The Best Hikes in France

A question as complex as ‘What are the best hikes in France?’ is one that is probably unanswerable. In a country in possession of the Alps, the Pyrenees, the Mediterranean Coast, the Atlantic Coast, Burgundy, Champagne, Normandy, and one of the most varied and beautiful landscapes in the world, how can you begin to even devise a list that singles out the best? You can’t, which is why we’ve scoured the guidebooks (and the internet), for the best hikes in the country, and organised them by region.

From moderate to difficult, short to long, and with everything from beautiful coastal walks on the Med to stunning, desolate vistas in central France, from lush forests and picture-perfect waterfalls, to jaw-dropping Alpine adventures that oer up glaciers and rugged peaks, this list has everything you need to plan a truly epic hiking trip this coming season.

Whether you’re more interested in the shorter walks with little elevation, or you’re gearing up for a truly mountainous experience, it’s vital you wear the right clothes for hiking. That means a good, sturdy pair of boots, waterproof gear, and a rucksack with plenty of water and supplies for the trail. Then, the only other thing you need, is a thirst for adventure.

Cascade du Dard

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: 4.7km 

Type: Loop,

Time: 2 hours

Elevation: 431m

The Cascade du Dard loop is easily accessible, and is located in the shadow of Mont Blanc itself. Starting from the world-famous Chamonix, you’ll climb over 400 metres, crossing rivers and winding up the valley side until you reach the Dart Waterfall itself. This majestic waterfall is nestled in a beautiful, secluded gorge, and features a nearby rest hut to get a snack or escape from the rain. A popular and relatively easy route, this trip can be done in a morning or afternoon, making it the perfect addition to any Chamonix visit.

Lac Blanc and l’Index de la GliÈre via La FlÉgÈre 

Difficulty: Hard

Length: 9.3km

Type: Loop

Time: 3-4 hours

Elevation: 651m

The Lac Blanc route is extremely famous in Alpine hiking circles, and for good reason. This tough, near 10k hike oers 650m of elevation gain, and will take you through Alpine forests and above the snowline, oering amazing vistas across jagged peaks and down over Chamonix. With a constant view of Mont-Blanc across the valley, and plenty of glacial lakes and other jaw-dropping scenery to take in, this is an amazing hike that you should definitely put on your list.

Cirque de Fer-à-Cheval - Pas du Boret - Le Bout du Monde 

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: 10.6km

Type: Loop

Time: 3-4 hours

Elevation: 616m

Located between Samoëns and Vallorcine, this truly breathtaking hike will take you along a truly awe-inspiring valley in the heart of the Alps. With near-vertical valley walls rising on each side, complete with crystalline lakes, primordial waterfalls, fast-flowing rivers, and the sort of scenery you thought only existed on postcards, this often-overlooked hike is one worth making the trip for. It may not get you above the treeline, but it’s no less amazing and puts you right in the heart of the Alps, and all the majesty that comes with them.

Lac de Gaube via Pont d’Espagne

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: 8km

Type: Loop

Time: 2-3 hours

Elevation: 370m

Heading south from Lourdes, you’ll find the start to the Lake Gaube hike, and if you follow the signs, can reach it via the Pont d’Espagne. This 8km loop isn’t too taxing as it has a relatively high start-point, but you’ll still be treated to towering mountains, flowing waterfalls and cascades, Alpine vistas, plenty of wildlife, and of course, Lake Gaube itself, which is truly a sight to behold.

Grande Cascade de Gavarnie

Difficulty: Hard

Length: 11.6km

Type: Loop

Time: 4-5 hours

Elevation: 778m

South of Gèdre, you’ll find this hike near the Spanish border. Starting in glorious Alpine pastures, you’ll climb a hefty 700m+ into the high Pyrenees, tackling this challenging, 4+ hour hike until you reach the natural bowl formed by the Sarradets, Marboré, Brulee, and Astazou peaks, which top out at over 3200m. This bowl is the culmination of this hike, and oers up the Gavarnie Falls themselves, the highest waterfall in mainland France with a 422m metre drop, something that has to be seen to be appreciated.

