6 Best Hikes in France

A French walking holiday can mean a valley path beneath Gavarnie, a steep climb to Lac Blanc or successive nights on Corsica’s GR20. Those choices need different preparation. Start with how much mountain experience you have and whether you want to return to the same bed each evening.

Plan each outing separately. The table compares physical effort; technical difficulty and exposure can differ. Each mission on the map has its location and preparation details.

Compare the experiences

Choose your route

Gavarnie gives you a valley approach to a mountain setting. Lac Blanc involves a steeper climb, and the GR20 needs a full trekking plan. For a coast-based trip, Cap Fréhel keeps the walking beside the sea; Blanc-Martel needs a separate plan for the journey between its trailheads.

Hike from Col des Montets to Lac Blanc

Climb through the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve on a steep 9.4-kilometre round trip to Lac Blanc. The route gains about 890 metres and includes an equipped rocky passage, so lingering snow or bad weather can make it much harder than a dry summer hike.

Lac Blanc sits at 2,350 metres opposite the Aiguilles of the Mont Blanc massif.

The route is free and normally independent. Swimming is prohibited and dogs are not allowed in the reserve. Official hiking access is seasonal and subject to snow and weather, so check current mountain conditions before setting out.

Hike the Blanc-Martel Trail through Verdon Gorge

Follow the one-way Blanc-Martel Trail from Chalet de la Maline to Point Sublime through the bottom of Verdon Gorge. Expect steep climbs and descents, scree, slippery rock, exposed sections and two tunnels, including one 668 metres long.

Along the route, you walk beside the river, beneath high limestone walls and through narrow canyon sections.

The trail is free and needs no guide, but you must arrange transport between its two ends. Seasonal shuttles and taxis serve the route when operating. Bring a reliable torch, plenty of water and proper walking shoes, and check trail, weather and transport conditions before starting.

Hike into the Cirque de Gavarnie

Follow the broad valley trail from Gavarnie village toward the Hôtellerie du Cirque as the rock walls close in around you. The standard walk is non-technical, but it is still a mountain route and snow, ice or fast-changing weather can make conditions much harder.

The Cirque de Gavarnie is a huge glacial amphitheatre in the central Pyrenees. Walking in from the village lets its scale build gradually until the valley ends beneath the surrounding cliffs and waterfalls.

The standard valley walk is free and can be done independently. Check local trail and weather conditions before leaving, especially outside summer. Don’t continue onto snow-covered or icy ground without the skills and equipment those conditions require.

Climb Puy de Dôme on the Chemin des Muletiers

Climb from Col de Ceyssat on the Chemin des Muletiers, the short, steep route to Puy de Dôme’s summit.

From the summit, you can see how high Puy de Dôme rises above the surrounding Chaîne des Puys.

Check the current Chemin des Muletiers trail notice and access to Col de Ceyssat before travelling. Safety works can close the route. Avoid the climb in poor weather.

Trek the GR20 from Calenzana to Conca

Follow the red-and-white GR20 from Calenzana across Corsica’s interior to Conca, linking steep ridges, rocky passes and remote valleys over successive days. The northern half is especially demanding, with scrambling and rough ground adding to the daily distance and ascent.

Finishing it links the island’s ridges, valleys and refuge network from northwest to southeast.

Reserve refuge or bivouac places through the Corsican regional park and confirm the staffed season for your dates. Plan water and every overnight stop, and check mountain weather and fire notices before each stage.

Hike from Cap Fréhel to Fort La Latte

Walk the GR34 from Cap Fréhel to Fort La Latte and back across open heath and sandstone cliffs. The route stays close to exposed edges and has enough climbing and uneven ground to make the return more than a casual coastal stroll.

This stretch of the old customs path follows the coast from Cap Fréhel’s high sea cliffs to the fortified headland of Fort La Latte.

The coastal path is free and needs no booking or guide. Wear suitable walking shoes, stay on the marked route and keep back from cliff edges in strong wind. Entry to Fort La Latte is optional and requires a separate paid ticket.

Before you set out

Check notices for the trail you choose: snow or wet rock can make even a non-technical route much harder. Download a map and confirm the return transport for a linear walk such as Blanc-Martel. For the GR20, arrange every overnight stop before starting.

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