number of ski resorts are located in the mountains.
In conclusion, France has some of the most breathtaking hiking paths in the entire globe, making it a hiker’s heaven. There is a path in France for every hiker, from the rough mountains of Corsica to the lovely farmland of the Loire Valley. France boasts a variety of hiking opportunities, whether you’re searching for a strenuous long-distance trip or a simple day hike. So put on your hiking boots and explore the natural beauty of France on foot.