Lac d’Oô

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: 6.3 km

Type: Out-and-Back

Time: 2 hours

Elevation: 376m

The d’Oô Lake trail is a moderately difficult out-and-back walk that can be done in a morning. Located a little drive from Bagnères-de-Luchon, you’ll walk a well-tracked trail through lush forests until you reach this secluded oasis. Fed by a gorgeous set of falls coming over the bowl, steep clis give way to crystal clear waters, making this a tranquil and gorgeous hike that’ll be sure to remind you to stop to take a minute just to appreciate the beauty of the mountains.

Le Circuit des 25 Bosses

Difficulty: Moderate/Hard

Length: 15.4 km

Type: Loop

Time: 4-5 hours

Elevation: 820m

One of the most famous hikes in Northern France, the 25 Bosses Circuit is a 15km+ hike starting near Fontainebleau, that’ll take you on a tour of 25 separate elevated hills. While the maximum elevation is nothing compared to the Alps, by the time you’ve surmounted all 25 rises, you’ll have done more than 800m of climbing. Along the way, you’ll be treated to pine forests, stunning rock formations and views across the landscape, as well as a surprising variety of dierent landscapes.

Cascades du HÉrisson

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: 6.9km

Type: Out-And-Back

Time: 2 hours

Elevation: 290m

A gentler out-and-back trail that takes you on a tour of the Hedgehog river waterfalls, starting to the east of Lons-le-Saunier. With 7 main waterfalls and 31 ocial drops, this well-tracked route is worth discovering, and oers plenty of stunning views, photo opportunities, and spots to pause for breath to admire the falls along the way.

Le Puy de Sancy

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: 7.9km

Type: Loop

Time: 3 hours

Elevation: 536m

Located a little south of Clermont-Ferrand in the heart of the Parc naturel régional des Volcans d'Auvergne, this tour of the park’s highest peaks treats you to brutal and bare vistas of the unique, volcanic landscape. Exposed and wild, there are some good climbs to be had here, but thanks to the wooden path leading up the steep peaks, it remains accessible and means that this otherwise remote and humbling landscape is well within grasp.

Basses Gorges de Verdon

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: 9.7km

Type: Loop

Time: 3 hours

Elevation: 325m

The Lower Gorges of Verdon walk is located right next to Quinson, and is the perfect adventure to soak in the beauty of the Mediterranean south on a warm summer’s day. With sun-bleached rocks, impossibly green flora, and a truly gorgeous waterway in the form of the Le Verdon river, you’ll be bowled over by the natural beauty of this place. Walk the valley side out and loop back along the ridge, or take the trip by kayak and view it from below, the choice is yours.

Calanque de Sugiton

Difficulty: Moderate

Length : 6.1km

Type: Out-and-Back

Time: 2 hours

Elevation: 263m

A delightful out-and-back walk beginning in the heart of Luminy, your destination is the Calanque de Sugiton bay, a truly glorious Mediterranean inlet complete with clear water, pale stone, and gnarled pines. Listen to the cicadas roar as you wind down towards the water and take a dip, before heading back to town on the paved walkway for an afternoon drink. A wonderful summer walk, this is a great morning or afternoon outing for anyone in the area.

Massane Tower Loop

Difficulty: Hard

Length: 12.1km

Type: Loop

Time: 4 hours

Elevation: 759m

The Massane Tower walk is one of the most challenging hikes in the south and is located on the coast near Perpignan. It’ll take the better part of a day to complete and will see you start from Argelés-sur-Mer at sea level and climb over 700m to the Massane lookout tower. A view that’s a true sight to behold you’ll pass through vineyards and mountain pastures until you reach the peak, which oers up a panoramic view of the Gulf of Leon and Balearic Sea.

Whether you’re headed to the Alps, crossing the Pyrenees, touring the country, or kicking back on the Mediterranean coast, hopefully, there’s something within reach on the list above. There are thousands of hikes hidden in every corner of France, but we assembled our favourites, and they may well become your favourites too. Now, go have an adventure!