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The Clot de la Carbonnière crowns the glacial gorge that constricts the Ariège valley just upstream of Tarascon-sur-Ariège. To reach this viewpoint above the narrowest point of the valley, you must first make your way up the charming little valley which, from Ussat, leads to the pass of the same name, then follow the ridge separating this valley from that of Ornolac. On the ascent, you have your back to the Pic de Montcalm, which peeks out through the gap in the neighbouring mountain. And the Clot de la Carbonnière offers a superb view over Tarascon and the Ariège valley.

Hiking up to the Étang d’Izourt along the Ruisseau d’Artiès offers a chance to enjoy a mountain walk. Doing so by ascending the eastern slope of the valley, starting from Pradières d’en haut, allows you to gain altitude quickly, enjoy the marvellous panoramic views of the surrounding ridges and peaks, and reach Étang d’Izourt from above. But to do this, you need to be able to manage a one-and-a-half-hour climb up a steep and demanding path. But it’s well worth the effort.

A summer version of a snowshoe route found on Visorando, this walk is aimed more at lovers of wide open spaces than of steep climbs. Once you reach the Plateau de Beille resort, the route is perfectly accessible. This route takes you round the plateau, first along its eastern edge above the Ariège valley, as far as its southern tip, then back to the start via paths running along the ridgeline above the Ruisseau d’Aston, facing the peaks on the border. If you’re lucky enough to visit this area in October, do take care not to tread on the crocuses that add such a delicate splash of colour to the meadows.

Perched on a ridge between the steep-sided valleys of the Cèze and the Homol, the village of Sénéchas lies with its feet in the reservoir created by the dam that bears its name. The suggested route takes you down from the heights of the village to the shores of the lake, and on to an old medieval tower that stands watch over the lake’s meandering waters. Along the way, you’ll discover some marvels of the earthworks that once shaped this corner of the Cévennes.

Although far less well-known than the Plomb du Cantal, the Puy Mary or the Puy Griou, the Puy de Peyre Arse is nonetheless the second-highest peak in the massif. Nor is it the easiest to reach. From the Font d’Alagnon, you must first head up towards the Col de Rombière, then go round the Puy Bataillouse to reach the Col de Cabre. It is from the latter that the ascent begins, first following the south-eastern ridge, then scrambling as best you can up the final few metres leading to the summit. The return route follows the opposite ridge to a small pass where you rejoin the GR®4, leading back to the Col de Rombière. After this, head towards the Col de Font de Cère for a change of scenery.

As is often the case in Brittany, the landscape is not the result of tectonic forces, which would have created a few sharp-peaked mountains, but rather the result of numerous watercourses that have carved their way through the plateaus. The proximity of the Vilaine, which flows here through a narrow, steep-sided valley, has led secondary watercourses to cut through the moorland to join the river. Starting on the wooded plateau, the proposed route soon winds its way through these valleys, which, due to the decline of agriculture or the low value of this poor soil, have been left to more or less spontaneous woodland growth. The result is a undulating route that runs mostly in the shade of tall, beautiful trees, whilst connecting the countless hamlets that dot this lovely countryside.

Nestled at the head of the Rivière de Pénerf, the village of Ambon sits on the first rise above the marshes. This route allows you to explore the local area along a path that alternates between wooded countryside and marshes. Given the condition of the paths at the time of our visit (May), it seems best to tackle this circular route outside of wet periods.

Rochefort-en-Terre is built on a rocky outcrop partly surrounded by the Ruisseau de Saint-Gentien. It is hard to believe that this slender stream is the source of the gorge that opens up to the north of the town, yet it is indeed this stream that feeds the beautiful Étang du Moulin Neuf. The shores of this lake, along with the rocky ridges overlooking the Arz valley, provide a beautiful setting for this medieval gem. And strolling around, discovering the hidden corners of this famous place, offers a very different experience from that of the many visitors who are content to simply walk up and down the main street.

