Hiking through France

In the heart of this country with a thousand facets, we offer you a unique travel experience through our hiking trips, whether in a group accompanied by a guide or independently with travel documents. As you travel our trails, you will immerse yourself in the heart of varied landscapes, whether you are in the majestic peaks of the Pyrenees in the green valleys of Provence, in the wild coastlines of Brittany or on the volcanic plateaus of the Massif Central. Each step of your trip will allow you to immerse yourself in the cultural and natural wealth of France.

What type of trip is offered?

The departures of our stays are scheduled regularly throughout the year. Trip prices vary depending on the length of stay, level of comfort and options chosen. Whether you prefer a comfortable star stay, with daily hikes departing from your accommodation, or roaming with nights in different accommodations, we have options adapted to the desired trip.

On our trips, it is possible to choose two roaming options:

Star:
The star stay takes place from a central lodge or hotel where you spend your nights in the same room (possibility of having a single room for a single supplement depending on availability). The hotel is often more comfortable and the weight of the bag is limited to the things needed during the day. The departure takes place in a loop every day.
While roaming:
During the traveling stay, your nights spend in a different lodge, hotel, or refuge. On these stays which require a more committed physical level, we take care of the transfer of your luggage from hotel to hotel.
For your trip, you can choose a group departure with a guide or on your own.

Self-guided or tailor-made travel:
Going on a self-guided stay allows you to go on the trails on the dates of your choice. The self-guided stay allows you to choose the duration of your stay, your departure date, who you wish to go with, for a trip personalized to your wishes and in the type of accommodation of your choice. We take care of reserving your hotel accommodation and meals for your midday lunch breaks as well as evening dinner. You will not be accompanied by a guide during your vacation but we provide you with travel documents, IGN maps, a roadbook and a guide application. To guide you during your hikes and accompany you throughout your stay, we provide you with detailed maps of the region. So you can explore the trails freely to your hotel whether you are on foot, on skis or by bike, following the route provided.
Group travel with a guide:
The group trip brings together several participants on one trip. You are accompanied by a guide who leads you on the trails and tells you all the details of the country. Going in a group means living a shared experience with participants you don't know before leaving. It also means being supervised on the route by a local mountain guide, who will pass on all his knowledge of the region to you.

What to visit during a hiking trip in France?

For a hiking trip in France, here are some unmissable destinations that offer breathtaking landscapes for your vacation whether you are on foot, on skis or by bike and a variety of trails for all levels:
The French Alps: Explore the magnificent hiking trails of the Alps, offering breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, alpine lakes and verdant valleys. Places like the Vanoise National Park or the Mont Blanc massif offer endless possibilities for hiking and winter sports such as skiing or snowshoeing.
The Pyrenees: Hike the trails of the Pyrenees, offering spectacular landscapes, lush forests, high altitude lakes and breathtaking panoramas. Routes like the GR10 or the Tour du Mont Perdu will take you through a preserved natural setting.
The Massif Central: Discover the wild and preserved landscapes of the Massif Central, with its dormant volcanoes, its rocky plateaus and its dense forests. Hiking trails like the Stevenson path or the GR4 will allow you to explore this fascinating region.
Corsica: The Isle of Beauty offers a multitude of hiking trails through varied landscapes, ranging from steep mountains to fine sandy beaches. The famous GR20, considered one of the most difficult hiking trails in Europe, will take you through the peaks and valleys of the island.
Provence: Discover the hiking trails of Provence, offering a unique combination of Mediterranean landscapes, lavender fields, hilltop villages and picturesque vineyards. The calanques of Marseille, the Luberon and the Dentelles de Montmirail are key destinations.

What hikes to do in France?

Hiking in France offers a variety of experiences for your holiday, from alpine trails to coastal paths, allowing you to discover the diversity of French landscapes and nature. Make sure you choose a route suited to your fitness and hiking skill level, and remember to prepare accordingly before heading out on your adventure! Here are some examples of hikes!

Mont Blanc Tour:

The Tour du Mont Blanc is one of Europe's most famous treks, offering an epic experience through the alpine landscapes of France, Italy and Switzerland. As you cycle the Tour du Mont Blanc, you will have the opportunity to discover some of the most spectacular landscapes in the Alps.
Elevation gain: The total elevation gain of the Tour du Mont Blanc varies depending on the routes chosen, but is generally around 10,000 meters.
Walking time: The total duration of the trek depends on your pace and the route options chosen. On average, you can count between 7 and 10 days to complete the full tour.
Physical level: The Tour du Mont Blanc is considered a moderate to difficult hike due to its long stages, significant elevation changes and the sometimes technical nature of the mountain trails.

