Wearing a swimsuit comes in handy if you want to take a dip in one of the natural pools along the way. Our hiking holidays in France present themselves just as multifaceted as diverse, just like the 4 different climate zones. Australian National Memorial in Villers-Bretonneux. One of the top attractions of the French Pyrenees, the historic Béarn region is an idyllic rural area of rolling hills and mountains about 40 kilometers from Lourdes. Some travelers spend weeks or even months to complete portions of the trail or even the entire journey. The hike takes about four hours and involves a steep ascent, as well as clambering over some rocks, but magnificent views make the effort worthwhile. Hikers will notice the church steeple of Riquewihr upon approaching this storybook village, listed as one of the "Plus Beaux Villages" of France. A pleasant, short walk (of three kilometers) continues from Riquewihr to Mittelwihr, a tiny hamlet nestled among a patchwork of farms. Lourmarin has the laid-back yet lively ambience of a traditional Provençal village and is the perfect place to end up after a long hike because of its inviting restaurants, outdoor cafés, and boutiques. We and our partners use cookies to better understand your needs, improve performance and provide you with personalised content and advertisements. Lourmarin also has several charming hotels. These trails are generally great for all walking abilities, and the best part is you’ll come across everything ranging from hundred-year old chapels to prehistoric caves en route. The Chemins de Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle ("Way of Saint James") route is still popular among modern-day pilgrims and hikers. You’ll probably be here for the cemeteries, but make it a point to also check out the vast stretches of sand and undulating coastline. Along the way, mountain refuges allow hikers to rest and get refreshments or refuel with a hearty meal and stay overnight in cozy alpine-style guest rooms. For many history buffs, an essential experience is the Remembrance Trail, which traces WWI battlefield sites along the Normandy coast. The Martel Trail (Sentier Martel) offers a glimpse of the Gorges du Verdon's breathtaking natural environment. However, if you don’t have months to spare, don’t worry! The Remembrance Trail may be approached as a self-guided walking tour. However, the trails all around the Arcachon Bay shouldn’t be missed. The Verdon Gorge is a dreamy spot in Provence. There are dozens of trails ranging in length and difficulty level – whether you want a full-blown trek or a gentle ramble. For a more challenging hike in the Pyrenees National Park, advanced hikers should take the trail up to the Brèche de Roland mountain pass (at 2,807 meters). The hike, which takes seven to 10 days to complete, crosses the borders of Italy and Switzerland, circling Mont Blanc in effect, before finishing in France. The Nietzsche Path may be approached in the reverse (convenient if arriving by train) by hiking up from Eze-sur-Mer to the hilltop village of Eze. The forests are interspersed with small farms and pastures where goats graze. To allow us to provide a better and more tailored experience please click "OK", The Cirque du Gavarnie is situated in the. This Mediterranean trek – also called the Balcony of the Côte d’Azur – runs from Menton to Marseille along the GR51 route. Just outside of Jurançon, a narrow two-lane country road takes travelers up to the Montagnes Béarnaises (Béarn Mountains), a lush mountainous area of deeply wooded groves, ravines, crystal-clear rivers, and rushing waterfalls. Because of the length and level of difficulty, trying to complete the entire trail may not be the best idea unless transportation is arranged for a pick-up at the end of the trail. The sun-drenched path traverses the island of Corsica from north to south, covering a landscape of rugged hillsides and wild gorges. This is your most essential piece of hiking gear, so it pays to have a good pair. AllTrails has 7,714 great hiking trails, trail running trails, mountain biking trails and more, with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers, and nature lovers like you. The area is a marshland nature reserve (the Réserve Naturelle des Prés Salés) with a 12-kilometer loop trail. Modern-day pilgrims will discover a fascinating, medieval spiritual heritage (and physical challenge) on a portion of the Camino de Santiago trail in the Pyrenees Mountains. The route ends in Spain at Roncesvalles, an ancient village with a historic pilgrims' hostel and convent. The Chalet du Lognan mountain refuge and the Refuge d'Argentière lodge are found along this route.