Hiking guides and maps in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Hiking in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Are you looking to plan a tour of Mont Blanc, a hike in Puy de Dôme, or a four-day nature stay in Auvergne? The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region is waiting for you. This region offers a diversity of landscapes that is rare in France. Whether you’re a fan of long hikes or day trips, there’s always a trail to discover.
Discover the landscapes of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
From the Alps to the volcanic plains of Auvergne, the region captivates with its varied panoramas. In the Massif Central, the volcanoes of the Chaîne des Puys, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, invite you to take unique walks through their rounded craters. The iconic Puy de Dôme hike offers breathtaking views of the Auvergne region. Accessible from Clermont-Ferrand, the region is the ideal starting point for a four-day hike in Auvergne.
Further east, the alpine lakes of Geneva, Annecy, and Bourget, and the waterfalls of Vercors and Ardèche punctuate the trails. Mont-Dore, in the heart of Sancy, is also a major hiking destination in the Auvergne region. And everywhere, local culture shines: Romanesque architecture, hilltop villages, Cluniac abbeys, not to mention a generous gastronomy featuring AOP cheeses, artisanal charcuterie, and local wines.
The great hiking trails in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
The region is crossed by several legendary long-distance hiking trails, perfect for walkers in search of adventure or spirituality.
- GR®65 – Via Podiensis : One of the most famous Camino de Santiago trails, starting from Le Puy-en-Velay. A spiritual and heritage-filled route, with chapels, medieval bridges, and typical villages.
- GR®70 – Stevenson Trail : Inspired by the journey of Scottish writer Robert Louis Stevenson, this trail connects Le Puy-en-Velay to Alès through the Cévennes. A literary hike through forests and drailles.
- GR®30 – Tour of the Auvergne Lakes : A loop around the crater lakes, ideal for a hike in Auvergne lasting four days to a week. Perfect for lovers of aquatic and volcanic landscapes.
- Tour of Mont Blanc : One of the most renowned hiking trails in Europe. Over 170 km, it circles the Mont Blanc massif, passing through France, Italy, and Switzerland. A must-do for any seasoned hiker.
- ViaRhôna (EuroVelo 17) : Although designed for cycling, this marked route along the Rhône also offers sections accessible on foot, particularly in the southern part of the region. A great alternative for the plains.
- GR®3 – Wild Loire : The trail follows the Loire from its source in Ardèche to the ocean. In its upper section, it crosses the wild landscapes of Haute-Loire, sometimes little-known but spectacular.
Our essential products for hiking in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Here are some must-have products for exploring Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, recommended by our Cartovelo team:
- Puy-de-Dôme Hiking by Chamina Editions : This guidebook invites you to discover the 48 most beautiful trails in Puy-de-Dôme in a practical and comprehensive book.
- Rother Mont-Blanc Hiking Guide : 50 routes around the highest peak in the Alps and their GPS tracks.
- FFRP Volcanoes and Lakes of Auvergne Guidebook: 40 days of hiking suitable for all levels, around the Chaîne des Puys.
A structured territory for hiking
The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region is the second most dynamic French region for hiking, just behind the Île-de-France region. It is overseen by 12 departmental committees affiliated with the FFRandonnée (French Hiking Federation), which are responsible for the maintenance, signage, and development of the GR®, GR® de Pays, and PR trails. Thanks to this exceptional network, the trails are regularly checked, marked, and enriched with route ideas.
The region also stands out for its network of developed trails: more than 20,000 km of marked trails through eight regional nature parks, greenways in the Rhône Valley and the Ain plain, and a wide variety of mountain biking and snowshoeing trails. This dynamism makes the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region a prime destination for hikers of all levels.