The Latest Guide to Spend the Best Walking Holidays in France
Hunting for the best walking holidays France has to offer shouldn’t be harder than the actual hike. We cut through the noise to match you with your dream trek, whether you want a guide or total freedom. From the brutal GR20 to chill wine trails, grab your boots because your next adventure starts right here. 🥾 If you don’t want to deal with Barcelona overtourism, and you are seeking for relaxful holidays, keep reading!
Best Walking Holidays France Article Summary
Here is a summary to get all the article dedicated to walking Holidays in France at a glance.
| Itinerary | Region | Approx. Distance | Approx. Duration | Difficulty (1-5) | Best for… |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GR20 | Corsica | 180 km | 16 days | 5/5 (Very Hard) | Hardcore trekkers seeking a legendary challenge. |
| Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) | Alps (France, Italy, Switzerland) | 152 km | 7-10 days | 3/5 (Challenging) | Fit walkers wanting classic Alpine views. |
| Chemin de Stevenson (GR70) | Cévennes | 250 km | 12 days | 2/5 (Moderate) | Gentle long-distance walking and families (with a donkey!). |
| Tour des Lacs d’Auvergne (GR30) | Massif Central | 199 km | 8-10 days | 2/5 (Moderate) | Volcanic landscapes and contemplative walks. |
| Gorges du Verdon Tour | Provence | 65 km | 4 days | 3/5 (Challenging, with exposure) | Canyon lovers who aren’t afraid of heights. |
| Calanques Traverse (GR 98-51) | Mediterranean Coast | 28 km | 2 days | 3/5 (Challenging) | A tough but rewarding coastal weekend. |
- Guided or Self-Guided: What’s Your Vibe?
- The Big Hitters: Alps, Pyrenees, And Corsica’s Beast
- Beyond the Peaks: Hills, Gorges, and Volcanic Wonders
- A Different Pace: Jura, Provence, and Coastal Paths
- The Ultimate Comparison: Choosing Your Perfect French Walk
- Walking Solo In France? Absolutely, Mate!
Guided or Self-Guided: What’s Your Vibe?
First Things First: Choosing Your Walking Style
Alright, let’s talk about the big question. Do you want someone to hold your hand, or do you want to be the master of your own map? This is the first choice you’ll make.
Your decision between a guided tour and a self-guided holiday completely shapes the experience. Finding the best walking holidays France offers really just depends on what you’re looking for.
We’ll break down what each option really means for you. Think of it as choosing between an all-inclusive resort and a DIY Airbnb adventure. Both are great, just different. Let’s get into it.
The Case for Self-Guided Walking Holidays
Going self-guided means freedom. You walk at your own pace, stop when you want, and aren’t tied to a group’s schedule. It’s your adventure, your rules.
Don’t think you’re completely alone, though. Companies offer meticulously planned self-guided tours, handling your accommodation and luggage transfers. You just get a map and the trail notes. Easy.
This is perfect if you’re confident with a map and want flexibility. It’s often a bit cheaper, too, which always helps.
When a Guided Tour Is Worth the Splurge
On the other hand, guided walking holidays take all the stress away. Your main job is to walk and enjoy the views. Everything else is sorted.
A local guide is a goldmine of information on the flora, fauna, and history. You learn stuff you’d never find in a guidebook.
Here is why many hikers choose this option. It simplifies everything:
- Logistics handled: Accommodation, meals, and luggage transport are all booked for you.
- Expert navigation: No chance of getting lost, especially on tricky mountain trails.
- Safety in numbers: A great option for challenging terrain or if you’re a bit nervous.
- Social vibe: You get to meet and share the experience with like-minded people.
The Big Hitters: Alps, Pyrenees, And Corsica’s Beast
Now that you’ve got an idea of the style of trip, let’s check out the legendary routes that define the best walking holidays in France. These are the ones people talk about for a reason.
The Tour Du Mont Blanc (TMB): An Alpine Classic
The Tour du Mont Blanc is the poster child for Alpine hiking. It’s a massive 152 km loop around Western Europe’s highest peak. You’ll walk through France, Italy, and Switzerland.
Don’t let the « tour » part fool you; it’s a proper workout with 11,000 metres of ascent. But the paths are good, making it technically accessible for fit walkers. Think 7 intense days.
The vibe in the mountain refuges is fantastic—a real mix of languages and stories. A true bucket-list trek.
The GR20 In Corsica: Are You Tough Enough?
Let’s be direct: the GR20 is a monster. It’s often called the toughest trek in Europe, and that’s not just marketing talk. It’s 180 km of raw, beautiful punishment.
Over 16 days, you’ll tackle a staggering 16,000 metres of ascent on steep, rocky, and technical ground. This is for experienced mountain walkers only. Seriously.
The rewards? Views over the Bay of Calvi and the jagged Aiguilles de Bavella. You’ll earn every single panorama.
