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France's Best Walking Tours

Enjoy a magnificent walking holiday in France

France is a country full of breathtaking walking trails that will make any hiker happy. You can explore the French wine regions in Bordeaux and Dordogne or the Loire Valley, challenge yourself on the island of Corsica, become immersed in history in Normandy, or find the famous French passion in Provence. From alpine adventures in the French Alps, to encountering rich French culture in the villages of Alsace, there is a wonderful hike in France for everyone. 

Whether you prefer to go on a self guided walk or enjoy the camaraderie of a small group of like minded travellers, UTracks have a comprehensive range of affordable walking tours in France for you.

Here are our Best Walking Tours in France.

 

  1. Tour du Mont Blanc

  2. LOcal guide leads the mule along the Mont Blanc walking trails |  <i>Tim Charody</i>

     

    The historic Tour du Mont Blanc is easily one of the most spectacular walks of France, if not the world. Brimming with incredible vistas from high mountain passes, lush valleys and highway sized glaciers, alpine scenery does not get much better than this.

    Highlights of this trip include walking around western Europe's highest mountain, Mont Blanc; enjoying the alpine cuisine found in the remote communities (so many delicious cheeses and wines!); and of course, the undeniable beauty of the mountains. Watch our inspiring video to see what a walking tour of Mont Blanc is like.

    UTracks offers a wide range of Mont Blanc tours, including slower-paced Rambler tours, self guided trips, small group guided tours, and more.

  3. Walking in the Dordogne

  4. Medieval village on the 'Walking the Dordogne' tour, France |  <i>Heather Boundy</i>

    Explore the stunning villages of the Dordogne on an immersive self guided walking tour. There are three tour options: the 8 day Walking in the Dordogne that takes you around Souillac, Domme and Sarlat; the 10 day Hidden Treasures of the Dordogne which explores the fine scenery between Meyssac and Collonges la Rouge, and a shorter 8 day version of the Hidden Treasures of the Dordogne that finishes in Creysse.

    Highlights include discovering the many chateaux and castles along the banks of the Dordogne river, soaking up the general ambience of the pretty villages, and indulging in the exquisite French foods at the many restaurants and produce markets you'll walk by.

  5. In Van Gogh's Footsteps

  6. A setting that could be straight from one of Van Gogh's paintings

     

    This gentle paced walking tour in Provence is highly rated for its beauty and history. Follow the footsteps of Van Gogh on this brilliant walking tour from the holy town of Avignon to the green fields of Arles. Along the way you'll stay in beautiful medieval villages, such as Les Baux de Provence, and dine in the marvellous cafes and restaurants of Saint Remy de Provence. 

    Highlights include witnessing the same scenery that Van Gogh once did back in 1888. Landscapes such as fields, drawbridges, cypress trees, local folk lifestyles and ancient abbey ruins can all still be admired today. This is why walking In Van Gogh's Footsteps is one of the most popular walking tours in France.

  7. Walk Alsace's Vineyard Trails & Mountains

  8. Walking the wine trails in Alsace

    Pretty Alsace is nestled between the Rhine River and the Vosges mountains, and is close to the borders of Germany and Switzerland, which influences the local French culture. Walk through the lovely Alsace region on these attractive walking tours. 

    There's the exceptional Alsace Vineyard Trails which makes the most of Alsace's top class wines and food. This 7 day walking tour begins in Turckheim and continues to Obernai, and is of a moderate grade. For a tour that includes wine sampling in local caves and the distinct Munster Cheese to try, look into the Alsace Mountains and Vineyards tour, a 7 day self guided walk of moderate difficulty.

  9. Vineyard Trails of the Loire

  10. Walking through vineyards in the Loire Valley |  <i>D Darrault</i>

     

    Discover the beauty that is hiking through the Loire Valley. The Vineyard Trails of the Loire is an 8 day tour of introductory to moderate grading, so it's very achievable for all. Worth it too, because you get to walk through history and the French Valley of the Kings.

