The Most Breathtaking Hiking Trails In France, According To Hikers

France. It's the country of red wine, elegant clothing, and — need we say? — romance. If the towers of aphrodisiacal oysters that dot the country come wintertime aren't convincing enough, then maybe some statistics will make you a believer. In a 2018 survey, U.K.-based wedding planning agency Hitched discovered that the Eiffel Tower ranked fourth on the list of the most popular proposal sites in the world. Per the data, 1 in every 679 Instagram proposals takes place at that iconic architectural point, solidifying Paris' position as one of the most intriguing cities around.

Beyond the stereotypes surrounding Paris' undeniable glitz and glamour, France is a well-rounded country offering a wide range of activities. The nation of Jean Jacques Rousseau and Victor Hugo is also bursting with hidden gems in the great outdoors. France is full of overlooked natural wonders that you shouldn't skip on your next trip, and one of the best ways to explore these entrancing destinations is via hiking trails.

As outdoor enthusiasts, we have the tools necessary to identify the best nature paths around. Using reviews from sites like AllTrails, Tripadvisor, and Google, we have uncovered some of the most scenic hiking trails in France. Whether you enjoy the seaside, mountains, or groomed estates, these routes will take you to some of France's most underrated tourist destinations, which are perfect for friends, families, and couples. 

If you are visiting the City of Lights, you may be hard-pressed to explore places in Paris that aren't overrun with tourists. Let's face it — the museums are packed, the Eiffel Tower begets terrible lines, and the Cathédrale de Notre-Dame will often find you standing shoulder-to-shoulder with camera-clad visitors. To get away from all the hustle and bustle, you may want to do what Parisians do: Pop on the local train, flee the metropolis, and go on a walk somewhere more serene. That's where L'Arboretum Vallée des Loups comes in.

Located just 45 minutes from Paris by train, this historical arboretum will draw you in with its massive old trees and colorful foliage. Prepare to be entranced by picturesque paths surrounded by bonsais, cedars, and weeping willows. Start your hike at the parking lot, walk through the cedar section to the center of the arboretum, and then loop down to the Maison du Parc de la Vallée-aux-Loups museum before heading up to the Maison du Chateaubriand historical house. 

By the time you return to the parking lot, you'll have completed up to 3.7 miles. To maximize your experience, take a past visitor's advice and picnic beside this charming trail. As one hiker wrote on Tripadvisor, "Beautiful garden with old trees. Great place to take a long walk. Take a sandwich and eat on a bench."

The dramatic cliffs at Pointe du Raz, Brittany, are steeped in mystery and legend. Years ago, before the region was incorporated into France and the Celtic-descended Bretons inhabited this land, it was thought that korrigans — or a type of pixie — lived there. Since then, this location has haunted sailors, inspired writers like Gustave Flaubert, and attracted hikers from all over the world. 

To arrive at this mythical place, begin your journey at the Pointe du Raz parking lot and embark on either a 1-mile out-and-back, a 1.5-mile loop, or a 2.5-mile loop. Reacting to this variety of options, one visitor took to Google reviews to marvel, "A beautiful site to visit and walk around. The walks are not overly taxing – accessible for many people." Regardless of which route you prefer, there will be spectacular landscapes to behold. As one hiker put it on Tripadvisor, "Great views. The stunning natural beauty of this place will leave everybody impressed."

Of course, serious trekkers might prefer to embark on more challenging walks. Rather than starting at the parking lot, these adventurers should begin their journeys at the Pointe du Raz trailhead in Audierne. This leads to a 13.6-mile out-and-back route that winds through charming local villages, including Plogoff and Lescoff. Expect to see old stone churches, cobblestone streets, and dramatic green trees. 

While well-groomed paths may be enticing for some travelers, others may prefer something a little more rustic. Located in the Pyrenée mountains, the Col et Pic de Madaméte trail promises to challenge you with tough climbs and rocky paths. This hike will take you on an 11-mile journey to a majestic mountain peak that towers 1.65 miles above sea level. And it is not for beginners. As one hiker put it on AllTrails, "A very beautiful hike for veteran hikers! A diversity of landscapes that will take your breath away. Expect to spend a whole day on this hike, and think about bringing a lot of water."

