Customs or smuggling trails, in the Alps, the Pyrenees or on the coast, transhumance paths in Cantal, goat tracks in Corsica, bucolic hikes in the Cévennes, sports in the Parc de la Vanoise... In France, the paths hiking trails tell the larger story.
There is something for all tastes and all levels.
The beauty of the landscapes crossed, grandiose, sometimes unknown, offers a taste of eternity and rewards physical commitment.
Our selection of 10 hiking routes closer to nature, to discover our country from another angle.
To discover
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Read the fileHiking: itineraries, advice... Our guide
The GR20 in Corsica, the best known
The famous "hole of the bomb", one of the geological curiosities of the Bavella massif, on the GR 20. Gamut
Distance
: 200km
Elevation
: 10,000m
Departure
: Calenzana (Upper Corsica)
Arrival
: Conca (Corse-du-Sud)
This mythical hiking trail that crosses the Isle of Beauty is often considered one of the most beautiful, but also the toughest long-distance hiking trails in Europe.
To the north, the GR20 is more technical while to the south, the paths are less steep.
On the main route, the stages are carried out from refuge to refuge, which you must take care to book as soon as possible.
More info on www.le-gr20.fr
The most beautiful stage of the route:
the Aiguilles de Bavella at the penultimate stage, the 15th, when you travel the GR from north to south, between the refuge of Asinau and that of Paliri.
Read alsoHiking: in Corsica, six day trips along the GR20
The Chemin de Saint Guilhem
,
the most rural
Bird's eye view of the Cirque de Navacelles, shortly before arriving south of the Hérault.
Florence
Distance
: 250km
Elevation
: 2,900m
Departure
: Aumont-Aubrac
Arrival
: Saint-Guilhem-le-Desert
The Grande Traversée du Massif Central connects the north of the department of Lozère to the south of Hérault.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this route crosses the Aubrac Plateau, the Tarn Gorges, the Lot Valley and the Cévennes National Park.
There is a variant, from the signal of Mailhebiau, summit of Aubrac culminating at 1,469 m, which descends further west, by Trélans, towards La Canourgue, where it crosses the main route again.
Still little known or recognized, the trail escapes overcrowding.
More info on www.chemin-st-guilhem.fr
The most beautiful stage of the route:
The Causse Méjean, vast and desert limestone plateau in the Grands Causses, with a lunar atmosphere.
Read alsoFive charming hotels in Lozère, closer to nature
The Stevenson path
(GR70), the most literary
This known and recognized route crosses the natural park of the Cévennes.
jef 77
Distance
: 250km
Elevation
: 6,400m
Departure
: Puy-en-Velay (Haute-Loire)
Arrival
: Ales (Gard)
Mid-mountain route this trail largely follows the route taken by the Scottish author of "Treasure Island" who gave it its name.
The journey can be done in the company of a pack animal, like Stevenson, and Modestine.
there is no shortage of specialized service providers but, depending on the character of the animal, it is sometimes easier to carry its bag.
More info on www.chemin-stevenson.org
The most beautiful stage of the route:
Mount Finiels, the highest point of the route, at 1699 m, at sunrise or sunset.
The Tour of the Vanoise glaciers, the most spectacular
This sumptuous course has a rare requirement: to swallow between 250 and 1100 m of elevation gain per day, in particular to admire the glaciers.
Marina Kokkelink
Distance
: 60km
Elevation
: 4895m
Departure and arrival
: Pralognan-la-Vanoise (Savoie)
This circular mountain route is one of the most emblematic in the Alps.
There are several variations.
In the heart of the Vanoise National Park, between mountain pastures and eternal snow, it offers breathtaking landscapes and many opportunities to meet ibexes and chamois.
More info on www.savoie-mont-blanc.com/randonnees-et-balades
The most beautiful stage of the route:
The Col d'Aussois.
From the Pointe de l'Observatoire (3,015 m), you can observe Mont Blanc, the Vanoise glaciers and the Écrins massif.
Read alsoHiking in the Alps at Grand-Saint-Bernard, the other Napoleon route
The Grand tour of the Écrins massif (GR54), the most difficult
On the Emparis plateau, crossed by the GR54.
