Hiking is all the rage, and appeals to all age groups. For some, it's a hobby that can be done on a whim, while for others, the signposted trails are a guarantee that they'll find their way back home. For more than 60 years, nature lovers have been walking along the paths coloured with the white and red markings that symbolise the Grande Randonnée itineraries. 60,000 kilometres of waymarked paths retracing the routes of smugglers, shepherds, pilgrims and ancient links between communities. This is an overview of the most beautiful walks in France.
GR20 en Corse
- © pio3 / Shutterstock
Here's a GR rich in history! Starting at the heart of the capital (Notre-Dame cathedral) and ending at Mont-Saint-Michel. You'll cross 5 regions, 6 départements, over 600 km, for more than 30 days. What you'll love: winding your way through the streets of Paris, plunging into the heart of French history and admiring a mosaic of wild landscapes.
Mont Saint-Michel
- ©Werner Weber age fotostockRight in the heart of the Corsican mountains, the GR20 has long been considered the most difficult hike in France. Not surprising, given its pronounced Alpine character. Indeed, hikers will need to be well equipped to climb the 2,000 metres of altitude, and the vertical drops of more than 600 m. A true voyage of initiation into the wilderness, it takes around 200 km in 15 stages of 4 to 8 hours to reach the end. There are numerous refuges along the route.
Pointe Muratello, GR20 en Corse
- © AdamCh / ShutterstockReserved for experienced hikers, this route is classed as a "difficult" hike. You'll need to be extra vigilant to venture into these magnificent landscapes. In a dozen days, hikers will circumnavigate the Oisans and Ecrins massifs, totalling around 176 km. Don't miss the steep sections of Bocca a Reta and the rocky Vizzavona pass.
Tour de l'Oisans
- © Richard Villalon / 123rfThe GR5 is a cultural trail through the border countries of Europe: from Belgium to Luxembourg, from Switzerland to Nice, crossing the Alps. The French section of this trail was one of the first to be signposted (in the 1940s). It takes in the Ardennes massif in Belgium and the Vosges mountains. In total, the trail covers 2,600 km.
GR5 randonnée
- © Dzmitry Melnikau / 123rfHere you will wind your way along the entire coastline for 1800 km to discover Brittany's emerald coastline. You'll be stunned by the natural splendours: the Goëlo coast, the Pink Granite coast, and the cliffs, some of which are over 100 metres high. It's all worth it!
Côtes de Bretagne with the GR34
- © jakobradlgruber / 123rfThis Auvergne volcano hike is 140 km long and takes 8 days to complete. This loop, in the Cantal département, will take you through a mineral-rich region where you can recharge your batteries.
Chemin de randonnée dans le Cantal
- © Laurent Renault / ShutterstockWith over 5,000 km of paths, the GR65 takes you on a journey that is both mythical and mystical. It offers hikers four main routes to Compostela, all listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Chemin de Compostelle
- © Oleksandr Korzhenko / 123RF
