Hiking in France: 7 Unforgettable Trails

France is a true playground for nature lovers and trail seekers. From the rugged GR20 in Corsica to the hanging paths of the Vercors, and the mysterious forests of the Jura, it’s impossible to talk about hiking in France without mentioning the incredible diversity of landscapes and rich regional character.

At Wildhartt, this is what we live for: the sound of the wind in the mountains, nights under the stars, and those shared moments that happen when you least expect them. Here’s our selection of 7 unforgettable hikes in France, whether you’re an experienced trekker or looking for your very first adventure, this list is made for you.

Epic Hiking Trails in France

Le GR20 - Corse

The ultimate myth of hiking in France.

📍 Corsica – 180 km – 12 to 15 days – Difficult

Probably the most legendary and demanding trail in France. Jagged ridgelines, icy natural pools, and stunning panoramic views. Each stage is a challenge, but also a revelation. You cross lunar, mineral landscapes followed by lush valleys. It’s breathtaking at every turn. The GR20 teaches perseverance, humility, and the power of moving together. You’ll need good prep and a strong mindset, but it’s an experience you’ll never forget.

👉 How to succeed on the GR20? Our step-by-step guide

The Queyras Tour- Southern Alps

Un itinéraire accessible et sauvage.

📍 Hautes-Alpes – 120 km – 6 to 8 days – Moderate level

Less crowded than the Tour du Mont-Blanc, the Queyras Tour is a hidden gem in the Southern Alps. The trail winds through mountain passes, alpine lakes and perched villages, with jaw-dropping views of the nearby Italian peaks. The vibe is warm, the villages authentic, and the paths well-marked. It’s the perfect intro to multi-day trekking in France, away from the mainstream routes. Expect marmots, waterfalls, and maybe even a few ibexes.

Curious? We actually run a guided expedition around the Queyras → [Click here to check it out]

The GR34 - Brittany Coast Trail

Walking at the edge of the world

📍 Côtes-d’Armor – variable stages – All levels

Think pink granite cliffs, sea spray, old lighthouses and deserted coves. The GR34 runs along Brittany’s entire coastline, offering a hiking experience that’s wild, salty, and full of surprises. Perfect for a 2–3 day adventure, with a cozy harbor and a crêpe at the end of the trail.

The Jura Crest Trail

Silence, forest, and a Nordic feel.

📍 Doubs & Jura – variable – 2 to 5 days

One of the most underrated hikes in France, the Jura Crest Trail offers a truly peaceful experience far from the crowds. No flashy peaks or overused paths here. Just gentle ridgelines, deep forests, quiet pastures, and sweeping views over the Alps on clear days. In winter, the atmosphere turns arctic, with snow-dusted trees and complete stillness. It’s the perfect terrain for slow, mindful adventure and seasonal reconnection.

Wildhartt favorite: We run regular guided expeditions here, both in summer and winter.

The Verdon Gorge

A spectacular canyon hike.

📍 Alpes-de-Haute-Provence – 1 to 3 days – Intermediate level

Nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of Europe,” the Verdon is something else. Towering limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, and suspended footpaths create a hiking experience that’s both dramatic and immersive. Trails like the Sentier de l’Imbut or Martel take you deep into the canyon alongside the river’s edge.

Be warned: some parts are narrow and exposed, best for sure-footed hikers, and ideally explored outside the summer heat. Early mornings or shoulder season hikes here are pure magic.

At Wildhartt, we offer a guided packraft & hiking expedition in the heart of the Verdon Gorge.

→ If that speaks to you, click here to find out more.

The Cézallier Plateau - Auvergne

Raw and wide-open France

📍 Cantal / Puy-de-Dôme – 3 to 5 days – Easy to moderate

Nestled between the Cantal volcanoes and the Livradois mountains, the Cézallier Plateau stretches like a never-ending ocean of grass. No ski resorts, no dramatic peaks, just wide skies, wind-swept ridges, and a rare feeling of total freedom. It's a rugged land where Salers cattle outnumber hikers, and trails often disappear into the horizon.

You sleep in stone shepherd huts (burons), walk with the rhythm of the wind and clouds, and let go of the need to hurry. For us, it’s one of the best places in France to enjoy a contemplative, slow hike, with minimal distractions and maximum connection.

The Cévennes on the GR70 (Stevenson Trail)

Old-school walking, full of meaning

📍 Lozère / Gard – 12 days – Moderate level

The Stevenson Trail follows the path of Scottish writer Robert Louis Stevenson, who crossed the Cévennes in 1878 with his donkey Modestine. But beyond the literary reference, this is a deeply authentic trail, winding through gentle mountains, stony plateaus, and timeless villages.

Expect chestnut forests, rivers, empty moors and plus that rare feeling of being completely off the grid. The light shifts constantly, the people you meet are simple and kind, and the pace is slow and grounded. It’s the kind of hike that opens space inside you.

Looking for a family-friendly adventure? We offer a lovely guided itinerary in the Cévennes, accompanied by a donkey, of course. Curious about hiking in the Cévennes? Check out our article for all the info.

How to choose your hike in France?

Some simple questions to guide your choice:

• Duration: Weekend, 3-day loop, or 10-day thru-hike?
• Autonomy: Tent, bivouac or refuges?
• Support: Solo or with a guide?
• Season: Snow in winter, flowers in spring, dry heat in summer?

And above all: choose with your heart, not your Strava stats.

What if you joined us?

At Wildhartt, we don’t sell “hiking packages.” We guide humans into the wild with honesty and care.

Our guided hikes in France are designed to take you far, without having to go far, and to offer more than just a trail: a real human and sensory experience.

👉 Check out our guided expeditions in France, small group, nature immersion, and warmth all around.

In conclusion

There are a thousand ways to go hiking in France. What matters isn’t the distance or the peak. It’s what you experience along the way. So wherever you are: pack your bag and come join us on the trail!