Where to go hiking in the mountains?
Enjoying the good weather to explore the mountains, what could be more tempting? France is indeed a country that offers a very varied range of hiking trails, from the Alps to the Jura, passing through the Massif Central, the Pyrenees, Corsica, and the Vosges.
But where to go to enjoy the best viewpoints, to discover the flora and fauna and to have fun? The choice must depend on several criteria, but above all you must choose a hiking route adapted to your level.
However, don't worry, because in France there are hikes for experienced walkers as well as for beginners. Thanks to our advice, you will certainly find the ideal hike, for you as well as for your children. Let's discover this flagship mountain activity in summer!
In summary
Do you dream of exploring the most beautiful mountain trails in summer? Our guide offers a selection of exceptional itineraries across French massifs, suitable for all types of hikers. From demanding treks for experienced walkers (Mer de Glace in the Alps, GR20 in Corsica, Pic du Midi d'Ossau) to accessible circuits for beginners or families (Néouvielle Reserve in the Pyrenees, Boucle des Lacs in Les 2 Alpes, Stevenson Trail in the Massif Central), discover expert advice and find your next nature getaway.
Some tips before you go
There are hikes suitable for all walkers, others reserved for experienced hikers. For example, the Great Alpine Crossing (620 kilometers long), famous for its magnificent landscapes, or the Great Jura Crossing are not within reach of the casual walker. The golden rule in the mountains is to know your limits and not to underestimate the unpredictable forces of nature.
Before setting off on an adventure, therefore, check the characteristics of the route: what are the distance to cover and the estimated duration ? What is the maximum altitude and how much elevation gain is there ? Is it the right time of year to take the trail? Is it a loop or do you have to turn back, etc.?
Also remember to properly prepare for your mountain hike by equipping yourself accordingly: sunscreen, sleeping bag if you're going for several days, hiking boots, clothing adapted to possible weather changes (which you should check before leaving), sunglasses, IGN maps, GPS, water bottle, etc.
Mountain Hikes for Experienced Walkers
Do you love breathtaking landscapes and are not afraid of difficulty? Here are several hikes you should enjoy.
Mer de Glace - Alps
In Haute-Savoie, near Chamonix, the Mer de Glace is an essential route. Alternating walking and sections with ladder crossings, this mountain hike will be an opportunity for you to admire this famous glacier and snow-capped peaks.
This fabulous route is nevertheless for experienced mountaineers.
GR20 - Corsica
The GR20 attracts hiking enthusiasts, as it crosses magnificent preserved landscapes of Corsican nature : needles, forests, lakes, torrents, and even snow-capped peaks, from Calenzana to Conca. Allow a duration of 10 to 16 days to complete the GR20, either in refuges and/or with a tent. Little frequented, this 180-kilometer route contains some sections that are more arduous than others.
Pic du Midi d'Ossau - Pyrenees
Famous mountain in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques not far from Saint-Lary, the ascent of Pic du Midi d'Ossau is a rather difficult mountain hike, which absolutely requires climbing gear (ropes, stakes...). You also need to be careful of slippery walls in wet weather and go with a mountain guide. But this magnificent spectacle, between peaks, torrents, lakes, and pastures, is well worth the effort. Perhaps you will also have the opportunity to see griffon vultures soaring through the sky.
Pic De Caramantran Via The Col De Saint-Véran – Hautes-Alpes
This difficult hike is one of the many Queyras routes, this Alpine valley also very popular for snowshoeing in winter. With a distance of 17 km, this route is aimed at fairly experienced hikers, as it offers 1375 meters of elevation gain and lasts approximately 8 hours.
It nevertheless offers incredible viewpoints (Écrins massif, Ceillac valley, etc.) and the opportunity to admire the mountain fauna.
Mountain Hikes for Beginner Walkers
You don't need to be a trekking ace to enjoy a hike, as the routes below attest, being pleasant, easy, and magnificent all at once.
Néouvielle Natural Reserve - Pyrenees
Alternating forests, peaks, and lakes (70 in total), with multiple mountain hiking trails, the Néouvielle Natural Reserve (Hautes-Pyrénées) charms most visitors! One can observe a very diverse flora (hook pines, rhododendrons, androsaces...) as well as an endemic mountain fauna (capercaillies, izards, desmans...).
Lakes Loop - Alps
Next to the village ofAlpe d'Huez, the Lakes loop is suitable for both less experienced hikers and children (12 kilometers round trip). An opportunity to admire the Belledonne or Grandes Rousses massif, as well as lakes Besson, Noir, Carrelet, and Faucille.
Stevenson Trail (Or Gr70) – Massif Central
In the Cévennes, this 272-kilometer route, made famous by the writer Robert Louis Stevenson, connects Le Puy-en-Velay to Alès. This mountain hike is a mix of waterfalls, lakes (Nassau, Bouchet...) of cliffs or mountains, including the iconic Mont Lozère.
The towns or villages along the route also deserve some stops, notably Pradelles, Gazeille and its castle, or Le Puy-en-Velay, where the Romanesque church of Saint-Michel, perched on a rock, stands.
Hirschsteine Trail - Vosges
Of medium difficulty (nevertheless not recommended for young children), this forest trail in the Vosges 11 kilometers long is known for its famous rocks, as well as for its beautiful panoramas over the Munster valley and the Schlucht pass.
Lac Vert - Alps
Located in Savoie, Lac Vert is an easy, short (1h), and popular mountain hike. It starts from Plaine-Joux, first by road, then by forest trails. You will admire the Mont-Blanc massif reflected in the emerald water of the lake, as well as dense larch forests.
