France is a classic walking holiday destination. Located just a short hop across the English Channel, France’s diverse countryside includes Mediterranean coastline, beautiful valleys, lush wine lands and the highest mountains in Western Europe. The cities can be just as attractive to explore as the countryside, with regional capitals such as Avignon and Dijon providing numerous architectural delights to enjoy on a walking tour.
Whether you want a tough walk through rugged mountain landscapes or a gentle stroll through the most picturesque parts of the country, here are some of the best regions to visit on a walking holiday in France…
The Loire Valley
‘The Garden of France’ is one of the most beautiful parts of the country, and is understandably a popular choice for walking holidays in France. The Loire River itself meanders through rolling hills, lush landscapes and a seemingly endless succession of glorious 18th century chateaux. Walkers and cyclists can follow the river itself or explore dozens of routes off the river into the heart of the Loire Valley.
The Alps
For anyone looking for high mountain adventure on their French walking holiday, the Alps is the place to go. Skiers dominate the region during the winter, but during the summer months the Alps become a Mecca for climbers and hikers from all over the globe. With some routes, such as the Tour du Mont Blanc and the Haute Route, regarded as being amongst the finest trekking routes in the world, this is an essential destination for European adventurers.
Provence
Provence features an enviable mixture of scenery – a spectacular coastline, sun drenched fields of wild flowers overlooked by mountains, and some beautiful historic towns. The countryside has inspired numerous artists, most notably Cezanne, and if your French walking holiday takes you to Provence, you can alternate between visits to the stunning countryside and fascinating towns such as Avignon, Arles, and Aix en Provence.
Burgundy
Wine lovers who want to combine a French walking holiday with the opportunity to sample some of the country’s finest vintages will inevitably be drawn to Burgundy. The region is justly famed as the heart of wine production in France, and a walking holiday here is likely to spend plenty of time exploring the beautiful landscapes around the vineyards. The regional capital, Dijon, is another highlight, with stunning architecture that is a delight to explore on foot.
The Cote d’Azur
Also known as the French Riviera, the Cote d’Azur is the finest stretch of coastline in France and is the natural destination of choice if you are looking to combine coastal walks with blazing sunshine. Picturesque Nice is an essential place to visit, and the numerous gardens, such as those found at La Villa Ephrusi de Rothschild and the Gardens of Eze, are a real highlight of the region.
Brittany
Brittany sometimes feels like an entirely different country within France, with its own language, unique culture and individual history. It also features some spectacular walking country, with the rocky coastline a real pleasure to explore on a French walking holiday. Don’t miss out on the spectacular Abbey at Mont St Michel, perched dramatically above the sea and accessible only at low tide.
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