Oliver Berry - Lonely Planet Best Day Walks France (Hiking Guide)

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From Mont Blanc and other alpine giants to the volcanic cones of the Massif Central and the visual poetry of the Pyrenees, France is blessed with wave after wave of beautiful mountain peaks. Traversing these mountain ranges are a network of high-quality walking trails that attract hikers from all four corners of the world.
But walking in France is about more than just cinematic mountain vistas. At its heart, this is a land of gentle woodlands where rivers meander past old villages surrounded by fields of vines, lavender and sunflowers.
Then, theres the salt-brushed coastline where quaint fishing villages, storm-hammered headlands and sweeping sandy beaches are linked by tranquil coastal footpaths.
All of this makes France one of the worlds most diverse and inviting walking destinations. And with more than 180,000km of marked trails, youre never going to run out of new routes to explore.

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A symphony of beautiful lakes, a frosty mountain pass, idyllic valleys and views that stretch forever. This is the walk that just keeps on giving.

Catch ocean breezes while walking over white-sand beaches and watch storm swells unleash their anger on the cliffs at the end of France.

Experience the best of Chamonix en famille: cable-car magic, Frances largest glacier, a mountain train ride and big bold Mont Blanc views.

One of the most iconic walks in France rumbles beneath the textured walls of the Grand Canyon of Europe.

A quiet ramble along the banks of the River Dordogne that takes in hilltop castles, cliffside villages, and beautiful oak and chestnut woodlands.

Welcome to the high mountain world of glaciers and snow fields. This breathtaking walk takes you to a fabled rock gateway between France and Spain.

A tough, full-day hike up to one of the best viewpoints in the Cvennes with a historic observatory included too.

Pay your respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. This melancholic trail through WWI battlefields is as much a pilgrimage as a walk.

A walk up this stunning headland is the ultimate Brittany experience, with spectacular coastal views, glimpses of Mont St-Michel and seabird life in spades.

Twin lakes thrown up against sky-high rocky mountain fingers. This is the Corsica you never knew existed.

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f Wildlife

France is blessed with an incredibly rich diversity of plants and animals, and observant walkers have a good chance of spotting some exotic creatures.

The greatest wetland wilderness in France is home to white horses and very pink flamingos.

Scan the ocean waves for seals, porpoises and dolphins, plus a bevy of different seabirds from these high cliffs.

Cuddle up to the tame marmots in this alpine valley and watch the choughs circle in the breeze.

The western Pyrenees is renowned for its raptors: griffon vultures, golden eagles and even formidable lammergeier can all be seen.

Spot majestic ibex on this wild alpine walk where wildlife is as much an attraction as scenery.

m ESCAPING THE CROWDS

Clear the mind on these walks that take you far from the madding crowd.

Deep in the heart of the Parc National des Cvennes, this walk veers on the quieter side of life.

Follow this trail to Rocamadour and youll likely have only the ghosts of pilgrims past to walk with.

Spectacular lakes and gargantuan glaciers are the reward for those who venture out here.

Who would have thought that busy, touristy Giverny could hide such undisturbed countryside?

From this silent coastal massif, peer down on the glam crowds of the Riviera.

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v BRINGING THE PAST TO LIFE

Walk on routes where the past is ever present.

Site of one of the bloodiest WWII D-Day battles.

The Thiepval Memorial is the most moving tribute to the tragedy of the Battle of the Somme.

Visit a 7th-century abbey.

When this fairy-tale castle swings into view, you can imagine knights going into battle.

Retrace the route of Treasure Island author Robert Louis Stevenson.

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p COASTAL VIEWS

Some of the best walks in France are by the sea.

Feel the raw power of the Atlantic Ocean on this remote, weather-beaten isle.

Walking this route takes you from beach to headland to beach.

Be stunned by lucid clear waters and butter-coloured cliffs.

This nature reserve juts out on a windblown promontory.

Secluded bays and a milky-blue sea linked by orange-pink granite boulders.