Trekking and Hiking Holidays in France

Popular Trekking and Hiking Holidays

In France

Navigate fresh blankets of the purest snow, explore lush alpine forests and scale craggy cliffs and glistening glaciers.

Conquer the tallest peak in western Europe on a climb to the icy summit of Mont Blanc; take a long-distance hike on the world-famous Tour de Mont Blanc or head off on a journey across the French Alps and into Switzerland on the challenging but magnificent Haute Route. For something a little different, the Mediterranean island of Corsica is home to the gruelling GR20; one of the most difficult, yet rewarding treks in Europe.

Summer is the most practical time to plan your French hiking adventure, when bad weather is less of a risk. Keep an eye out for fascinating wildlife, such as marmots and peregrine falcons, as you go. Here are some of our favourite hiking spots in France.

Tour du Mont Blanc

Traversing three countries in one adventure, the Tour de Mont Blanc is one of the most famous and popular long-distance treks in the world. Starting in Chamonix, France, you have the option to take on the shorter four-day route or surmount the longer ten-day route; the perfect introduction to long-distance hiking. Both of the routes circumnavigate the imposing Mont Blanc and come full circle, ending back in Chamonix.

Whichever one you choose, you’ll hike for six-eight hours each day, across rocky valleys, remote meadows and frozen cols, exploring the breath-taking Mont Blanc Massif. Summer is the most practical time of year to attempt the Tour du Mont Blanc, when the weather is at its driest and warmest. As with all mountainous climbs though, cold, wet and even snowy conditions are possible.

Mont Blanc

Take on the tallest mountain in France and the highest point in western Europe on this bucket list hike to the 4,810m summit of Mont Blanc. The popular Gouter Hut Route can be completed in around three days, or it can be done as part of a week-long adventure, gearing yourself up for the big ascent with a climb up Italy’s Gran Paradiso summit beforehand.

Tackling the snow-covered peak doesn’t require any previous climbing experience, although you should consider yourself physically fit and determined enough to take on the challenge, being able to hike for up to 12 hours a day. Straddling the border of both France and Italy, Mont Blanc has been a popular climb since the Victorian times and you’ll get a taste of times gone by, staying in traditional mountain huts as you go.

GR20

Head to the mountainous Mediterranean island of Corsica and take on one of Europe’s toughest hikes; the unsympathetic GR20. Boasting dramatic cliff faces, rugged craters and undeniable natural beauty, the route is as rewarding as it is challenging.

The 200km trail cuts diagonally across the island, leaving you to choose between the harder north route or the somewhat easier south route. Take on stimulating climbs and conquer the island’s highest summit, Monte Cinto, on the north route or cross the Bocca Palmente and witness the Needles of Bavella in the south.

Each route takes six days and is best during the summer months when the weather is warm and dry; just prepare for colder temperatures at night and at altitude. You should be relatively fit to take on this challenge; able to trek up to 20-25kms each day.

The Haute Route

What once started as a mountaineering route to travel between two popular mountaineering centres has since become one of Europe’s most iconic treks. The famous Haute Route takes you from the French ski resort of Chamonix, close by the gargantuan Mont Blanc and alongside some more of Europe’s highest peaks, towering above 4,000m. You’ll finish in the Swiss mountain village of Zermatt, not far from the impressive Matterhorn.

Whether you take the original Haute Route or the lower variant, the Walkers’ Haute Route, you’ll find yourself surround by vast expanses of powder-soft snow, icy cols and remote mountain passes. Although the lower option requires no technical equipment, both require some degree of hiking experience and fitness. Taking 10-14 days and covering at least 15km each day, it’s the perfect summer hiking adventure in the heart of the Alps.