The Best Hikes in France

Hiking in France

Hiking in France promises diverse landscapes at every turn, whether heading north towards Normandy’s glorious coastline or the French Riviera. Dramatic valleys, snow-capped mountains and beautiful stretches of coastline create a one-of-a-kind backdrop for all hikers.

If you’re ready for your next hiking adventure, you’ve come to the right place. This guide explores some of the best hikes in France and includes tips on where to stay.

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The best hikes in North France

Hiking in northern France? Here are two of the best itineraries for this part of the country.

Roches d'Orival, Normandy

Length: 5.8 km (3.6 miles) Elevation gain: 280 m Route type: Circular Level of difficulty: Moderate Dog friendly: No

Let’s set the bar high. The Roches d’Orival hike in Normandy, next door to Rouen, packs in wonderful nature, rare wildlife and sweeping views. The route passes along the white cliffs of Orival on the heights of the Seine, taking you through several caves and 17^th-century troglodyte dwellings. On your way back, you’ll explore the Falaises d’Orival biological reserve. The route is open year-round. Dogs are not allowed.

Where to stay:

Hôtel Mercure Rouen Centre Cathedrale, Rouen
ibis Rouen Centre Champ-de-Mars, Rouen
Hôtel Mercure Rouen Centre Champ-de-Mars, Rouen

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Remembrance Circuit, Somme

Length: 92 km (57 miles) Route type: Out and back Level of difficulty: Low to difficult Dog friendly: Specific routes only

History buff? The Remembrance Circuit in Somme takes you from Péronne to Albert, following the traces of the soldiers. The Somme Valley was the setting of the Battle of the Somme in WWI. There are 48 walking trails and eight remembrance sites, including museums, cemeteries and memorials. Highlights include the Thiepval Memorial, the Somme 1916 Museum and the Ulster Tower.

Where to stay:

Best Western Hotel Saint Claude, Péronne
ibis Albert, Albert
Auberge Florie, Heilly

The best hikes in Central France

Natural beauty abounds in Central France. Here are some of the best hikes in the area.

In the heart of Puy-de-Dôme, the Mont Dore ski resort promises unforgettable adventures.

Up for a challenge? Tackle the steep climbs and paths of this rewarding hike for stunning panoramic views.

The loop passes through the Auvergne Volcanoes Nature Park at the highest peak of Massif Central. It’s open year-round, but the best time to visit is between May and October. Dogs are not allowed. If you want to ski while you’re there, our guide to skiing in France has plenty of tips for a fun-filled holiday.

Where to stay:

La Tour Grégoire, Clermont-Ferrand
Villa Pradelle, Clermont-Ferrand
Hôtel Radio, Clermont-Ferrand

Ski resort with mountains in the background

Chemin des Maquisards, Auvergne

Length: 8.0 km (5 miles) Elevation gain: 162 m Route type: Circular Level of difficulty: Easy Dog friendly: Yes

Discover the fascinating history of the Auvergne region by hiking along the beautiful Chemin de Maquisards route. The pretty town of Saint-Genès-Champespe was a hub for French Resistance fighters, the so-called maquisards, during WWII. Trace their footsteps and learn about the events that occurred there between 15 May and 15 June 1944. Dogs are welcome and can be off-lead.

Where to stay:

Hôtel Arbez, Les Rousses
Hôtel des Horlogers, Les Rousses
Hôtel les 2 Lacs, Logis

The best hikes in South France

Ready to make memories of a lifetime? Hiking in the South of France promises this and beyond. Below are our top picks of the region’s best hikes.

Cascade d'Angon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Length: 4.2 km (2.6 miles) Elevation gain: 318 m Route type: Circular Level of difficulty: Moderate Dog Friendly: Yes

The Cascade d’Angon hiking route represents France’s natural beauty at its finest. Located next door to Annecy in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, this mountain hike is ideal for all experience levels. It starts in Angon and passes along the heights of Lake Annecy, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. You’ll pass through meadows and undergrowth before reaching the beautiful 60-metre-high Angon waterfall.

Where to stay:

Les Grillons Hôtel, Annecy
Hôtel Campanile Annecy Centre Gare, Annecy
Hôtel du Lac, Angon

Caneján Loop, Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Length: 7.9 km (5 miles) Elevation gain: 133 m Route type: Circular Level of difficulty: Moderate Dog friendly: Yes

The Caneján Loop is a scenic hike near Bordeaux in Nouvelle-Aquitaine. Perfect for a fun family day out, the route passes through the Caneján forest, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Along the way, you’ll see the Rouillac mill, the Camparian monastery and the small lake Vert. The trail is great year round with dogs welcome, making it a perfect choice for hikers and nature lovers in every season.

Hiking essentials checklist

Whether you’re just getting started or have been hiking all your life, there are several key items you can’t leave without. Get organised with our hiking essentials checklist.