Although the Col et Pic de Madaméte trail is not exactly easy, the gorgeous views along the way are said to be worth it. Writing on Google reviews, a second hiker opined, "The view is truly magnificent over the Néouvielle nature reserve and over the [Lake Nère, Lake Tracens, and others]. In the distance, [you can see] the Pic du Midi de Bigorre." Indeed, the trail will guide you across cloud-filled mountains and past misty blue lakes. Just be sure to budget plenty of time — up to eight hours — to finish the hike. Previous visitors say it's not always easy to complete on schedule. 

Viewing cliffs is one thing, but walking below them is something else entirely. On the Chemin de Halage trail in Bouziès, France, hikers can stroll through tunnel-like structures located around the base of limestone cliffs. As you walk, expect to observe the serene beauty of the Lot River. Previous hikers say they love the tranquility of the area. Per one visitor's remarks on Tripadvisor, "Magnificent views, we took a lot of pictures. A [2.5 mile] hike toward Saint Cirq Lapopie that will take your breath away with magnificent landscapes. A place to be calmly carried away, as if by the current. Take your time and return via the same path."

In the spirit of the relaxing nature of this trail, hikers can view gorgeous art sculptures that have been carved into the side of the cliffs. An artistic interpretation of the river itself — complete with sculpted shells and mollusks — draws particular attention to the eye. Although this pathway is gorgeous, it's hardly isolated in nature. As a second visitor noted on Tripadvisor, "Pretty hike to do, calm. One can even take a boat to do a tour or walk tranquilly. There's even a place selling drinks." Ultimately, this is the perfect outing for casual hikers who would like to enjoy art, nature, and perhaps even a sip of water in a safe, well-regulated environment.

Arizona, USA, may be home to the most famous red rock paradise, but that doesn't mean France is lacking. Au contraire. A 45-minute drive from the urban center of Montpellier will whisk you away to the vibrant, scarlet geological phenomenon that is the Canyon du Diable. This unusual canyon boasts a 4-mile trail that winds through red rocks and waterfalls. The best part, though, is that most hikers who hit this trail are French locals. As one such individual wrote on Google reviews, "This place is magnificent and offers hikes for everyone ... Not too much tourism. I have one desire, which is that it stays like this ..." 

Interestingly, you don't exactly have to be a hiking enthusiast to enjoy the Canyon du Diable. Since the trail is an out-and-back, more casual walkers can limit their trail time as much as they would like. And, as one hiker noted in a review on AllTrails, the views from the parking lot are stunning enough to be worth a short walk around. "A timeless place that we rarely hear about. A very nice walk through the canyon, worth a look. Possible to park in a small lot nearby (on the Saint Jean de la Blaquière side) for those who cannot walk too much." Overall, this is a unique spot to explore, regardless of your hiking level. 

Hikers who aren't afraid of a massive challenge should consider taking on the trail at Le Lac Blanc. Located in the Alps outside Orbey, France, this trek is not ideal for the casual walker. The reason? The full hike is over 9 miles long, and that's not even the most difficult part. The trail also involves almost a full mile of elevation gain, meaning that visitors can expect some serious climbs. 

Most experienced hikers need well over five hours to complete Le Lac Blanc, while the less experienced will require even more time. As one walker put it on AllTrails, "This is definitely not a trail for beginners. My husband and I are active but not regular hikers by any means. We started at 10am ... We finished the hike just before 6 pm and really enjoyed it. Challenging for sure but [enjoyed] stunning views that were worth it."

The hiker in question was not the only one who felt enchanted by the views on this trail, though. Snow-capped mountains tower over glassy lake water to create images that barely seem real. Wooden alpine cabins dot the landscape. Rugged peaks preside above it all. Writing on Tripadvisor, one hiker opined, "If you only do one hike in Chamonix: it needs to be Lac Blanc! By far the best views from all the hikes. Easy to combine with Grand Balcon Sud for a full day outdoors." 

While Le Lac Blanc may offer stunning views, the intensity of the trek may not be everyone's cup of tea. Folks who prefer a simpler walk on flatter land might consider La Trouée d'Arenberg — an 18th-century cobblestone trail that plows straight through a green forest in Lille. Approximately 1.4 miles in length, this trail makes for the ideal 2.8-mile out-and-back. Of course, hikers who wish to keep their walk on the shorter end, though, can turn around whenever they please.

