Where high mountains, vineyard trails, and coastal paths meet food, culture, and adventure.
France is made for exploration — a country built around walking, hiking, and slow travel. Its vast network of GR routes, vineyard trails, and alpine circuits invite you to experience self-guided walking holidays that move at your own pace. From the cliffs of Brittany to the high passes of the Alps, every path reveals something new.
Adventure here doesn’t stop with walking. Explore rugged mountain trails, cycle through wine country, paddle quiet rivers, or swim in alpine lakes and Mediterranean coves. France offers outdoor adventures as varied as its landscapes — from the lavender fields of Provence to the snow-capped peaks of the Alps. Add relaxed cycling holidays along canals, coastlines, and countryside lanes, and you’ll find endless ways to discover the country by human power.
Whether you’re planning a long-distance trek or seeking scenic routes near nature, France offers independent places to stay that bring you close to mountains, vineyards, rivers, and coast. This is a country where walking and adventure blend with food, culture, and the simple joy of slow travel.
Slow travel doesn’t mean standing still. Take your time exploring France on foot, on the trail, or across mountain, river, and coast — wherever the path leads.
Snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, and glacier valleys. Walk the Tour du Mont Blanc or explore Chamonix, Annecy, and the Vanoise National Park for classic alpine adventure.
Wild and remote, the Pyrenees stretch from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. Hike the GR10 across the range or explore valleys like Gavarnie and Ariège.
Lavender fields, limestone hills, and Mediterranean light. Walk the calanques near Marseille, the villages of the Luberon, or vineyard routes around Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
Rugged and maritime. The GR34 Sentier des Douaniers follows dramatic coasts, fishing harbours, and headlands, with inland trails through forests and river valleys.
Pastoral countryside meets historic coastlines. Walk around Mont-Saint-Michel, the cliffs of Étretat, or quiet bocage lanes inland.
Royal châteaux, riverside paths, and gentle countryside. Explore the Loire à Vélo trail or combine vineyard walks with world-class heritage.
Volcanic landscapes, remote plateaux, and wild horizons. The Massif Central is France at its most untamed, with quiet villages scattered across high country.
Rolling hills and world-famous vineyards. Walk the Voie des Vignes, explore canal-side paths, and discover villages steeped in gastronomy.
Colourful villages, vineyards, and forested hills. Combine walks along the Alsace Wine Route with hikes into the Vosges Mountains.
Rivers, valleys, and medieval towns in Dordogne, Lot, and Bordeaux. Follow the Camino routes (GR65) or explore rich landscapes full of history and cuisine.
From the Opal Coast’s cliffs to WWI remembrance trails, this region offers coastal hikes, heritage routes, and cross-border paths into Belgium.
An island of extremes. Tackle the legendary GR20 or explore gentler coastal and inland trails, from turquoise bays to rugged ridges.
Start your journey through France’s most walkable and hikeable regions — discover the best trails, destinations, and places to stay for your next self-guided adventure.
The Alps, Pyrenees, and Corsica are top for challenging treks, while regions like the Loire, Burgundy, and Provence offer gentler walking with cultural highlights.
Yes — France is home to the GR routes, including the GR10 (Pyrenees), GR20 (Corsica), and GR65 (Camino de Santiago). The Tour du Mont Blanc is also one of Europe’s classic treks.
Cycling, kayaking, wild swimming, canyoning, and skiing in winter all add to the outdoor mix. Many regions combine hiking with food, wine, and cultural experiences.
Not always. Major trails and destinations are connected by trains and buses, especially in regions like the Alps, Pyrenees, and Provence. Car-free travel is possible with planning.
Spring and autumn (April–June, September–October) are ideal for most regions. High mountain routes in the Alps and Pyrenees are best in summer, while southern coasts remain pleasant well into autumn.