The Pyrenees: Wilder And Quieter
If the Alps feel a bit crowded, the Pyrenees are your answer. This range forms the border with Spain and has a wilder, more remote feel.
Autumn is a brilliant time to go, with cooler temperatures in September and October. Just watch out for the first snows higher up from late October. Cities like Pau or Lourdes are great starting points.
You’ve got everything from gentle foothills to serious peaks, plus about 1,500 mountain huts (refuges) for overnight stays. A real adventurer’s playground.
Beyond the Peaks: Hills, Gorges, and Volcanic Wonders
But France isn’t all about sky-high peaks. Some of the most memorable walks are through its rolling heartland and dramatic canyons, offering a totally different vibe from the Alps.
The Stevenson Trail (GR70): Walking with a Donkey
Ever thought of walking with a donkey on one of the best walking holidays France has to offer? The Chemin de Stevenson (GR70) is where you can live out that dream. It’s the definition of gentle, slow travel.
This 250 km, 12-day route follows the journey of writer Robert Louis Stevenson through the beautiful, empty spaces of the Cévennes. It’s a mid-mountain trail. It’s not flat, but it is very manageable.
Renting a donkey to carry your bags is a game-changer. It makes the trip doable and fun for families.
The Gorges du Verdon: A Splash of Turquoise
The Gorges du Verdon is basically Europe’s answer to the Grand Canyon. The water is an unbelievable shade of turquoise. Honestly, it’s a total must-see.
The full tour is a 4-day, 65 km loop. However, the famous section is the Sentier Blanc-Martel. It takes you right down into the canyon floor.
Be warned, some sections are steep with ladders and tunnels. It’s definitely not for those with a fear of heights!
Auvergnes Volcanic Lakes (GR30): A Trip Back in Time
For something completely different, head to the Auvergne. This region is a chain of extinct volcanoes. The GR30 trail loops around its stunning lakes. It’s a 199 km walk over 8-10 days.
The landscape feels ancient and powerful. You’ll climb the Puy de Sancy, the highest point of the Massif Central.
The real stars are the lakes. Check out:
- Lac Pavin: A perfect circle formed in a crater (a ‘maar’).
- Lac de Guéry: Formed by a lava flow dam.
- Lac Chambon: Another lake created by volcanic activity.
- Lacs Chauvet & d’En-Haut: More beautiful crater lakes.
A Different Pace: Jura, Provence, and Coastal Paths
If you’re looking for walks that mix in a bit of culture, wine, or salty sea air, France has you covered.
The Jura Mountains: Forests, Wine, and Cheese
The Jura mountains are less dramatic than the Alps but offer some of the best walking holidays France has to offer. Think rolling plateaus, deep forests, and epic cheese. The Grande Traversée du Jura (GTJ) is the main event here.
It’s a long one at 385 km, but you can tackle shorter sections easily. It’s a journey through bucolic landscapes with killer views of the Alps on clear days.
For a different flavour, the Échappée Jurassienne mixes in vineyards (hello, Vin Jaune!) and visits to the region’s famous lakes and waterfalls. It’s a total vibe 🍷.
Provence: Lavender Fields and Hilltop Villages
Walking in Provence is a proper feast for the senses. You’ve got the scent of lavender and thyme, the sound of cicadas, and postcard-perfect villages everywhere you look.
The walking here is generally less demanding, which is a nice touch. You can find 8-day self-guided trips that are rated low for technical difficulty. It’s more about soaking up the atmosphere than burning your legs out.
Check out the Tour des Baronnies provençales for a longer 12-day circuit mixing mountains with olive groves. Don’t miss it.
The Calanques: Hiking Between Cliffs and Sea
Just outside Marseille, the Calanques National Park offers some of the most spectacular coastal hiking in Europe. Think white limestone cliffs dropping straight into turquoise water.
The GR 98-51 trail connects Marseille to Cassis over 2 days (28km). It’s short but surprisingly tough, with steep climbs and exposed sections that will test you 🧗.
Your reward is a swim in a secluded cove that you can only reach on foot. Absolutely worth the effort.
The Ultimate Comparison: Choosing Your Perfect French Walk
Your At-a-Glance Guide to France’s Best Treks
Sometimes you just need to see the stats. No fluff, just the key facts to help you decide if a trek is a good fit for you.
