Hiking In France: Discover The Country From A New Point Of View

I’ve never considered myself much of a hiker, thanks to an unpleasant hiking experience in the Colorado mountains as a child, but I’ve grown to love one of France’s favorite pastimes-la randonnée (the hike). Hiking is a popular activity among all ages and a wonderful, peaceful way to enjoy the scenery of France. Trails are plentiful, and the views can be phenomenal.

View from the top of a French hike, with flowers in the foreground and mountains in the distance.

Not just for athletes

France has an incredible network of trails for all ability levels, and many are well marked—often color-coded so you stay on the correct path—and ranked by difficulty, elevation change, and distance. We regularly see people of all ages enjoying the trails, and many communes offer social groups with organized hiking excursions. France has prioritized access to public hiking and walking paths, making this an easily accessible outing for the whole family.

You don’t necessarily need a lot of technical gear for many easy hikes. As I’ve gotten more into it, I’ve added a few basics: walking poles, grippy hiking shoes and sandals, and a small backpack with essentials.

A plethora of options

Hiking trails vary widely depending on the region, from vineyard loops to coastal paths to world-class hiking in France’s mountain ranges. More than 300 long-distance trails are marked by the national hiking federation, and there are thousands of regional and local routes.

You can find hiking trails in tourist guides, tourism or community websites, or apps like AllTrails, Visorando, and Komoot. I’ve found apps to be a useful way to both discover and track routes. I’ve also purchased several regional guidebooks from bookstores and sporting goods stores, and these are packed with trail options and detailed information for each hike.

A hiking path along the French Mediterranean coastline.

France’s Commitment to Public Trail Access

One reason hiking is so ingrained in French life is the country’s remarkable dedication to public access and preservation. Laws protect access to traditional paths, making it easier for hikers to enjoy different areas without worrying about trespassing. There are also many fabulous coastal trails overlooking the Atlantic or the Mediterranean, as most of France’s coastline is publicly owned and freely accessible.

Some trails feature signs or QR codes along the way, offering useful information about local nature, wildlife, and historical sites. Be sure to pay attention to signage or public notices about closures due to fire risk, flooding, or maintenance.

Fitness and pleasure

Whether you’re an extreme sports enthusiast or someone who prefers enjoying a baguette sandwich on a secluded beach, you’ll find something that suits you—and perhaps discover a stunning panorama, a hidden waterfall, or a new activity to love.

You may also want to check out my blog post, which takes a walk through some useful vocabulary, including French terms like faire de la randonnée and other walking-related expressions.