Best Hiking in France: 10 Must-Try Trails for Outdoor Enthusiasts

France is a dream destination for hiking enthusiasts. From the majestic peaks of the Alps to the sun-soaked paths along the Mediterranean, the country offers some of the most scenic and diverse hiking trails in France 2026. Whether you’re seeking challenging mountain treks or leisurely nature walks, France has the perfect route for every skill level.

This guide highlights the best hiking trails in France, providing details on trail length, difficulty, and scenery, helping you plan your ultimate adventure across the country’s stunning landscapes.

10 Best Hiking Places in France

Grab your backpack and get ready to explore some of the most spectacular hiking destinations in France. From challenging multi-day treks to leisurely coastal walks, these trails offer a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor adventure.

1. Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB)

The Tour du Mont Blanc is one of the best hikes in France and a bucket-list trek for alpine lovers. This 170 km trail circles the Mont Blanc massif, Western Europe’s highest peak at 4,810 m, and crosses France, Italy, and Switzerland. Hikers are rewarded with breathtaking views of glaciers, alpine meadows, and charming mountain villages along the way.

• Difficulty: Challenging
• Distance: Approximately 170 km (106 miles)
• Location: French Alps, starting in Les Houches
• Cost: Mostly free, but some areas may have entry fees
• Great for: Experienced hikers seeking a multi-day alpine adventure
• Coordinates: 45.8942° N, 6.7953° E
• Key Tips: The best time is June to September. Book accommodations in advance as refugees fill up quickly. Carry layers as mountain weather can change rapidly.

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2. GR10 – Pyrenees

For those seeking a long-distance adventure, the GR10 stretches 866 km across the Pyrenees from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean. This challenging trail passes through lush forests, turquoise lakes, high mountain passes, and quaint villages, making it one of the most iconic hiking spots in France.

• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
• Distance: 866 km (538 miles)
• Location: Pyrenees Mountains along the French-Spanish border
• Cost: Free to hike, but accommodations and food cost extra
• Great for: Long-distance hikers and nature lovers
• Coordinates: Starts 43.3733° N, 1.7833° W; Ends 42.4667° N, 3.1333° E
• Key Tips: The full hike takes around 50-60 days. You can do shorter sections. Carry a tent as accommodations are limited in some parts. Enjoy local Basque and Catalan cuisine in villages en route.

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3. Mercantour National Park

Mercantour National Park in the Southern Alps is a hidden gem among hiking places in France. With over 600 km of marked trails, it offers everything from gentle valley walks to strenuous summit climbs. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot ibex and chamois, admire ancient petroglyphs, and enjoy the tranquility of remote mountain hamlets.

• Difficulty: Easy to challenging (varied trails)
• Distance: Over 600 km of hiking trails
• Location: Alpes-Maritimes and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence departments
• Cost: Free entry, but some services may cost
• Great for: All levels of hikers, history buffs, wildlife enthusiasts
• Coordinates: 44.0667° N, 7.0667° E
• Key Tips: Visit in late spring for wildflowers or in autumn for vibrant foliage. The Vallée des Merveilles has fascinating Bronze Age rock carvings. Stay in a mountain refuge for an authentic experience.

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4. Vanoise National Park

The Vanoise National Park, France’s oldest national park, spans over 500 km of trails that are perfect for hiking trails France enthusiasts. Hikers can explore high plateaus, cross glaciers, spot rare alpine wildlife, and stay in traditional mountain refuges while taking in the dramatic alpine scenery.

• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
• Distance: Over 500 km of trails
• Location: Savoie department in the French Alps
• Cost: Free entry, some services chargeable
• Great for: Wildlife enthusiasts, glacier hikers, those seeking solitude
• Coordinates: 45.3333° N, 6.7833° E
• Key Tips: July-August is peak season. September is quieter. The Grande Casse (3,855 m) is the park’s highest peak. Consider a guided glacier walk for safety. Taste local Beaufort cheese.

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5. Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve

For a quieter alternative to Mont Blanc, the Aiguilles Rouges massif near Chamonix provides stunning views without the crowds. Trek through alpine meadows, larch forests, and crystal-clear lakes to reach rocky peaks overlooking Mont Blanc and the Chamonix Valley a must for those seeking some of the best hiking places in France.

• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
• Distance: Trails vary, typical hikes are 10-20 km
• Location: Haute-Savoie department near Chamonix
• Cost: Free entry, some services chargeable
• Great for: Escaping crowds, lake swimming, peak bagging
• Coordinates: 45.9667° N, 6.8667° E
• Key Tips: Lac Blanc is a must-see. Combine with a ride on the Aiguille du Midi cable car for Mont Blanc views. The Chamonix-Zermatt Haute Route passes through here.

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6. Sentier du Littoral, French Basque Country

The Sentier du Littoral in the French Basque Country is a coastal route running 25 km from Bidart to Hendaye. This scenic hiking spot in France follows the rugged Atlantic coast, passing sandy beaches, rocky coves, and traditional fishing villages. Hikers can enjoy fresh seafood, historic Basque sites, and even cross the border into Spain.

• Difficulty: Easy
• Distance: 25 km (15.5 miles)
• Location: French Basque coast from Bidart to Hendaye
• Cost: Free
• Great for: Coastal scenery, Basque culture, gentle walking
• Coordinates: Starts 43.4333° N, 1.5833° W
• Key Tips: Walk north to south for the best views. Pack a swimsuit for beach stops. Try Basque tapas (pintxos) in Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Combine it with the Camino del Norte in Spain.

