Fancy getting away… on foot?
France is full of legendary trails where every step becomes an adventure. From historic paths like the Camino de Santiago to major mountain and coastal routes, the GR trails in France offer a unique immersion in nature.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced hiker , there's bound to be a route that's perfect for you. Here's a selection of the most beautiful GR trails in France , so you can experience hiking in all its forms.
Why choose a long-distance hiking trail for your hiking holiday?
Choosing a long-distance hiking trail (GR) is much more than just a simple walk. It's choosing a complete experience . Walking for several days, following a marked route, progressing step by step… the GR invites you to slow down , reconnect with what truly matters, and discover the landscapes in a new way. Each day becomes a mini-journey, each stage a reward .
It's also a way to travel freely : you adapt your pace, your breaks, your stages. And contrary to popular belief, there are long-distance hiking trails accessible to all levels .
What is a GR?
A GR, or long-distance hiking trail, is a marked route designed for multi-day hiking. These long-distance hiking routes crisscross France from north to south , linking iconic sites such as Mont-Saint-Michel , Saint-Nazaire , and Le Puy-en-Velay , the starting point of the famous Way of St. James (Camino de Santiago) .
Recognizable by their white and red markings, these long-distance hiking trails allow you to cover hundreds of kilometers, with stages adapted to all levels. Some legendary routes, such as the Tour du Mont-Blanc or the Tour du Queyras , even invite you to circumnavigate entire mountain ranges, in the heart of spectacular landscapes.
Which GR should you choose based on your level?
Beginner
Opt for short stages, minimal elevation gain, and well-maintained routes. Hikes along the coast or in the forest are ideal.
Intermediate
Not all long-distance hiking trails (GRs) in France require the same level of commitment. You can consider multi-day routes with varied terrain and some elevation changes.
Expert
Time for challenges! Technical terrain, long stages, sometimes demanding weather… these GR trails require good physical preparation .
Top campsite Sunêlia post hike
The most beautiful long-distance hiking trails in France, a must-see!
GR20 in Corsica: a legendary hike for experienced trekkers
Impossible de parler de randonnée en France sans évoquer le GR20. Traversant la Corse du nord au sud, il longe par endroits la mer Méditerranée tout en atteignant des zones d’altitude impressionnantes.
Avec plusieurs milliers de mètres de dénivelé positif et des passages techniques, ce trek exigeant culmine à plus de 2 000 mètres, avec des étapes marquées par des crêtes vertigineuses et des panoramas à couper le souffle. Son point culminant offre une vue spectaculaire sur l’île de Beauté.
Et après l’effort ? Imaginez-vous retrouver le confort d’un hébergement en bord de mer dans un camping en Corse… un contraste parfait pour prolonger l’expérience.
- Pour qui ? Randonneurs expérimentés,
- Pourquoi y aller ? Pour vivre une aventure intense et inoubliable,
- Quand partir ? De juin à septembre.
- Où séjourner ? Optez pour ces campings familiaux : camping La Pietra et camping U Livanti.
The most beautiful sections of the GR34 in Brittany
Nicknamed the "Customs Officers' Path," the GR34 is one of the most iconic long-distance hiking trails in France. It runs along the Breton coast for over 2,000 km, notably linking Mont-Saint-Michel to Saint-Nazaire.
Accessible and adaptable, it allows you to discover unique coastal landscapes, such as the famous Pink Granite Coast, where wind-sculpted rocks offer a spectacular backdrop. It's the ideal GR trail for combining hiking and a camping stay in Brittany, with a comfortable base between stages.
- Who is it for? Beginners to intermediate players.
- Why go there? For spectacular and accessible seascapes.
- Where to stay? Camping L'Orangerie de Lanniron , camping Baie de St Pol and camping l'Emeraude .
Hiking the GR10 in the Pyrenees: a true adventure
The GR10 crosses the Pyrenees from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean over nearly 1,000 kilometers . This legendary route connects wild territories by linking passes, valleys and summits, with several thousand meters of elevation gain .
It is part of the great tradition of long-distance hiking routes in France, like the Tour du Mont-Blanc or the Tour du Queyras , offering a total immersion in the mountains.
It is a demanding GR, but flexible: you can choose to hike certain sections for a first experience while enjoying the comfort of camping accommodation in the Pyrenees at the end of the day.
- For whom? Intermediates to experts,
- Why go? For total immersion in the mountains,
- Special feature: a complete crossing can take several weeks.
- Where to stay? Bedura Park campsite and Pirineos campsite .
Hiking around the Arcachon Basin: our favorite routes
Around the Arcachon Basin, the trails offer a gentle alternative to the major GR France routes. Here, there are no long treks, but accessible routes to discover nature in a different way, between pine forests, dunes and coastline.
These routes allow you to experience the spirit of long-distance hiking trails, without constraints, with itineraries that can be done as day trips from your camping accommodation in Arcachon.
Among the must-sees:
- Climbing the Dune du Pilat , with its breathtaking views,
- The trails of the Teich Nature Reserve are perfect for observing wildlife.
- walks in the pine forest around the basin.
- For whom? All levels,
- Why go there? For an accessible hike, between nature and the ocean.
- Where to stay? Opt for these family campsites: Camping Fontaine Vieille and Camping Domaine de la Forge .
Prepare your GR
The essentials not to forget
A successful hike is first and foremost about good preparation. Before setting off, remember to:
- adapt your equipment (shoes, bag, technical clothing),
- check the weather
- plan your steps,
- plan your diet and hydration.
Even on easily accessible routes, a minimum of organization is essential to fully enjoy the experience.
Hiking without sacrificing comfort: a new way to travel
Today, hiking is evolving. The choice between adventure and comfort is no longer necessary: it's now possible to combine both. More and more travelers are opting for trips where they can:
- hiking during the day,
- find comfortable accommodation in the evening,
- enjoy facilities (swimming pool, spa, restaurant…).
This approach allows you to experience nature intensely without sacrificing the pleasure of a holiday. Whether by the sea , in the mountains , or near major hiking trails , numerous destinations offer the opportunity to explore the most beautiful paths … all while enjoying a pleasant setting to recharge.
Ready to go on an adventure?
From the most demanding Corsican trails to the peaceful walks of the Arcachon Basin, France offers an incredible diversity of hikes.
Whether you are looking for a challenge or simply an escape, all you have to do is choose your route… and take the first step.
What if true luxury, ultimately, was being able to explore nature while enjoying a comfortable setting to recharge?
Selection of campsites near beautiful hiking trails
FAQ – Camping accommodation trends in 2026
The GR34, also known as the coastal path in Brittany, is one of the easiest long-distance hiking trails in France. It offers accessible stages, little elevation gain, and the possibility of day hikes, making it ideal for beginners.
The GR20 in Corsica is considered the most difficult GR trail in France and even in Europe. It features technical terrain, steep elevation changes, and demanding stages, reserved for experienced hikers.
The duration depends on the chosen GR trail. A complete route like the GR20 takes approximately 15 days, while the GR10 can require several weeks. However, it is possible to complete a GR trail in a few days by selecting specific sections.
The budget for a long-distance hiking trail (GR) varies between €20 and €100 per day depending on the travel style. Camping is the most economical option, while comfortable accommodations increase the budget.
Yes, it is possible to hike a GR trail without prior experience by choosing an easy route like the GR34 and properly preparing your equipment and stages. Starting with shorter hikes is recommended.
The best time to hike a long-distance trail (GR) in France is between May and September. Weather conditions are generally favorable, with spring and autumn being preferable to avoid the summer crowds.