Cycling fans who know that this trail is an iconic part of the Paris-Roubaix race may want to walk here out of pure curiosity. History buffs, meanwhile, may be more inclined to check out one of the last cobblestone paths that dates back to the era of Napoléon I. Beyond its value as a biking attraction or a historical site, though, La Trouée d'Arenberg provides plenty of stunning wilderness for walking enthusiasts to observe on a peaceful afternoon. 

Per one local hiker on Google reviews, "A mythical place from the Paris-Roubaix [race] and histoically important for the mining basin in Nord-Pas-de-Calais. The Trouée d'Arenberg is also a promenade through nature in a beautiful forest." Another visitor echoed these sentiments in a separate review on Google: "Best visited before Paris-Roubaix ... Beautiful forest, birds singing, happiness!"

Provence, France, may be best known for lavender fields and rosé wine, but the region's charms don't stop there. Provence is a hotspot for religious history and seaside landscapes. To enjoy these attractions together, head to Le Sentier à Notre-Dame du Mai near the town of Toulon. Spanning just over 4 miles each way, this trail provides spectacular views of exposed rock, forest brush, and the Mediterranean Sea. Previous visitors love the views. As one hiker put it on Google reviews, "This is an excellent place to go and visit while you are in town. The panoramic it's amazing and also you get to do some sport while going all the way up."

The best part, though, probably has to do with the historical significance of the trail's end. Indeed, the path culminates at the Notre-Dame du Mai church, which was first constructed in 1625 but boasts improvements over the centuries, including in 1866 and 2000. This means that those who persist in their hike will be rewarded with a stunning architectural gem that has held quite a bit of religious significance for French locals in the past 400 years. Writing on Tripadvisor, one hiker noted, "Numerous paintings and about 75 ex-votos stand witness to the faith and fidelity of this region's Christians." For anyone who wants to blend their hike with a bit of cultural history, Le Sentier à Notre-Dame du Mai is an ideal outing.

France may be known for its fashion and artists, but it's also home to treacherous walks and some of Europe's best-kept secrets. One of these is Le Cirque du Gavarnie, a 6.8-mile hike in the heart of the Pyrenée mountains. As you walk, prepare to see rushing rivers, powerful waterfalls, and sky-high mountain peaks. Past hikers applaud this destination for its rustic beauty. Writing on Tripadvisor, one visitor even recommended taking a side path to a hidden viewpoint. "If you go up the track to the right of the village (beside the higher road), you walk a rougher trail through the trees (one small rocky steep part) upwards, then along the valley contour and are rewarded with a spot that has the best stunning views and fewer people. You can then walk down and go left to join the main track," they shared.

Because it can take a few hours to complete this trek, some hikers recommend bringing a picnic lunch. That being said, it's best to sit down and eat during the ascent rather than at the final viewpoint. The reason? According to one hiking enthusiast on AllTrails, it can be tricky to find an adequate spot. "[There are] some shaded spots before arriving to the cirque. However, upon arrival, [there is] no shade, a little limiting for eating, for example." Pack your picnic, eat toward the beginning, and hike away. Enjoy the final viewpoint on a full stomach.

Organizing this list of the best hikes in France was a fun challenge. As French language buffs with professional translation experience, we enjoyed reading recommendations and reviews from French locals as well as those from Anglophone visitors. To get to the essence of each spot, we translated all the French-language reviews after thoughtfully reflecting on what each reviewer wished to communicate. Thus, we have aimed to maximize the quality of this travel advice.

In addition to our commitment to translation, we also sought to highlight trails from different regions of the country. Because the Alps and the Pyrenées are France's two principal mountain ranges, we included two trails from each location. We also selected options from Lille, Provence, Brittany, Le Lot, the Basque, and the region near Paris to provide options to hikers exploring areas all over France.

Finally, we included trails of various lengths to appeal to hikers of different levels. While a family with small children may opt for a mile-long stroll at Point du Raz, for example, a more intensive group of climbers might prefer to tackle the challenge of Le Lac Blanc. Most of our recommended trails can be shortened or modified to fit the needs of different travelers.