Are you ready to strap on your walking boots and head to France on an adventure? If so, check out our list of the most beautiful walking locations in the country.
1. Mont Blanc
The iconic Mont Blanc stands 4,809 meters (15,777 feet) above sea level and it is the tallest mountain in The Alps. Translated, its name simply means ‘White Mountain’. Trekking across the stunning alpine scenery around the highest peak in Western Europe is a once in a lifetime challenge. There are many hikes and walks on offer. The Berard Valley and Mont Le Buet walks in Chamonix are considered suitable for all the family. By contrast, the Tour du Mont Blanc is a challenging high-altitude trail, , but certainly one of the world’s greatest walks. The route is 170 kilometres long and consists of 10,000 metres of ascent. But the views will stay with you for a lifetime.
2. The Way of St James
The fact that people having been walking The Way of St. James for over a 1,000 years proves how beautiful the route really is. Starting in Le Puy-en-Velay, The Way of St James route is a traditional walk for pilgrims from Switzerland and eastern France. The 1,500 kilometre walk runs le Puy to the City of the Apostle in the western reaches of Galicia, Spain. Pilgrims can continue the journey through Spain, all the way to Santiago de Compostela if they so choose. The walk can be completed in four to five weeks and will take hikers across some of the most beautiful scenery in France.
3. Mont-Saint-Michel
One of the most stunning places in France is also home to a wonderful hiking route. The 6.5 kilometre trek from Bec d’Andaine crosses directly across the sands of the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel, and never disappoints. Of course this walk can only be attempted at low tide, but its wondrous view of the gorgeous landscape and Abbey is breathtaking.
4. Verdon Gorge
The Verdon Gorge is one of the most spectacular locations in Provence, and is perfect to explore on foot. There are a multitude of hikes on offer at the Gorge. The lower Verdon Gorge walk is 6 miles in length. Beginning in Quinson this is a wonderful hike through the regions of the area and will take around 3 hours to complete. If you desire more of a challenge The Circuit of Bauduen is an enjoyable option. It takes walkers on a 7 mile picturesque loop along the peninsula of Bauduen next to Lake Sainte Croix.
5. Cirque de Gavarnie, Pyrenees
Stretching 450km between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, The Pyrenees mountains form a natural frontier between France and Spain, and offer up some of the most beautiful walking countru in the whole of France. The Cirque de Gavarnie is so popular because of its incredible scenery and minimal incline. This makes it a great option for a day hike. Dramatic waterfalls and large granite rock walls form an unforgettable backdrop to your Pyrenees walk.
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