The Saint-Samson Chapel is said to be one of the most photographed in Brittany. Perched above the waves, it marks the boundary between the English Channel and the open sea. From Saint-Pabu, you reach it via small country roads criss-crossing the Léonard plateau, via Lampaul-Ploudalmézeau and Ploudalmézeau. You pass Portsall Cove twice before heading back along the coastal paths that follow the coastline as closely as possible, until you return to Aber Benoit. Fresh air and crystal-clear waters guaranteed.

From the ring of ramparts encircling the walled town, the suggested route heads westwards, following the hillside overlooking the salt marshes. Once isolated on the hillside, several small manor houses dot the route: Colveux, Chateaumady and Drezeux. Whilst the first is now joined by suburban housing estates, the protection afforded by the hillside has allowed the other two to retain their seclusion and their unobstructed views of the salt marshes.

The coastal path between Saint-Nazaire and Pornichet undoubtedly showcases one of the most beautiful aspects of the Guérande Peninsula. Dotted with coves with a Mediterranean feel – save for the colour of the water – the GR® 34 winds its way between cliffs and unassuming villas, far from the nearby urban hustle and bustle. And to round things off, there’s nothing quite like a circular rural route that you wouldn’t expect to find in such a heavily urbanised part of the Côte d’Amour.

The Vallières and Suzac headlands mark the ends of the long beach at Saint-Georges-de-Didonne. First skirting the former, you pass by the lighthouse that makes the place so photogenic. Then, after a long walk from one end of Saint-Georges-de-Didonne beach to the other, you reach Suzac Point, which is much wilder. The destination of the walk is Suzac beach, a little gem nestled between two points.

In the 15th century, the fortress of Loche symbolised royal power. On the other side of the Indre, the imposing abbey of Beaulieu-lès-Loche reigned over the souls of the people. While the course of the Indre remains peaceful, time has preserved only the magnificent buildings from this era, which you can discover as you walk along the route suggested here.

Between Santander and Larédo, the Cantabrian coast alternates between impressive cliffs and rias with huge, very attractive beaches. The stretch of coastline between the Ria de Ajo and the Joyel marshes gives a good overview of this and offers the opportunity for a beautiful, physically demanding walk. And what a pleasure it is to enjoy the gentle beaches at each end.

Monte Buciero, which rises to almost 400 m, is an ancient island that a fragile sandbar has connected to the Cantabrian coast. Separated by a few hundred metres from the long sandy strip that leads to Larédo, it watches the ebb and flow of the tide as it fills and empties the marshes of Santona. The town nestles in its shelter, and its port, one of the busiest in Spain, makes it the anchovy capital. The proposed route around this hill offers views over the marshes and the magnificent beaches that surround them, and connects the lighthouses that dot this rather rugged coastline.

Of the rias around Moëlan-sur-Mer, the Bélon is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful. Starting from Anse de Kerfany, the suggested route first heads up the dark, damp valley that leads to this beach. At Blorimond, head due north to reach Anse du Lanriot. When you reach Bélon, the river of the same name unfolds in all its majesty. From there, simply follow the GR®34 signposts to return to the starting point, walking as close as possible to this magnificent inlet. Please note: the coastal path, from (6) to the road, is closed until further notice.Temporary closure of the coastal path between Kerfany and Beg Porz.

Val Di Funes/Villnösstal is a little paradise at the foot of the Odle mountains. This valley, home to the famous mountaineer Reinhold Messner, is off the beaten track. Passing by the foot of the vertiginous cliffs, you can understand how the vocation of one of the greatest conquerors of the peaks came about. And the bucolic setting of this valley also explains why he puts so much energy into defending a natural mountain. Some places have several names: Val di Funes/Villnösstal, Zannes/Zans, GampenAlm/Malga Gampen

Walther von der Wogelweide was a renowned minstrel of the German Middle Ages. His statue stands in one of Bolzano's main squares. He is said to have been born in the village of Ried, in the municipality of Lajen/Laion, and the route traced there commemorates his life and work. The route is marked by signs bearing the words "Wogelweide runweg" and an orange logo decorated with a bust of a medieval woman, and is embellished with metal works, some of which are very beautiful.

