The ten most beautiful hikes in France

Customs or smuggling trails in the Alps, Pyrenees or on the coast, hiking trails in Cantal, goat tracks in Corsica, bucolic hikes in the Cévens, sports in the Parc de la Vanoise… Hiking trails in France tell the story. a bigger story. There is something for all tastes and all levels. The beauty of rugged, sublime, sometimes unknown landscapes gives a taste of eternity and rewards physical commitment. Our selection of 10 hiking routes closer to nature to discover our country from a different perspective.

The GR20 in Corsica, the most famous

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The distance : 200 km

Height: 10000 m

Departure Calenzana (Upper Corsica)

Arrival: Conca (South Corsica)

This fabulous hiking trail that crosses the Isle of Beauty is often considered one of the most beautiful but also one of the most difficult hiking trails in Europe. In the north, the GR20 is more technical, while in the south the trails are less steep. Stages on the main route run from shelter to shelter, which you should take care to book as soon as possible.

More information at www.le-gr20.fr

The most beautiful stage of the course. The Aiguilles de Bavella on the penultimate stage 15 as you travel the GR north to south between Assinau and Palir Refuge.

Saint-Guilhem road, the most rural

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The distance 250 km

Height: 2900 m

Departure : Aumont-Aubrac

Arrival: : Saint-Guilhem-le-Desert

The Grande Traversée du Massif Central connects the north of the Loser department to the south of Hérault. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this route takes you through the Obrac Plateau, the Tarn Gorges, the Lot Valley and the Cévennes National Park. There is an option from the signal of Mailhebiau, the summit of the Aubrac, ending at 1469m, which descends further west by Trelance to La Canourg, where the main route rejoins. Still a little known or recognized trail avoids overcrowding.

More information at www.chemin-st-guilhem.fr

The most beautiful stage of the course. Causse Méjean, a vast and desert limestone plateau in the Grands Causses, with a lunar atmosphere.

Stevenson’s Way(GR70), more literary

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The distance 250 km

Height: 6400 m

Departure Puy-en-Valley (Haute-Loire)

Arrival: Ales (Gard)

A mid-mountain route, this trail largely follows the route of the Scottish author of Treasure Island, who gave it its name. The journey can be accomplished in the company of pack animals such as Stevenson and Modestin. there is no shortage of specialized service providers, but depending on the nature of the animal, it is sometimes easier to carry the bag.

More information at www.chemin-stevenson.org

The most beautiful stage of the course. Mount Finiels, the highest point on the route at 1699m, at sunrise or sunset.

Excursion to the Vanoise glaciers, the most spectacular

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The distance : 60 km

Height: 4895 m

Departure and arrival : Pralognan-la-Vanoise (Savoie)

This circular mountain route is one of the most iconic in the Alps. There are several variations. In the heart of Vanoise National Park, between mountain pastures and eternal snow, it offers magnificent landscapes and many opportunities to meet ibex and deer.

More information at www.savoie-mont-blanc.com/randonnees-et-balades

The most beautiful stage of the course. The Col d’Aussois. From the Pointe de l’Observatoire (3015 m) you can see Mont Blanc, the Vanoise glaciers and the Ecrin massif.

The Grand Tour of the Écrins massif (GR54), the most difficult

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The distance 184 km

Height: 12800 m

Departure and arrival Bourg d’Oisans

It is considered one of the most difficult GRs in Europe along with the Tour du Mont Blanc and the GR5. The GR 54, which skirts the Oisans and Ecrins massifs, is reserved for experienced hikers. It requires 14 passes, including La Meije at 3,983m and Barre des Écrins at 4,102m, and traverses magnificent panoramas.

More information at www.grand-tour-ecrins.fr

The most beautiful stage of the course. The Emparis Plateau and its lakes, situated in a grand setting in front of La Meije. An incredible vision to earn.

Excursion to the Cantal Volcano in Auvergne (GR400), the most volcanic

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The distance 140 km

Height: 4635 m

Departure and arrival Murat

A mid-mountain trail, the GR400 winds its way up the flanks of the Kanthal massif, Europe’s largest volcano. This route allows for short hikes in the Cantal mountains thanks to five distinct loops of 20-45 kilometers around Puy Meri.

More information at www.mongr.fr/

The most beautiful stage of the course. The ascent of Puy Meri is 1783 m

Cathar trail (GR 367), the most historic

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The distance 226 km

Height: 7905 m

Departure Port-la-Nouvelle

Arrival: Mongeyard

The trail is an outdoor history lesson. The route goes back in time, passing at the foot of the most beautiful Cathar castles: Aguilar, Caribus, Peyrepertuse, among others, and plunging from the Mediterranean Sea between the Pyrenean peaks.

The most beautiful stage of the course. At Pech de Bugarach, you will need a 2-hour climb to reach the summit and the magnificent panorama it offers.

The Grand Pass of the Alps on the GR5, the highest

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The distance 600 km

Height: 30000 m

Departure : Thonon-les-Bains (or Saint Gindolph)

Arrival: Nice (or Menton)

This 100% mountain route crosses five départements and crosses many passes, often reaching over 2,000 meters in altitude, connecting Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean Sea. Route for lovers of mineral landscapes.

The most beautiful stage of the course Unforgettable, early morning crossing, Izeran Pass, at 2764 meters, one of the highest points in the region.

From Marseille rivers to Cassis (GR 98-51), the southernmost

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The distance : 35 km

Height: 1850 m

Departure : Marcel

Arrival: Cassis

In the Calanques National Park, this 3-day route runs along the Mediterranean Sea between Cassis and Col de Sugiton, passing through the rivers of Port Miu, Port Pin, En Vau, Davenson Rocks and the foothills of Grand Candel.

For more information: https://mountandnature.com/2016/03/20/les-calanques-gr98-51

The most beautiful stage of the course. A section of the spectacular Falaise des Toits at Sugiton.

Brittany Customs Trail (GR34), the longest

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The distance 2000 km

Height: 22,811 m

Departure Mont-Saint-Michel (Manche)

Arrival: Saint-Nazaire (Loire-Atlantique)

Originally inland, the GR34 now skirts Brittany, following the coastline. This long road does not leave the coast, subjecting the walker to the vagaries of the sea and winds. During his journey, he will discover the myths and legends of this harsh and magnificent land. Along the way, Saint-Malo, among others, offers hikers a well-deserved spa break.

More information at https://bretagne.ffrandonnee.fr

The most beautiful stage of the course. Pointe de Pen-Hir and its “Tas de Pois” on the Crozon Peninsula are worth a look.

Source: Le Figaro

Alexis

bunatimes.com