Think about what matters most to you: epic challenge, gentle scenery, or something in between? This table should help.
| Itinerary | Region | Approx. Distance | Approx. Duration | Difficulty (1-5) | Best for… |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GR20 | Corsica | 180 km | 16 days | 5/5 (Very Hard) | Hardcore trekkers seeking a legendary challenge. |
| Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) | Alps (France, Italy, Switzerland) | 152 km | 7-10 days | 3/5 (Challenging) | Fit walkers wanting classic Alpine views. |
| Chemin de Stevenson (GR70) | Cévennes | 250 km | 12 days | 2/5 (Moderate) | Gentle long-distance walking and families (with a donkey!). |
| Tour des Lacs d’Auvergne (GR30) | Massif Central | 199 km | 8-10 days | 2/5 (Moderate) | Volcanic landscapes and contemplative walks. |
| Gorges du Verdon Tour | Provence | 65 km | 4 days | 3/5 (Challenging, with exposure) | Canyon lovers who aren’t afraid of heights. |
| Calanques Traverse (GR 98-51) | Mediterranean Coast | 28 km | 2 days | 3/5 (Challenging) | A tough but rewarding coastal weekend. |
Walking Solo In France? Absolutely, Mate!
So, what if you’re planning a trip for one? Walking holidays are actually one of the best ways to travel solo.
Why France Is Great For Solo Walkers
Thinking of going it alone? France is a top-notch choice for the best walking holidays France has to offer. The infrastructure is fantastic and the trails are well-marked.
You get the perfect mix of solitude on the trail and company in the evenings. The refuge and gîte culture is naturally social, which is a nice touch.
It’s a safe, easy, and incredibly rewarding way to see the country on your own terms.
Your Options: Join A Group Or Go Your Own Way
As a solo traveller, you have two main paths. You can join a small group guided tour, which is great for meeting people. Many companies even cater specifically to singles.
Or, you can do a self-guided trip. It’s ideal if you genuinely want some alone time during the day.
Popular routes like the Chemin de Stevenson or the Camino de Santiago are perfect for this, as you’re never truly alone.
Top Tips For The Solo Adventurer
Here is how to handle the logistics without losing your mind.
- Pick a popular route: Trails like the TMB or Stevenson have a steady stream of fellow walkers.
- Book accommodation ahead: Especially in peak season, don’t risk being left without a bed.
- Learn a little French: Just « bonjour » and « merci » go a long, long way in rural gîtes.
- Let someone know your plan: Always share your daily itinerary with someone back home.
- Pack light, but smart: You’re carrying it all, so be ruthless. But don’t forget blister plasters!
So, are youready to lace up your boots? Whether you pick the tough GR20 or a chill walk in Provence,France has a trail with your name on it. Don’t overthink it—just grab a map, pack your bag, andget out there.The mountains are calling! 🏔️🇫🇷
Q / A About the best walking holidays in France
What is the best walking holiday in France for beginners?
If you’re just dipping your toes into hiking holidays, you don’t want to start with a mountain beast. The Chemin de Stevenson (GR70) is a fantastic entry point. It’s a mid-mountain trail, so you get great views without the terrifying drops, plus you can hire a donkey to carry your bags! 🫏
Another top pick is Provence. The terrain is generally gentler, rolling through lavender fields and vineyards. It’s less about grueling physical exertion and more about enjoying the scenery, the food, and the village vibes. Perfect if you want a holiday that feels like a holiday.
Is the GR20 in Corsica really as tough as people say?
Short answer: Yes. 😅 The GR20 has a reputation as Europe’s toughest trek for a reason. We aren’t just talking about a long walk; the terrain is incredibly rocky, steep, and technical. You’ll often find yourself using your hands to scramble over obstacles.
You need to be an experienced mountain walker with a high level of fitness to enjoy this one. It’s 180 km of raw challenge over roughly 16 days. If you aren’t ready to suffer a little bit for those epic views, you might want to look at the Alps instead.
Should i choose a guided or self-guided walking holiday?
It really depends on what you value most. If you want total freedom to wake up late, walk at your own pace, and stop for photos whenever you want, go self-guided. Companies still handle your luggage and hotels, so it’s stress-free but flexible. 🗺️
On the flip side, a guided tour is perfect if you want a social experience and expert local knowledge. You don’t have to worry about navigation or safety, and you get to share the journey with a group. It’s often the better choice for tougher routes or if you’re a bit nervous about being out in the wild alone.
Can i do a walking holiday in France solo?
Absolutely, mate! France is one of the best places in the world for solo adventurers. The trails are well-marked, and the infrastructure is solid. You’re rarely too far from a village or a refuge.
Plus, the social vibe in the mountain huts (refuges) is legendary. Even if you walk alone during the day, you’ll be sharing dinner and stories with other hikers at night. It’s the perfect mix of solitude and company. 🍷
When is the best time to go hiking in France?
Timing is everything. If you are aiming for the high peaks like the Tour du Mont Blanc or the GR20, you generally need to stick to the summer months (July and August) to ensure the snow has melted from the passes. ☀️
However, for regions like the Pyrenees or Provence, the shoulder seasons are brilliant. September and October offer cooler temperatures, which makes walking much more pleasant, and the trails are far less crowded than in the peak of summer.