Valbelluna is a wide valley stretching for around 50 kilometres at the foot of the Belluno Dolomites. It is bordered to the south by a pre-Alpine massif reminiscent of the Vosges, which contrasts with the verticality of the Dolomites. The proposed route takes you up from a dark valley to the mountain pastures on the ridge. And from up there, what a view of the Dolomites, the Venetian plain and the sea in the distance!

To the west of the Dolomites, just above the Isarco Valley, there is a rather surreal place. Imagine a plateau covering several thousand hectares, with undulating terrain between 1,800 and 2,400 metres above sea level, almost completely devoid of trees, and dotted with hundreds of alpine barns. And all this is surrounded by several Dolomite massifs rising to over 3,000 metres. Here you can give free rein to your wanderlust, and the suggested route is the one we took to discover the area.

Lago del Mis is a little gem nestled between two peaks of the Belluno Dolomites. Its steep banks offer few opportunities for hiking and enjoying the crystal-clear waters. However, at the mouth of the Val Falcina, in the middle of the southern shore of the lake, a nature trail has been created. It starts from the beach at Pian Falcina and climbs up to the heights above. In about an hour, you reach the bottom of a valley where the stream has carved out pleasant pools, then return to the starting point via a trail that follows the flooded bed of a branch of the lake. The route is dotted with information panels explaining the geological and ecological context of the Val del Mis.

Lake Idro is a little gem that flies completely under the radar, wedged between its famous neighbours, Lake Iseo and Lake Garda. Not only are its banks easily accessible, but the rugged terrain surrounding it offers countless opportunities for walks in the hills. Although it is quite short, this route is recommended for experienced hikers who are not afraid of sore thighs and knees: it's a steep climb up and down!

The Isac Valley connects Guenrouët to the Vilaine. Small country roads and wide carriageways, then the towpath of the Nantes-Brest Canal, lead to the Bellion Lock, a nautical stop at the confluence of the canal and the Vilaine. The return journey is the same, via other equally pleasant routes. A bucolic atmosphere is guaranteed on this ride on the edge of the Pays de Redon.

This loop offers a chance to discover the rivers that flow through the south of Angers, and the vineyards that have colonised the area. In three stages, starting in Angers, you first travel down the Maine as far as Bouchemaine, then follow the north bank of the Loire, with an incursion onto the island of Béhuard. The first stage ends at Montjean-sur-Loire, on the back roads around the island of Chalonnes. The next day, the route heads for Chalonnes-sur-Loire and the Corniche Angevine before descending to the Layon. Stop off at Beaulieu-sur-Layon. Finally, we follow the Layon again as far as Faye d'Anjou. After the Layon hillsides, you enter the Aubence hillsides, whose wines are no less renowned. After Brissac-Quincé and its astonishing château, you return to the Loire, passing through the villages along its banks until you reach Les Ponts-de-Cé. Crossing over to the north bank, we leave the vineyards for Angers, which we return to after three busy days.

The first stage of the cycle loop in the Anjou vineyards, this route joins the Loire, first following the Maine to its confluence, then running alongside the river, passing under the Savennières vineyards. A short stop in Béhuard is a must to discover this unique place, then return to the north bank to Port Giraud, where you cross one of the branches of the Loire to take the small roads of the Île de Chalonnes and reach Montjean-sur-Loire, the end of this first day.

This is the third stage of a cycle tour in southern Anjou. The route first follows the Layon between Beaulieu and Faye d'Anjou, then heads towards Brissac-Quincé through forests and vineyards. Leaving the imposing castle behind, you then join the string of villages that line the Loire, before descending to Les Ponts-de-Cé. Crossing the river marks the end of the vineyards and the entrance to the Angers conurbation, the end of the three-day journey.

