France earns its reputation for having magnificent trails that can woo any hiker. It flaunts some of the most charming villages and prettiest valleys. You can challenge yourself on the island of Corsica, immerse yourself in history in Normandy, or discover the renowned French passion in Provence. You can also visit the French wine regions of Bordeaux, Dordogne, and the Loire Valley. 

There is a beautiful hike in France for everyone, from alpine thrills in the French Alps to discovering rich French culture in the villages of Alsace. Let’s make your walking holidays France, the best by speaking about the top 10 attractions there. 

• Mont Blanc 

Mont Blanc will give you the most spectacular view in the entire of France. It flaunts the title of being the highest peak in Western Europe, soaring as high as 4,809m. It shares borders with Italy, France, and Switzerland. Throughout the year, the area is covered with snow. Therefore, it allows tourists to only wander around the lower regions. 

Although climbing the summit isn’t impossible, it still calls for the need for at least some climbing experience of an individual. You can pay a visit any time between May and October. 

• Mercantour National Park, French Alps 

Choosing a place for your walking holidays across the French Alps is quite a task. It’s because it’s a part of Europe’s most widely spread mountain chain. It’s advised to visit Mercantour National Park, located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region and extends southward toward the Mediterranean with 600 km of pathways. 

Solo, with friends and family, or even with a donkey, you can traverse vast plateaus, the village-to-village Postman’s Trail, and past glacial lakes. The best time to plan Southern France walking tours is from mid-May to September. Spring is especially popular for the blooming wildflowers found across the trail. 

• Dordogne 

Immerse in a self-guided or guided walking tour to explore the mesmerizing beauty of the Dordogne villages. The Gorge de l’Ouysse and the lovely Dordogne valley near Rocamadour, a well-known tourist destination in France, give the scenery for a pleasant walking vacation. Beautiful medieval towns like Souillac, Martel, Carennac, and Rocamadour will be visible. Additionally, you can take a journey on the vintage railway through Martel along the Dordogne cliffs.

Depending on the level of difficulty you can endure, you can choose among a plethora of packages available.

• Normandy 

Apart from being adventurous and fun, self-guided walking tours France, can also enlighten you about the forgotten history of a place. On these intriguing trips, stroll through the Normandy countryside’s rolling hills. Discover the history of Omaha Beach and the WWII landmarks, and admire the magnificent cathedral and William the Conqueror tapestry in Bayeaux. All of these while savoring the welcoming ambiance of guesthouses and hotels as you stroll the Normandy trails.

Challenging hills and woods of the Paye D’Auge, breathtaking beaches and cliffs of the D-Day landing, the wonderful Bayeux city, and the brilliant museums and Cathedral reflecting the Bayeux Tapestry- quite an insightful encounter. 

• Stevenson’s trail: The Cevennes 

Do you want to experience the classic French countryside? Well, then head on to the Stevenson’s Trail in The Cevennes. The name originated from a Scottish writer named Robert Louis Stevenson. He’s known to embark on a walking holiday across this region for the first time in 1878. 

Post return, he published a book called “Travels with a donkey in the Cevennes,” which mostly spoke about the journey. Highlights of this trail include traveling through the Cevennes National Park and viewing its flora and fauna, hiking past a steep region of extinct volcanoes near Le Puy en Velay, and adhering to the Stevenson-honoring waymarkers, which are Scottish flags.

• Bordeaux Vineyard

If you went for walking holidays, France, and didn’t indulge in wine tasting, the trip is incomplete. So, make it a point to immerse completely in France’s fantastic range of wines. Bordeaux Vineyard is one of the locations you must walk to. 

The walking tourists are offered to try out the finest wines and cuisine. Not merely that, but you’ll also come across the region’s rich cultural heritage and perfect landscapes. Some key highlights of the trip include staying at guesthouses and hotels with charming interiors. 

• Van Gogh’s Footsteps 

Van Gogh is made for gentle strolling across the Provence while indulging in the highly appreciated beauty and rich history.  On this fantastic walking trip, which takes you from the holy city of Avignon to the lush plains of Arles, you may trace Van Gogh’s steps. You’ll stay in charming medieval towns along the way, such as Les Baux de Provence, and eat in Saint Remy de Provence’s fantastic cafes and restaurants.

The place still has the classic scenic beauty intact as it did in 1888. Landscapes worth admiring include drawbridges, local folk lifestyles, fields, ancestral abbey ruins, and fields. 

• Riverside Rambles

The Dordogne’s turns and bends define your path when you walk in the French Perigord region. On a nap, you can explore the history of the French-English conflict known as the Hundred Years’ War and the forest routes that led to forts and settlements. 

Of course, the greatest way to learn about local cuisine and beverages is to eat and drink them. The renowned foie gras from the Dordogne would be served as a feast of Bergerac wine, honey, walnuts, and truffles. It’s the best Southern France walking tours you could ask for. 

Conclusion

If a walking holiday in France has been on your mind for quite some days, it’s time to turn it into reality. Away from the hustle and bustle of city life, you’ll get to explore untainted natural areas of the country. The above-mentioned quintessential French walk trails will leave you mesmerized and refreshed. 

Have you been looking for a service provider to plan out your self-guided walking tours France? If so, your search ends here. Click here: https://www.valac.nl/selfguided-walking-holidays-france.html, and check out our website for some amazing packages. Everything will be taken care of, from hotel stays to detailed route descriptions to bag transfers. All you need to do is book your dates with us and be there on D-Day.