Hiking in France

This section invites you to discover the most beautiful hiking trails in France. You’ll find all the hiking maps and guides you need to plan your hike and discover the Opal Coast, the Pyrenees, major cities, and many other wonders.

Hiking in France offers a unique range of landscapes and experiences. From the Breton seaside to the Auvergne volcanoes, from the Normandy cliffs to the Pyrenean ridges, each region has its treasures. And to make sure you don’t miss anything, it’s essential to be well-oriented. IGN maps, FFRandonnée topoguides, apps, travel journals… there are many hiking guides, and the choice depends on your project. Whether you’re planning a multi-day trek in France or a loop walk on a local GR (French National Hiking Trail), these resources guarantee independence and safety.

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Prepare your treks and GRs with the right tools

Hiking in France offers a unique range of landscapes and experiences. From the Breton seaside to the Auvergne volcanoes, from the Normandy cliffs to the Pyrenean ridges, each region has its treasures. And to make sure you don’t miss anything, it’s essential to be well-oriented. IGN maps, FFRandonnée topoguides, apps, travel journals… there are many hiking guides, and the choice depends on your project. Whether you’re planning a multi-day trek in France or a loop walk on a local GR (French National Hiking Trail), these resources guarantee independence and safety.

Hiking through the regions of France

The diversity of France’s regions is a major asset for hikers. Here are some emblematic areas where hiking in France really comes into its own:

Hiking in Brittany : the famous GR® 34, also known as the customs officers’ trail, runs along wild coasts, offering coves, cliffs, and picturesque villages.
Hiking in Normandy : between bocage countryside, historic beaches, and natural parks, the Normandy trails captivate with their rich heritage.
Hiking in Auvergne : the Cantal mountains, volcanic puys, and the high plateaus of Cézallier create a perfect setting for unwinding.
Hiking in the Eastern Pyrenees : to the south, between the Mediterranean Sea and high mountains, the trails flirt with the Spanish border.
Hiking in Ardèche : deep gorges, dense forests, isolated hamlets: the Ardèche offers a pristine natural environment, ideal for seasoned hikers.

Each region has its own unique characteristics. It is therefore crucial to equip yourself with a local guide or a suitable map to better appreciate the terrain.

The great hiking trails in France

The GR network in France is one of the most extensive in Europe. It allows you to cross the country on foot, following precise markings (white and red) maintained by the FFRandonnée (French Hiking Federation). Here are some must-see trails:

GR® 10 – La Grande Traversée des Pyrénées : From Hendaye to Banyuls, this demanding but spectacular mountain trail follows the spine of the Pyrenees.
GR® 34 – Les Sentiers Douaniers : An emblematic hiking trail in Brittany, it follows the coastline for over 2,000 km.
GR® 5 – Sentier de l’Europe : From the North Sea to Nice, via the Vosges, Jura, and Mont Blanc.
GR® 3 – Sentier de la Loire : The first GR trail created in France! It follows the royal river from its source in Ardèche to the Atlantic.
GR® 70 – The Stevenson Trail: an iconic hike in the Cévennes, to be done with or without a donkey, in homage to the Scottish writer.

These treks in France are accessible to all levels, depending on the sections chosen. They traverse stunning landscapes and, with every step, tell a story of French heritage.

Our 3 essential products for hiking in France

Here is a selection of recommended guides and maps for your next hiking adventure:

TopoGuide GR® – Brittany on Foot (FFRandonnée)
Ideal for following the GR34 stages with all the practical information: accommodation, markings, elevation gain.
IGN Top 100 Map – Northern Massif Central
To explore the GR 65, GR 4, and the Auvergne variants, with a good level of detail and readability.
Rother Guide – Hiking in the Alpes Maritimes
49 clearly described hikes to discover this region between sea and mountains.

A structured French network

Long-distance hiking in France is based on an exceptional network of 65,000 km of marked GR® trails, historically valued routes: the Way of St. James, pilgrimage routes, ancient transhumance paths. Maintenance is ensured by thousands of volunteers from the FFRandonnée and the GR de Pays (GRP®), loop circuits for weekend or medium-distance hikers.

This network has continued to expand since the 1940s. The GR® brand is now recognized throughout Europe as a guarantee of quality. Whether you choose a loop in Normandy, a long trek in the French Alps, or a few days in the Massif Central, you’ll always find a trail suited to your level… and you’ll find plenty of information to help you find your way thanks to the hiking guides and maps.