Starting from Montjean-sur-Loire, the second stage first follows the river upstream, passing by the Île de Chalonnes. In this town, you cross to the south bank to climb the Corniche Angevine, which you follow for a few kilometres before descending into the Layon valley. Following the greenway that runs alongside the river, you will reach the Pont Barré, the site of a battle in the Vendée and the end of this stage.

The Arz valley lies at the bottom of one of the geological folds of the South-Armorican Fold System. Dominated by the Landes de Lanvaux to the north and the plateau overlooking the Gulf of Morbihan to the south, it features a beautiful hollow relief that will delight rollercoaster enthusiasts. The gradients are far from negligible, and whilst the terrain isn’t particularly high, the route’s profile alternates between gentle slopes where you can coast along and challenging, leg-breaking climbs. And all this amidst beautiful, wooded countryside dotted with lively towns and villages.

At the very tip of the Île de Ré, La Patache is an oyster-farming port on the banks of the Fier d’Ars. It is an excellent starting point for a walk that will take you through marshes and along beaches across the unassuming yet highly sought-after area of Portes-en-Ré. Plan to finish at the beaches at low tide.

In a range as attractive as the Esterel, it is difficult to choose which hike to take. The one that takes you around the southernmost peaks of the range is one of the most spectacular, while remaining within the reach of any hiker. And while the climb to the summit may put off the more cautious, the rest of the route offers a complete panorama via paths that require no great effort, just wide-open eyes.

Connecting the two ports of Saint-Raphaël via the eastern coastal path is said to be one of the most beautiful coastal routes on the French Riviera. While the charm of this walk is undeniable, it is important to note that it is challenging and not accessible to everyone. There is no real path, facilities are minimal, and the route often resembles a beautiful scramble among the rocks. But while it is possible to get your feet wet if you misjudge the time it takes to cross certain passages at the mercy of a playful wave, there is no risk of getting lost as the yellow markings are excellent. And what a joy it is to look out over the entire route and beyond from the top of Le Dramont. Please note that part of the Dramont bypass is currently impassable due to a landslide. Use the nearby forest paths to reach the tip of Camp Long.

Finally! After years of land negotiations, the elected representatives of Muzillac have succeeded in bringing to fruition a project that has been in the works for more than a decade: creating a footpath that goes all the way around the Étang de Pen Mur. This long stretch of water, held back by the Moulin de Pen Mur dam, occupies the bottom of the valley where the Ruisseau de Saint-Éloi stream used to flow. It is now possible to walk along the lake to the Chapelle du Moustéro chapel and return via the other bank. Although the eastern bank is less wooded than its counterpart, the entire route runs under the canopy of trees that line the banks of the lake. And the icing on the cake is that the improvements made, which are fairly minor and will soon be invisible, have preserved natural sections and stairways that prevent motorised vehicles and even mountain bikes from using the path. Walkers, grab your walking sticks!

The Arbailles massif is one of the limestone ranges that lie just before the Pyrenees proper. Rising to an altitude of nearly 1,300 metres, this mountain offers a magical panorama of the border peaks. The proposed route winds its way through high-altitude pastures and dark forests, until it plunges into the heart of the massif, with plenty of sheep, cows and horses as companions on the walk.

To immerse yourself in the land of the trulli, simply hit the road and let yourself wander from village to village. The low stone walls lining the roads will guide you more reliably than any signposting. But you’ll still need to find your way through the maze of narrow roads criss-crossing the Itria Valley. The suggested circular route first follows the Apulian Aqueduct route, then, after Monte Castel Pagano, branches off to return to Figazzano via charming little roads lined with trulli vying for attention with their beauty.