GR20 in Corsica:

The GR20 in Corsica is considered one of the most difficult treks in Europe, offering a wild adventure through the Corsican mountains. You'll pass through soaring ridges, spectacular alpine passes and secluded mountain huts, offering total immersion in the island's unspoiled nature.
Elevation gain: The total elevation gain of the GR20 varies depending on the routes chosen, but is generally around 10,000 meters.
Walking time: The total duration of the trek depends on your pace and the weather conditions. On average, you can count on between 12 and 16 days to cover the 180 kilometers of the complete route.
Physical level: The GR20 is considered an extremely difficult trek due to its long and demanding stages, its significant elevation changes and the often technical nature of the mountain trails.

Lac Blanc from Chamonix:

Hiking to Lac Blanc from Chamonix is a popular excursion offering spectacular views of the Mont Blanc massif. By following the trail to Lac Blanc, an azure blue lake, you will have the opportunity to enjoy magnificent views of the Mont Blanc massif.
Elevation: The total elevation of the hike varies depending on the routes chosen, but is generally around 700 meters.
Walking time: The total duration of the hike depends on your pace and weather conditions. On average, you can count on between 3 and 5 hours for a round trip from Chamonix.
Physical level: The hike to Lac Blanc is considered moderate level due to its distance and elevation gain, but it can be more demanding in bad weather conditions or snow.

Queyras Tour:

The Tour du Queyras is an emblematic hike located in the Queyras Regional Natural Park, in the Hautes-Alpes. It offers a unique trekking experience through the unspoiled and wild landscapes of the French Alps. Here are some details about this hike:
Elevation gain: The total elevation gain of the Tour du Queyras varies depending on the route chosen, but is generally around 5000 meters.
Walking time: The total duration of the trek may vary depending on the pace of each hiker and the route options chosen. On average, it takes around 6 to 10 days to complete the full tour.
Physical level: The Tour du Queyras is considered a moderate to difficult hike due to its long stages, significant elevation changes and the sometimes technical nature of the mountain trails.
Crossing the Alps:
The Crossing of the Alps is a legendary adventure that involves crossing the French Alps from east to west, from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean.
Elevation: The total altitude difference of the Traversée des Alpes varies depending on the exact route chosen, but it can reach several thousand meters.
Walking time: The total duration of the crossing depends on the pace of each hiker and the planned stages. On average, it takes around 4 to 6 weeks to cover the approximately 600 kilometers of the complete route.
Physical level: The Crossing of the Alps is considered an extremely physically demanding hike due to its length, significant elevation change and the often difficult nature of the Alpine trails.

The Pic du Midi de Bigorre from La Mongie:

The Pic du Midi de Bigorre is one of the most emblematic hikes in the Pyrenees. You will travel along marked trails through breathtaking mountain landscapes, passing fir forests, alpine meadows and steep passes. This hike offers an unforgettable experience for mountain lovers, allowing them to discover the wild beauty of the Pyrenees.
Elevation: The total elevation of the hike varies depending on the route chosen, but is generally around 1000 meters from La Mongie.
Walking time: The total duration of the hike depends on your pace and weather conditions. On average, it takes between 4 and 6 hours for a round trip from La Mongie.
Physical level: The Pic du Midi de Bigorre is considered a moderate to difficult hike due to its significant difference in altitude and the sometimes technical nature of the mountain trails. Good physical condition and experience of mountain hiking are recommended.

Going on a trip with La Vie Sauvage guarantees you:
To experience a stay where each accommodation is selected for its qualities by paying the right price for a hotel.
Our hiking trips are supervised by experienced and passionate local mountain guides who will guide you through the trails, sharing with you their knowledge of the region and their love for nature. They will be there to help you fully enjoy your group hiking experience.
By choosing La Vie Sauvage for your stay in the Alps, you will be able to enjoy all the advantages of an organized stay, without having to worry about logistics. We'll take care of all the details, including hotel, transfers, meals and hiking routes, so you can relax and enjoy every moment of your stay in France. We will do everything we can to ensure that you can have an unforgettable hiking experience in France, whether you choose to hike with a guide or on your own.
Explore France on foot, on skis or by bike with La Vie Sauvage, a specialist in adventure travel and hiking in the Alps. Go on vacation to the Mont Blanc massif in the Northern Alps, Provence, the Pyrenees or even the Queyras Regional Natural Park in the Southern Alps. Whether you opt for a hiking holiday in a comfortable star hotel or in more authentic accommodation. Whether you prefer a ski touring holiday, on foot or a mountain trek, we can offer you a stay adapted to your walking level and at all prices. Contact us today to plan your discovery trip to France.