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7. Chemin de Stevenson, Cévennes

The Chemin de Stevenson (GR70) retraces the journey of Scottish writer Robert Louis Stevenson and his donkey Modestine across the Cévennes in 1878. Covering 230 km from Le Monastier to Saint-Jean-du-Gard, this trail winds through chestnut forests, schist villages, and rugged valleys, making it one of the most immersive hiking trails France has to offer.

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Distance: 230 km (143 miles)
• Location: Cévennes mountains in southern France
• Cost: Free, accommodations/food extra
• Great for: Literature lovers, history buffs, long-distance hikers
• Coordinates: Starts 44.9333° N, 3.9833° E
• Key Tips: Best in spring/fall. Summer can be hot. Read Stevenson’s book “Travels with a Donkey” before you go. Stay in rustic B&Bs along the route. Enjoy Cévennes cuisine like charcuterie and chestnut dishes.

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8. Verdon Gorge: Martel Trail

The Verdon Gorge is a natural wonder – a 700 m deep limestone canyon with striking turquoise waters. The Martel Trail is a 15 km hike along the canyon floor, past towering cliffs, gushing waterfalls, and hidden beaches. Carved by Édouard-Alfred Martel, it’s a thrilling adventure.

• Difficulty: Challenging due to steep, exposed sections
• Distance: 15 km (9 miles) one-way
• Location: Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department
• Cost: Free
• Great for: Adventurous hikers, geology enthusiasts, canyoning
• Coordinates: 43.7333° N, 6.2333° E
• Key Tips: Go early to beat crowds and heat. Wear grippy shoes. Bring plenty of water. Can combine with canyoning/rafting. Shuttle back from Point Sublime.

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9. Vallée de la Bièvre

Just 15 km from Paris lies the tranquil Bièvre Valley, a pastoral oasis of forests, farmland, and historic villages. Numerous walking trails crisscross the valley, passing medieval churches, quaint mills, and lush gardens. It’s the perfect escape from the city bustle.

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Distance: Trails vary, typical hikes are 5-15 km
• Location: Southwest of Paris in Essonne department
• Cost: Free
• Great for: Families, couples, Parisians seeking nature
• Coordinates: 47.4667° N, 1.6333° E
• Key Tips: Combine with visits to Château de Versailles or Chevreuse. Stop at local farms for fresh produce. Annual Strawberry Festival in May/June. Accessible by RER train.

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10. The Cathar Way Hiking Trail

The Cathar Way (GR367) is a 250 km route through the scenic Languedoc region, linking key medieval sites of the Cathars. Hikers pass hilltop castles, fortified villages, and vineyards, making it a historic and visually stunning addition to the list of best hikes in France.

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Distance: 250 km (155 miles)
• Location: Languedoc-Roussillon region in southern France
• Cost: Free, accommodations/food extra
• Great for: History buffs, long-distance hikers, wine lovers
• Coordinates: Starts 43.0167° N, 3.0667° E
• Key Tips: Best in spring/fall. Takes around 13-15 days. Stay in gîtes d’étape (hikers’ hostels). Key sights include Quéribus, Peyrepertuse, and Montségur castles. Cathar history is complex, read up beforehand.

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FAQs

What are the different types of hiking trails in France?

France offers a wide variety of hiking trails, including:

• Long-distance trails (Grandes Randonnées or GR routes) like the GR10 and GR20
• National and regional park trails, such as those in Mercantour and Vanoise
• Coastal paths, like the Sentier du Littoral in the Basque Country
• Themed trails, such as the Chemin de Stevenson literary route and the Cathar Way historic trail
• Day hikes and nature walks in areas like the Vallée de la Bièvre

What is the best time for hiking in France?

The best time to hike in France is June to September for mountains and April to October for coastal or lowland trails. Spring and autumn offer mild weather and fewer crowds, while summer can be hot and crowded.

What is the longest trail in France?

The longest hiking trail in France is the GR5, spanning over 2,600 km from the Netherlands to the Mediterranean. However, the GR10 in the Pyrenees (866 km) and Corsica’s GR20 (180 km) are considered the most prestigious long-distance trails.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in France?

The GR20 in Corsica has the most elevation gain in France, with 12,000 m over 180 km. It features steep climbs and exposed sections. The GR10 (Pyrenees) and GR5 (Alps) also have significant elevation gains.

What is the most popular and difficult trail in France?

The Tour du Mont Blanc is one of the most popular long-distance trails in France, covering 170 km with 10,000 m of elevation gain. It’s not technically difficult, but its length, elevation, and weather make it challenging.

Other tough trails include:

• GR20 in Corsica: steep, rocky, and exposed.
• Alpine variant of the GR5: high mountain terrain.

Are there camping trails available in France?

Yes, many hiking trails in France allow camping, especially in the mountains. The GR10 permits wild camping, the Tour du Mont Blanc has campsites with restrictions, and the GR20 and GR54 offer campsites and some wild camping. Always check local regulations and follow Leave No Trace principles.

Are there running trails available in France?

France has a thriving trail running scene, with popular trails like Les Contamines-Montjoie, Chamonix’s Le Brévent, and the challenging GR20 in Corsica. Ski resorts offer summer trail running parks, and trail races are held across the country, from short to ultra distances.

Are there biking trails available in France?

Yes, France offers extensive biking trails, including the Loire à Vélo (900 km), Véloroute du Rhône (815 km), and mountain routes like the Grande Traversée du Massif Central (1,380 km) and Alpes (600 km). Many trails for hiking in France also allow mountain biking, though some areas have restrictions. Cyclists should follow trail etiquette and yield to hikers.