From
From IntroductoryTo Challenging
France is a country that needs no introduction—its fabulous cities, breathtaking countryside, rich history and world-class food and wine have cemented it as a European must-see. There’s so much to see and do that deciding on an itinerary will be the hardest part of your trip!
Explore the medieval castles and historic villages of Dordogne; and head to the Loire Valley to tour majestic chateaux, gardens and vineyards on foot or by bike.
Visit WWII landing sites and sample local cheese, cider and calvados in Normandy; and indulge in gourmet food and wine as you ramble or ride along canals and through vineyards in Burgundy.
Circumnavigate the spectacular Mont Blanc and hike its gentler lower stages, passing alpine meadows and charming villages; or trek the high passes of the Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt, a challenging trail steeped in mountaineering legend.
Discover the endless vineyards, fairytale villages and unique German-infused culture of Alsace; and explore the rugged island wilderness of Corsica on the iconic GR20, Europe's most challenging long distance walking trail.
Head to the Pyrenees to follow the famous French Way of Saint James; trace Dali's footsteps along the Mediterranean coast; or pass castles, chateaux and postcard-perfect villages and you cycle along the Avenue Verte from Paris to London.
With everything from moderate to challenging walks in the Alps and the Pyrenees to gentle village to village walks and cycles, Camino walks from Le Puy en Velay and food-focused endeavours, our broad program of unique walking, cycling and bike and boat trips are designed to get you deep into the heart of France, regardless of your interests or fitness level.
7Days
Moderate to Challenging
8Days
Introductory
6Days
Introductory to Moderate
Moderate
From the heights of Mont Blanc to the French Riviera, the coast of Normandy to the GR20 on Corsica - no one offers more walking and cycling trips in France.
Self guided or small group; with the family on a relaxed ramble or with friend to circumnavigate the massif; our walking options cater to more fitness levels than anyone else in the Mont Blanc region.
Our active trips in France are designed to be affordable providing you with all the necessary ingredients for a successful journey at a price that will leave more in your pocket.
On self guided trips you can expect to receive up-to-date and well researched route notes and maps, seamless luggage transfers and competitive pricing on all essential services. Many self guided trips also have daily departure dates, allowing you to enjoy the convenience and flexibility a self guided trip offers.
Cycling or walking, 2 star or 4 star, small groups or self guided, land or sea - we can help you explore Europe exactly the way you want.
Our guided walks in the mountain regions of France are led by bilingual, experienced professionals who know the region well. Every guide is first-aid trained and carry appropriate communication devices with them in case of an emergency.
Used mainly on mountain walks, these convivial places add to the atmosphere of your journey through the mountains. Dorms may sleep up to 40 people and the beds are often bunk beds. Linen and blankets are provided and bathrooms are shared. Private rooms may be available, although private gite rooms still use shared bathrooms.
Often family run, these charming hotels provide access to local living thanks to your hosts. The hospitality is generous and their local knowledge is invaluable. Where possible, we choose hotel locations that add to your experience.
Think of it as your floating hotel, where each day you experience a different sunrise and sunset location and you unpack only once. Berths range from two lower or bunk bed style but can be upgraded to larger berths with double beds. The bar and dining area is always a popular hangout at the end of each day's activity. The crew includes an onboard cook.
Set on large grounds, these large French country houses or castles are often family run and named after the local wine. The building and rooms are often decorated to match the history of the building, complimenting the local food and wine experiences.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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Circumnavigate the spectacular Mont Blanc and hike its gentler lower stages, passing the snowcapped peaks, alpine meadows and charming villages of the French Alps
Trek the high passes of the Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt—a challenging trail steeped in mountaineering legend
Head to the Pyrenees to walk the legendary Way of Saint James pilgrim’s trail
Visit WWII landing sites and sample local cheese, cider and calvados in Normandy
Tour the Loire Valley’s majestic chateaux, gardens and vineyards on foot or by bike
Indulge in Burgundy’s gourmet food and wine or explore the medieval castles and historic villages of Dordogne
Discover the endless vineyards, fairytale villages and unique German-infused culture of Alsace
Trace Dali's footsteps along the Mediterranean coast, or pass castles, chateaux and postcard-perfect villages as you cycle along the Avenue Verte from Paris to London
Explore the rugged island wilderness of Corsica on the iconic GR20—Europe's most challenging long distance walking trail
France has three distinct climates. In the west of France the oceanic climate prevails, which is relatively mild with ample rainfall (especially in Brittany and on the northern coast), cool summers and moderate winters. The months of June to August are the busiest, with temperatures ranging between 5-18 degrees Celsius (41-65 degrees Fahrenheit) in spring and autumn, and 15-25 degrees Celsius (59-77 degrees Fahrenheit) in Summer (sometimes higher).
The continental climate prevails in most of eastern and central France, and is characterised by warm summers and cold and wet winters, with snow in the higher regions. This is why the walking season in the European Alps is so short, from June to mid-September. Temperatures in summer range from around 6 degrees Celsius to 20 degrees Celsius during the day. Afternoon thunderstorms are quite common. At the higher elevations it is important to dress with layers as cold winds and possible snow falls can happen even in summer.
In the south of France the Mediterranean climate prevails (with the exception of the Pyrenees range), with hot summers, cool winters and limited rainfall. The months of June to August are the busiest times, with temperatures ranging between 20 - 25 degrees Celsius (68 - 77 degrees Fahrenheit) and sometimes higher. Generally you will find fresh and mild temperatures in spring and autumn, with a low probability of rain.
Please refer to each region or trip for specific information about climate.
France is GMT +1 hour, GMT +2 hours during daylight saving (the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October).
French (official)
In most areas some English will be spoken
Euro
USD and GBP are easily changed
ATM's are widely available except in mountain regions.
Credit Cards are widely accepted
+33
Electricity in France is 230 Volts, at 50 hertz. The most common pin type is C. (2 round prong).
**IMPORTANT NOTE**
The introduction of the ETIAS has been delayed indefinitely. No action is required from travellers at this point.
The European Union will inform about the specific date for the start of ETIAS several months prior to its launch.
see https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en
Until then, visas not required for citizens of Australia, Canada, USA and New Zealand for up to 90 days in a period of 180 days for all Schengen countries (see https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen-borders-and-visa/visa-policy_en . Please ensure your passport is stamped on arrival in the Schengen area. For all other nationalities and for longer stays in countries covered by the Schengen Agreement (Australian New Zealand, Canadian and US passport holders), please contact the relevant embassy. Stays of longer than 90 days in the Schengen area require a long stay visa for the country you are spending most time in. However long stay visas are unlikely to be issued unless there is a valid reason (eg. studying in country). Unfortunately we cannot assist in obtaining visas for long stays due to individual country visa requirements.
Your safety is our number one concern. Our safety track record is exemplary thanks to careful management and thorough consultation with local partners. Our industry leading risk management procedures have become a skill that we continue to refine. Our leaders in the field are highly trained and have safety as their number one priority. Expert leaders, risk assessments, quality inclusions and your financial security all come standard when you travel with us.
Please refer to our Travel Advisory page for updates on recent events, travel warnings and advice.
We strongly recommend that all clients take out travel insurance at the time of booking to cover against sickness, accident, loss of baggage, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements and travel disruption, emergency evacuation, cancellations, etc. Insurance information is enclosed with your pre-departure information. Please contact us if you would like to obtain a quote for your trip duration.
We suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.
Money and valuables should always be stored safely when travelling. Keep your passport with you at all times and do not leave it in your main luggage. You will need it to change money and check into hotels. Where safety deposit boxes are available, we recommend that you use them. Keep jewellery and valuables to a minimum.