    Highlights include immersing yourself in the ambiance of the Loire, Vienne, Cher and Indre rivers, admiring the many exquisite chateaux, and of course sampling many of the fine wines that the Loire Valley is famous for.

  11. Bordeaux Vineyard Walk

  12. Hiking amongst vineyards in the Bordeaux region of France |  <i>Kate Baker</i>

    One of the most popular reasons travellers love walking tours in France is because they get to immerse themselves among the fantastic wine regions of France. The Bordeaux Vineyard Walk is a prime example of this. Over 8 days, walkers get to sample the finest cuisine and wines the region of Bordeaux is famous for. Plus you'll encounter the postcard perfect landscapes and cultural heritage of this divine area. 

    Highlights include staying in charming guesthouses and chateaux hotel, as well as meandering through UNESCO World Heritage valleys and villages.

  13. Normandy on Foot

  14. British cemetery just outside Bayeux, Normandy |  <i>Kate Baker</i>

    Explore the rolling hills of Normandy by foot on these fascinating tours. Discover the history of Omaha Beach and the historic sites of WWII, take in the impressive cathedral and tapestry of William the Conqueror in Bayeaux, and enjoy the warm atmosphere of guesthouses and B&Bs as you walk the trails of Normandy.

    Mr O'Rourke explains why he rated the Normandy on Foot walking tour five out of five stars: 

    "A wonderful trip that encompasses a wide range of walking experiences in Normandy - the challenging woods and hills of the Paye D'Auge, the beautiful cliffs and beaches of the D Day landings, the moving memorials especially Omaha, the glorious city of Bayeux with the tear jerker British Cemetery, Cathedral and brilliant museum showing and explaining the Bayeux Tapestry/embroidery - a real learning experience."

    There's also a shorter 5 day walk, the self guided Normandy Coastal Walk, that takes in similar historical landmarks.

  15. The Crusader Trail - Cathar Castles Walk

  16. Cathar Castle standing high above the valley below

    Explore the glorious walking trail that is the Crusader Trail: Cathar Castles Walk. While walking this ancient route in the Corbieres region in France, you'll encounter the ruins of Cathar castles, remnants of medieval villages, and the beginning of the Pyrenean mountain chain.

    Highlights include discovering Puilaurens Castle, hiking to the Galamus Gorges, and the welcoming nature of the local people.

  17. Stevenson's Trail: The Cevennes

  18. Mont Lozere |  <i>Unknown</i>

    Experience the simplicity of French countryside walking along the iconic Stevenson's Trail. This is named after the Scottish writer, Robert Louis Stevenson, who first did this walk in 1878 and wrote his first successful book about his journey (the book is called 'Travels with a donkey in the Cevennes'). 

    Highlights of walking this trail is passing through the Cevennes National Park and seeing the flora and fauna within, trekking past a hilly region of extinct volcanoes near Le Puy en Velay, and following the waymarkers which are the Scottish flag, in honour of Stevenson. There is a moderate to challenging 10 day walk that finishes in St Jean de Gard, as well as an 8 day version that finishes earlier in Florac.

  19. French Way of St James

  20. Hikers leaving Estaing on the Way of St James

    Take part in the world famous Camino pilgrimage through France. The main Camino trail in France is called the French Way of St James, and it is often cited as the most beautiful of all the Camino walks to experience.

    The Full French Way of St James is a 40 day trail (fear not - it's been broken into smaller, more achievable sections!). It begins in Le Puy en Velay and continues through stupendous French scenery before reaching St Jean Pied de Port and the start of the Camino de Santiago through Spain. Take a look at the various stages of this quintessential French walk: there's self guided walks and food lover's journeys to be had.

 



 

>> Browse our full range of walking tours in France.  

>> View all of UTracks' walking tours in Europe.

>> Join UTracks' Active Travel Community.

 

 



 

 

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