France

Description

Corsica - by Henk

France, country of contrasts, home to the inventors of the Topoguide, is a great walking destination all year round. An intricate network of long distance footpaths, the so-called Grands Randonnées, reaches out to the farthest corners of the country. At least 80 long distance trails and their countless variants are meticulously documented and waymarked. Mastering a bit of French will help you find your way, and a bottle of wine at that.

The French themselves are mad about walking, often in groups of about 20, recognisable by their non-stop rather loud conversations lasting from dawn till dusk and snacking on hard boiled eggs en route. So join the crowd and turn bon vivant. Walk the Provence in spring, pass through the wine regions coloured all red in late autumn. Enjoy the Atlantic coast and its birds in May, and the shimmering sun on the glaciers in summer. Explore the Loire in autumn, and the dark forests of the Morvan in winter. Or take a walk all the way from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean right across the Pyrenees along the GR10. Another popular trail is the GR5, from Luxembourg to Nice through the Vosges, the Elzas and the Alps. For those fearless and bursting with energy, the GR20 is a fine challenge. This trail following the highest ridges of the island of Corsica is for the surefooted only.

Another popular walk of course is the TMB, the Tour du Mont Blanc: eight days with views on the highest mountain of Europe, weather permitting. Drawback: crazy busy. Less known, but just as fine, is the Tour du Queyras (GR58), also in the Alps. Other best hikes in the Alps are the Tour de la Vanoise (GR55) or the Tour de l'Oisans (GR54). You can walk the Vallée des Merveilles (GR52). And a bit on the outside of the Alps is the Vercors (GR91 - GR95) and Mt Lubéron (GR97). There you are, now you know what the French themselves like most.

Along most GR's you will find huts or Gites d'Etappe at regular intervals. These are mostly just simple shelters, so bring food to prepare your own meals. Outside the main summer season, with most French back in Paris, the Gites are often closed. In such cases, bring your own tent. Most GR's can be tough but not dangerous, except the GR20.

Rate this country9.0ForumAdd to wishlist

Opinions

Rate 9.0 | 1 vote | No 1. in Europe
  • Asmus July 2011
  • Rate 9
  • Positive I hiked around 200 km of the GR5 and GR 52. It was abseloutely amazing! great views, great trail, and the food is good too:)
More opinions…

Map

Hiking Map of France NWHiking Map of France NE

Hiking Map of France_SWHiking Map of France SE

Trails

Regions

Books

Cicerone Press, United Kingdom
  • The Way of St James - France
  • English, 2012
  • Guide to walking the 740km Way of St James Pilgrim Road from Le Puy-en-Velay in central France to the Pyrenees - first volume of the only guide to the whole route written in English. Route directions and information about places to visit along the way, the history of the pilgrimage, pilgrim references and current facilities. Fully rewalked in 2009. Read more
De Zwerver, Netherlands
Cicerone Press, United Kingdom
  • Tour of Mont Blanc
  • English, 2011
  • An essential guidebook for anyone walking the Tour of Mont Blanc. The 170km circuit typically takes 11 days to walk around the Mont Blanc massif. The TMB is recognised as one of the world's classic trek. The book describes both anti-clockwise and clockwise directions, with variants and information about huts, refuges and facilities en route. Read more
Cicerone Press, United Kingdom
  • Trekking in the Alps
  • English, 2011
  • An inspirational guidebook to 20 classic treks in the Alps. As well as introducing new hiking areas in the Alps, classics such as the Tour of Mont Blanc, and Chamonix to Zermatt are included. Trekking in the Alps is immensely satisfying, and this book celebrates the rich and scenic diversity for which this great mountain range is renowned. Read more
Cicerone Press, United Kingdom
  • Walking in the Cathar Region
  • English, 2011
  • Guide to over 30 walking routes around the Cathar castles of south-west France, reminders of religious turmoil from 1000 to 1250. Routes from 16 centres, including Béziers, Minerve, Lastours, Foix, Roquefixade, Lordat, Montailloe, Puivert, Montségur, Usson, Puilaurens, and Rennes. Read more
Cicerone Press, United Kingdom
  • Walking in the Haute Savoie: North
  • English, 2011
  • Guidebook to walking the northern part of France's Haute Savoie to the south of Lake Geneva to the Swiss border including pré-Alp areas Saleve, Chablais, the Valle Verte, with Evian and Morzine amongst places to stay. 30 walks including local summits and ridges, but generally straightforward terrain. Read more
De Zwerver, Netherlands
  • Wandelgids la Drome a pied - Frankrijk | FFRP D026 |
  • Dutch, 2010
  • Franstalige wandelgids met een beschrijving van een aantal dagtochten. Uitstekende beschrijvingen met duidelijk kaartmateriaal. Mislopen is nauwelijks mogelijk, maar ja .. de franse taal! Ook praktische informatie staat in deze gids. Alle gidsen bevatten een door ons toegevoegde uitgebreide frans - nederlandse wandelwoordenlijst."En regardant... Read more
De Zwerver, Netherlands
De Zwerver, Netherlands
Cicerone Press, United Kingdom
  • Mont Blanc Walks
  • English, 2010
  • A guide to walking and trekking routes, on both the French and Italian sides of Mont Blanc (Monte Bianco), from Chamonix or Courmayeur. Includes 50 day walks and 4 short multi-day treks for Vallorcine to Plaine Joux, Tour des Aiguilles Rouges, Vallorcine to Servoz and a circuit of the Italian Val Ferret. New, updated edition with 50 new route maps. Read more
More books…

Maps

De Zwerver, Netherlands
De Zwerver, Netherlands
De Zwerver, Netherlands
De Zwerver, Netherlands
De Zwerver, Netherlands
De Zwerver, Netherlands
De Zwerver, Netherlands
De Zwerver, Netherlands
De Zwerver, Netherlands
De Zwerver, Netherlands
More maps…

Forum

  3. Cancel
  • Anita 2012-03-14 03:22:06
  • GR 51 Diversion around the Domaine Barossi
  • Has anyone a clear map of the diversion please? In the area of Napoule-la-Mandlieu. I am walking the GR51 this May 2012 and would appreciate any update info on this.
    Can to join me? Thanks!
    • Henk Nouws 2012-03-15 12:18:41
    • Hi Anita. I haven't been there. But I can give you a tip. Go to http://www.geoportail.fr/ This is the online map of france. Click on France. Select Cartes In the left menu. Zoom in. Once you zoom in to 1:50.000, you will view the GR trails! This might help you if you haven't got the maps yet!
Cancel
More questions…