Easy 3-day loop hike: nature itinerary ideas

Let's start with Auvergne and its volcanic landscapes, with the Dômes loop, which can be completed in 2 to 3 days. Between forests, pastures, plateaus and panoramas of the Chaîne des Puys, it's a hike that appeals for its diversity and its gentle elevation gain, accessible to all. By crossing different villages, this itinerary also allows you to spend the night in a warm gîte.

If the experience tempts you, here is the practical information to know:

• Starting and finishing point: parking of the Dômes panoramic train station

• Total distance: 49 km

• Cumulative elevation gain: 1158 m

• Accommodation and water and food supplies: accommodation, restaurants and shops available in Laschamps, Recoleine, Pont-les-Eaux, Olby, Mazayes, etc.

The Jura is a land of trekking and hiking, where experienced walkers and beginners alike find their happiness. Among the easy/medium loops to discover, don't miss the loop starting from Doucier, which takes you on the Wandering Trout trail.

It's an ideal hike to discover the beauty of the Jura, its wild nature and its many lakes and waterfalls. Between the famous Hérisson Waterfalls, Lake Chalain, Lake Bonlieu and many other points of interest, it's a constant wonder. This itinerant loop can be discovered during the summer period until September, but also in spring (from April) if you wish to enjoy less crowded conditions and a different atmosphere.

Here is the practical information summarizing this itinerary:

• Start and finish: village of Doucier (park in “Parking Doucier”, at the corner of rue des 3 Lacs and rue des Lagunes)

• Total distance: 54 km

• Cumulative elevation gain: 1298 m

• Accommodation and water and food supplies: bivouac possible outside classified sites, campsites located on the loop and other accommodation available in the few villages crossed

For easy hikes, the Vosges are ideal: there is less elevation gain than in other massifs in France, but the landscapes are just as worthwhile. Several itineraries allow you to pass through Le Grand Ballon, which is the highest point of the massif at an altitude of 1423 meters.

Here, we propose a loop that takes you through areas of the Guebwiller biological reserve, then through the Grand Ballon, the Crêtes road, and continues north passing through the Petit Ballon. While this hike remains quite easy, it does not lack elevation gain and takes place over 3 days:

• Start and finish: village of Linthal

• Total distance: 50 km, in 3 respective stages of 16, 18 and 16 km per day

• Cumulative elevation gain: 1830 m

• Accommodation and water and food supplies: nights in refuges and chalet-hotels along the way, possibility of bivouacking, and presence of farm-inns and snacks near points of interest on the route

For hikers looking for a bit more elevation gain and challenge, we advise you to head for the Pyrenees for the Carlit tour. Here, there are no technical difficulties, but good physical condition is still required to complete the 3 days of walking, with more than 2000 meters of positive elevation gain.

But the effort is rewarded by the views of several peaks and lakes in the Pyrenees, passing through typical villages and hamlets, and why not a moment at the hot baths of Dorres. The most adventurous can enhance this circuit by doing part of the 12 lakes hike and even climbing up to the Pic du Carlit for a breathtaking view.

To embark on the Carlit loop adventure, here is the data to consider:

• Start and finish: village of Porté-Puymorens

• Total distance: 50 km, divided into 3 daily stages of 16, 12 and 22 km

• Cumulative elevation gain: 2020 m

• Accommodation and water and food supplies: no shops on the itinerary, but possibility of bivouacking, staying in cabins, refuges, inns and gîtes d'étape

It's not just in the mountains that you can do beautiful hikes! Brittany is another playground appreciated by walkers, notably with its GR®34: "The Customs Officer's Path". With a total length of 2000 km, bordering the Breton coasts, it is a trail that offers sublime landscapes to discover in all seasons.

If you only want to cover a part of it, over a period of 3 days and in the form of an itinerant loop, there are several itineraries, including the Quiberon tour. Between cliffs, fine sandy beaches, wild nature and lively life in the center of the peninsula, this hike offers you a beautiful diversity of atmospheres.

If it is sometimes classified as difficult, it is because this hike is relatively long in distance. But in reality, it is very suitable for beginners, as there is almost no positive or negative elevation gain, and because it takes place on a well-marked trail, without great technical difficulty. Slightly experienced hikers can even complete the loop in just 2 days.

• Start and finish: village of Plouharnel

• Distance: 55 km, divided into 3 respective stages of 11, 21 and 24 km

• Elevation gain: unknown, but very low

• Accommodation and water and food supplies: guest houses, restaurants, cafes, hotels and various shops on the peninsula.

In France, the list of 3-day hiking loops is so extensive that it would be difficult to list them all.

In addition to the previously mentioned hikes, you can indeed find itineraries almost everywhere in the country: Causses du Quercy park, Gorges du Verdon, Vexin regional natural park, Morvan park, Néouvielle park, Vanoise park, Ossau Valley and Pic du Midi, Belle-Île-en-Mer, Opal Coast, Jura, Aspe Valley, etc.

Between high altitude mountains, plateaus, valleys, paths through the countryside and forests and coastal itineraries, there's something to delight all walkers! Don't hesitate to contact the Tourist Offices and the Grande Randonnée Paths website to discover routes adapted to your level.

And if you are specifically looking for ideas for multi-day mountain hike, consult our page dedicated to the 3-day trek in the Alps.

For a first multi-day hike, good preparation makes all the difference. Even if you embark on an easy-level route, you must properly assess your physical condition and already be used to day hiking.

You must also anticipate each stage and not set off blindly: distance, elevation gain, supply points, shelters or bivouac locations must be known before your departure.

The choice of equipment is just as essential. Opt for hiking shoes already worn in, a bag fitted to your body type and equipment corresponding to the type of terrain. Think about technical clothing and weather protection : even in summer, the weather can change quickly, and snow is still possible at altitude.

And don't forget that on the ground, caution remains your best ally. Always stay on the marked path, respect the signage and adapt your pace. Take regular breaks, hydrate yourself and know when to give up if conditions deteriorate.