Fabulous Hikes in France – AMRAP Adventures

1. Verdon Gorge Trail

Where: Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, France
Starting point: Chalet de la Maline.
End point: Point Sublime.

Time needed: 5-6 hours.
Distance and Type: 14 kilometers circuit
Difficulty: Moderate

When to Hike: The best time to hike is from May to October, but it can get crowded during the summer months.
Where to Stay: There are several accommodations in nearby towns like Castellane or Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.

The Verdon Gorge Trail is a stunning hike that takes you through one of the most beautiful canyons in Europe. The trail starts at Chalet de la Maline and takes you through the gorge, passing by turquoise waters, towering cliffs, and scenic overlooks. The trail is well-marked and suitable for hikers of all levels, but it can be strenuous in some parts. The highlight of the hike is the Point Sublime, a panoramic viewpoint that offers breathtaking views of the gorge.

2. Gorges de l’Ardèche Trail

Where: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, southeastern France
Starting point: Vallon-Pont-d’Arc
End point: Saint-Martin-d’Ardèche

Time needed: 6-7 hours.
Distance and Type: 19 kilometers point to point
Difficulty: Moderate

When to Hike: Best time is from April to October, but check weather conditions before heading out.
Where to Stay: There are many options for accommodation in the nearby towns, such as Vallon-Pont-d’Arc and Saint-Martin-d’Ardèche.

The Gorges de l’Ardèche trail takes hikers along a beautiful river canyon with stunning views of the surrounding cliffs and rock formations. The trail is well-marked and includes both flat sections and some more challenging uphill climbs. Along the way, hikers will pass through several picturesque villages and can take a refreshing swim in the river. It’s a great hike for those looking for a bit of a challenge and some breathtaking scenery.

3. Calanques National Park Trail

Where: Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, France
Trail Head: Callelongue (Marseille)or Port Miou (Cassis)
Time Needed: 6-8 hours.

Distance and Type: 20 kilometers circuit
Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
When to Hike: Best time to hike is from September to May to avoid the heat and crowds of the summer months. However, some trails may be closed due to fire risk during hot and dry periods.

Where to Stay: Marseille or Cassis offer a variety of accommodations ranging from hotels to vacation rentals and campsites. Some hikers may choose to stay in nearby towns such as La Ciotat or Aubagne.

The Calanques National Park Trail offers stunning coastal views and a chance to explore the rugged limestone cliffs, hidden coves, and crystal-clear waters of the Calanques. The trail can be challenging in some sections due to steep climbs and narrow paths, but hikers are rewarded with breathtaking vistas of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding cliffs. The park is also home to a variety of flora and fauna, including rare species such as the Bonelli’s eagle and the Hermann’s tortoise. Hikers can choose from several trails of varying lengths and difficulties, with the longest being the 20km loop that starts and ends at either Callelongue or Port Miou.

4. Mont Saint Michel Bay Trail

Where: Mont Saint Michel Bay, Normandy, France

Starting Point: Pointe du Grouin du Sud
End Point: Mont Saint Michel
Time Needed: 5-6 hours.

Distance and Type: 20 kilometers point to point
Difficulty: Moderate
When to Hike: Best to hike during low tide (check the tide schedule in advance).

Where to Stay: There are various accommodation options in nearby towns such as Cancale or Pontorson.

The Mont Saint Michel Bay Trail offers stunning views of the iconic Mont Saint Michel Island and the surrounding bay area. The trail starts at Pointe du Grouin du Sud and follows the coastline, passing through small towns and villages, sandy beaches, and rocky cliffs. Hikers can enjoy panoramic views of the bay and observe the unique phenomenon of the tides that transform the landscape twice a day. The trail ends at the foot of Mont Saint Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited attractions in France. It is important to note that the trail should only be hiked during low tide as the high tides can make the trail inaccessible and dangerous.

5. Cirque de Gavarnie Trail

Where: Cirque de Gavarnie, Occitanie, France

Starting Point: Gavarnie Village
End Point: Cirque de Gavarnie
Time Needed: 3-4 hours.

Distance and Type: 10 kilometers circuit
Difficulty: Moderate
When to Hike: Best time to hike is from June to September, when the weather is warm and dry.

Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options in the nearby town of Gavarnie, including hotels and campsites.

The Cirque de Gavarnie is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful natural wonders of the French Pyrenees. This 10km loop trail takes you through stunning alpine scenery, including waterfalls, glaciers, and the towering 3,000m high walls of the cirque. The trail is well-maintained and relatively easy, with a gentle climb up to the cirque and a steeper descent on the way back. Along the way, you’ll have breathtaking views of the Pyrenees Mountains and the lush valleys below.

6. Étretat Cliffs Trail

Where: Étretat, Normandy, France

Trail Head: Étretat Beach
Time Needed: 2-3 hours.
Distance and Type: 6 kilometers circuit

Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
When to Hike: Year-round, but best in spring and autumn for mild weather and fewer crowds
Where to Stay: There are many accommodation options in Étretat and nearby towns, including hotels, guesthouses, and campsites.

This picturesque trail takes you along the breathtaking cliffs of Étretat, with stunning views of the English Channel and the iconic rock formations known as the “Needle” and the “Arch”. The trail leads you to the top of the cliffs, offering panoramic views of the coast and the countryside. Along the way, you’ll pass by charming villas, gardens, and the famous Notre-Dame de la Garde chapel. The trail is well-marked and accessible for all levels of hikers.

7. Les Grottes de Jonas Trail

Where: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
Trail Head: The car park at the entrance of the caves.

Time needed: 2 hours.
Distance and Type: 5 kilometers circuit
Difficulty: Easy

When to Hike: The best time to hike the trail is from April to October.
Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options available nearby, including hotels, guesthouses, and campsites.

Les Grottes de Jonas Trail takes you through a beautiful forest, past stunning waterfalls, and rock formations, and finally to the entrance of the Grottes de Jonas caves. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow, making it suitable for families with children. The caves themselves are a must-see and offer a unique experience for visitors.

8. Aiguillette des Houches Trail

Where: Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, France
Starting point: Les Houches, Chamonix Valley
End point: Aiguillette des Houches summit

Time needed: 3-4 hours.
Distance and Type: 7 kilometers circuit
Difficulty: Moderate

When to hike: Best from June to October.
Where to stay: There are several accommodation options available in Les Houches or Chamonix, including hotels, guesthouses, and campsites.
Les Houches or Chamonix.

The Aiguillette des Houches Trail offers spectacular views of the Mont Blanc massif and the Chamonix Valley. The trail starts from Les Houches and follows a forested path before reaching the open ridge that leads to the summit. The climb is moderate but offers a rewarding panoramic view of the surrounding mountains.

9. Plateau de Coscione Trail

Where: Corsica, France
Trail Head: Refuge de Paliri

Time needed: 7-8 hours.
Distance and Type: 19 kilometers circuit
Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult

When to Hike: The best time to hike this trail is between May and October when the weather is mild, and the trail is free of snow.
Where to Stay: The Refuge de Paliri is a great place to stay before and after your hike.

The Plateau de Coscione Trail is a loop trail that takes you through the stunning mountain scenery of Corsica. The trail starts and ends at the Refuge de Paliri and takes you through a variety of landscapes, including forests, rivers, and alpine meadows. Along the way, you’ll have stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The trail is moderately difficult with some steep climbs, but the views make it well worth the effort.

10. Rocher de Roquebrune Trail

Where: Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, France.
Trail Head: The parking lot near the Tourist Office in the village of Roquebrune-sur-Argens.
Time needed: The hike takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete.

Distance and Type: 5 kilometers circuit
Difficulty: Moderate
When to hike: The best time to hike Rocher de Roquebrune Trail is in the spring and fall, when the weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller.

Where to stay: There are several accommodations available in the nearby towns of Roquebrune-sur-Argens and Saint-Raphaël.

The Rocher de Roquebrune Trail is a beautiful loop hike that offers stunning views of the red cliffs and rocky outcrops that make up the Roquebrune Massif. The trail starts off with a steep climb up to the summit of the Rocher de Roquebrune, where hikers can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. From there, the trail descends into a forested valley before climbing back up to the starting point. Along the way, hikers will encounter several interesting rock formations and boulder fields, as well as a variety of plant and animal life.