Hauts-de-France hiking guides and maps
Explore the Hauts-de-France region on foot
From the wild beaches of the Opal Coast to the mysterious forests of Avesnois, via the vast plains and hills of Artois, let yourself be captivated by the diversity of the Hauts-de-France region. Whether you enjoy long walks or short getaways, this region will charm you with its varied panoramas and warm welcome.
The tourist and natural assets of Hauts-de-France
The Hauts-de-France region is a real favorite for those who love nature and old buildings. There’s so much to discover! On the coast, prepare to be dazzled by the Opal Coast. Imagine: white cliffs plunging into the sea, sandy beaches stretching as far as the eye can see, and absolutely charming fishing villages. It’s the kind of place where every photo you take is a postcard! And if you go a little further, the famous Baie de Somme, which is ranked among the most beautiful bays in the world, awaits you for a simply sublime hike. It’s a lively, grandiose spectacle. When you go inland, the atmosphere is completely different. Go see the slag heaps of Loos-en-Gohelle, these strange “black mountains” that tell the story of the local miners. From up there (we’re still almost 200 meters away!), the view is breathtaking. And if you’re more into history and beautiful architecture, the magnificent castles of Chantilly and Compiègne are there to take you back in time, princess or knight style. And then, there are all those quieter walks in the Somme or in the heart of the forests, which show you a more peaceful, greener side, and full of little secret spots to discover. Whether you’re here to work up a sweat while walking briskly, for a nice trip near Amiens or a simple Sunday stroll with the family, there’s bound to be a trail waiting for you in the Hauts-de-France
The great hiking trails in Hauts-de-France
The region is crisscrossed by several major hiking trails. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover all the facets of this corner of France:
- The GR120 – Coastal Path (Opal Coast) : Locals often call it the customs officers’ path. It runs along the entire coast, from the north to the Baie de Somme. It’s the perfect way to feel the sea spray, enjoy a nice breeze, and clear your head.
- The GR127 – Tour de l’Avesnois : This route takes you through the groves and forests of the Avesnois region, passing through truly charming little villages and sweeping landscapes. It’s the perfect hike for total immersion in nature, far from the noise.
- The GR145 – Via Francigena : This historic pilgrimage route leads all the way to Rome! The Via Francigena crosses the Hauts-de-France region from north to south. An adventure that blends history, culture, and wonderful encounters along the way.
- The Scandibérique (EuroVelo 3): Well, it’s mainly a bike path, but the good news is that you can walk on some sections! It’s an incredible route that connects Norway to Santiago de Compostela, and it passes right through our country! These paths are super well marked and maintained.
Honestly, they promise you truly great hiking experiences, with landscapes that change all the time and will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Our essential guides for exploring Hauts-de-France
To make sure you don’t miss anything during your walks and, above all, don’t get lost:
- Flanders to the Bay of the Somme – GR120 from the FFRP : This is THE bible for exploring the Hauts-de-France coastline. It offers more than 10 days of hiking with all the details.
- The Rother Guide to Hauts-de-France : This guide offers 50 hikes in Northern France, from the Belgian border to Champagne-Ardenne and Paris. There’s something for everyone.
- Picardy Coast on Foot : Another great guidebook from the FFRP. It offers 23 well-explained walks and hikes, with super-clear maps and all the practical information you’ll need before you set off.
The hiking network in Hauts-de-France
The Hauts-de-France region offers a vast network of several thousand kilometers of marked trails, suitable for all levels and allowing you to enjoy hiking all year round. More precisely, there are 180,000 km of marked trails, divided between Grande Randonnée (GR), Grande Randonnée de Pays (GRP) and Promenade et Randonnée (PR) trails.
Additionally, thanks to good public transport links, many routes are easily accessible without a car, making it much easier to organize eco-friendly and practical stays. Thus, the Hauts-de-France region combines accessibility, diverse landscapes, and a wealth of trails to offer a complete hiking experience suitable for all.
Did you know?
In the North, café-rando are very popular: they offer hikers gourmet and friendly breaks directly on their route, perfect for regaining strength and chatting with other hikers.