Stephane
Distance
: 184km
Elevation
: 12,800m
Departure and arrival
: Bourg d'Oisans
It is considered one of the most difficult GRs in Europe, along with the Tour du Mont Blanc and the GR5.
The GR 54, which bypasses the Oisans and Ecrins massifs, is reserved for seasoned hikers.
It takes 14 passes including La Meije at 3,983m and the Barre des Écrins at 4,102m and crosses majestic panoramas.
More info on www.grand-tour-ecrins.fr
The most beautiful stage of the route:
The Emparis plateau and its lakes, located in a magnificent setting opposite La Meije.
An incredible vision that has to be earned.
Read alsoLa Grave - La Meije: XXL freeride skiing and pure powder, our guide
Tour of the Cantal volcano in Auvergne (GR400), the most volcanic
Towards Puy Griou, on one of the five loops.
B.Piccoli
Distance
: 140km
Elevation
: 4,635m
Departure and arrival
: Murat
A mid-mountain trail, the GR400 meanders along the sides of the Cantal Massif, the largest volcano in Europe.
This route allows you to take short hikes around the Cantal mountains thanks to five distinct loops of 20 to 45 kilometers around Puy Mary.
More info on www.mongr.fr/
The most beautiful stage of the route:
the ascent of Puy Mary at 1783 m
Cathar trail (GR 367), the most historic
A journey rich in heritage.
Here the massive keep of the castle of Qéribus.
Vincent Photography / ADT Aude
Distance
: 226km
Elevation
: 7,905 m
Departure
: Port-la-Nouvelle
Arrival
: Montgaillard
The trail is an open-air history lesson.
The route goes back in time, passing at the foot of the most beautiful Cathar castles: Aguilar, Quéribus, Peyrepertuse, among others and sinking between Pyrenean peaks from the Mediterranean Sea.
The most beautiful stage of the route:
the Pech de Bugarach, you will need 2 hours of ascent to reach the summit and the sumptuous panorama it offers.
Read alsoIn the Aude, taste the heritage and natural wonders of the Cathar country
The Great Crossing of the Alps by the GR5, the highest
The chapel of the Col de l'Iseran.
Pascal Ledard
Distance
: 600km
Elevation
: 30,000m
Departure
: Thonon-les-Bains (or Saint Gindolph)
Arrival
: Nice (or Menton)
This 100% mountain route crosses five departments and crosses many passes that often culminate at more than 2000 meters to join Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean Sea.
A route for lovers of mineral landscapes.
The most beautiful stage of the route
: Unforgettable, the passage in the early morning, the Col de l'Iseran, at 2764 meters, one of the highest points of the circuit.
From the creeks of Marseille to Cassis (GR 98-51), the southernmost
The Cave of Bone, one of the marvels of the route.
hkotcm
Distance
: 35km
Elevation
: 1,850m
Departure
: Marseilles
Arrival
: Cassis
In the Calanques National Park, this 3-day itinerary runs along the Mediterranean between Cassis and the Col de Sugiton, passing through the creeks of Port Miou, Port Pin, En Vau, the Devenson cliffs and at the foot of the Grande Candelle.
For more info: https://mountandnature.com/2016/03/20/les-calanques-gr98-51
The most beautiful stage of the route:
the passage through the impressive Falaise des Toits in Sugiton.
Read alsoFrom the Blue Coast to the Calanques, the unmissable nuggets of Marseille and its coastline
The customs footpath in Brittany (GR34), the longest
The GR34 now follows the cut of the coastline.
Verneuil Teddy - Lezbroz
Distance
: 2000km
Elevation
: 22,811 m
Departure
: Mont-Saint-Michel (Manche)
Arrival
: Saint-Nazaire (Loire-Atlantique)
Originally inland, the GR34 now circles Brittany following the coastline.
This long path does not leave the coast, subjecting the walker to the whims of the sea and the winds.
He will discover during his journey the myths and legends of this austere and magnificent country.
On the road, Saint-Malo among others, offers hikers a well-deserved spa break.
More info on https://bretagne.ffrandonnee.fr
The most beautiful stage of the route:
On the Crozon Peninsula, the Pointe de Pen-Hir and its “Tas de Pois” are worth a look.
Read alsoGR 340: five hiking stages to go around Belle-Île-en-Mer