Who would have thought that, in the heart of Puglia, one might find a place resembling the forest of Huelgoat? Here, olive and mastic trees have given way to beech and moss. Starting from Laghetto d’Umbra, a magnificent path winds its way between majestic trunks supporting a dense canopy that the light struggles to penetrate. And who is this giant who built these mounds of rock by excavating the nearby sinkholes? Could Gargantua have something to do with the Gargano?

Right in the heart of Muscadet country, the Butte de la Roche juts out between two expanses – the Marais de Goulaine, which are flooded in winter. As you make your way through vineyards and hamlets, you follow the hillside to the Moulin du Pé. Like a landmark, this white column and its pointed neighbour dominate the landscape and mark the direction to follow. The return journey to the Pont de Louen takes you along the ridge of the Butte de la Roche.

Just upstream from Tours, the hillsides are covered with Vouvray vineyards. In the cliff that borders them, endless galleries provide the ideal refuge for the beautiful bubbles of the wine they house to flourish. This route allows you to wind your way between vineyards and cellars in an environment where the tuffeau stone gives each house the air of a palace.

Another harbour, another fortified town: the ancient town of Blavet has little to envy the illustrious Saint-Malo. Protected by the imposing citadel – which, on this occasion, owes nothing to Vauban – the small town nestles behind its walls, from which a tall, pointed bell tower rises. But here, there are no crowds in the maze of narrow streets. Nestled between the harbour and the Petite Mer de Gâvres, this is a thoroughly charming place to explore.

A stone’s throw from the Laïta estuary, the Loc’h ponds are a former ria that has been separated from the ocean by a sandbar. Once reclaimed, this area has regained a very natural appearance, and the path that winds around it allows you to discover this little gem.

Anse des Cascades is one of the coastal gems of eastern Réunion. This route offers the chance to discover it at the end of an easy walk that skirts around Pointe des Cascades. Accessible to all, this walk does, however, require sturdy footwear.

Although it is virtually impenetrable, the Bélouve Forest can be explored via a few more or less hidden trails. The Tamarinaie trail is certainly one of the most interesting. This circular route, starting from the Bélouve lodge, allows you to look out over the Salazie cirque and return to the start via the primary forest. Please note: as of 24 June 2026, this trail is reportedly no longer passable.

Nestled between the ocean and the River Pénerf, the peninsula on which Damgan stands barely rises above the water. Whether you walk along the beach or the edge of the marshes, nothing rises above the water except the small white church spire and a few pine trees. The walk suggested here takes you all the way round this peninsula.

As the Erdre begins to wind its way through the Nantes conurbation, it flows through a green and cool valley overlooked by the tallest towers of the surrounding neighbourhoods. From the wide boulevards that encircle the heart of Nantes right up to the ring road that encircles the city, we are treated to an almost woodland-like walk right by the water’s edge, where the city is reduced to nothing more than the hum of urban life.

In contrast to the ‘Pays Noir’ (Black Country) of the Brière, the western side of the Guérande Peninsula has come to be known as the ‘Pays Blanc’ (White Country). This name derives from the colour of the salt produced in the salt marshes of the two basins of Batz-Saillé and Le Mès, situated on either side of the medieval town. A cycle ride starting from Saint-Molf takes you through the countryside and its villages to link the two basins, then along the entire coastline between Pen Bron and Merquel before returning to the starting point.

Hézo is not just a white church on the banks of the Rivière de Noyalo. It is above all a territory that is half land, half sea, located deep in the Gulf of Morbihan. Between the pieces of land surrounded by water at high tide and the forests of oak and maritime pine, there is room for a beautiful walk with woody and salty scents. Please note: during high tides or very wet weather, some sections along the edge of the gulf may be difficult to access.

The Nendaz plateau was once a productive orchard before being overdeveloped. This productivity was partly due to the water supply provided by the four irrigation channels diverted from the River Printse. The suggested route follows the course of two of these man-made channels and also links two village chapels. An easy, shaded and refreshing route for a hot day.

Imagine a world-famous postcard backdrop and a route along five lakes perched above Zermatt. What's more, it's effortless, as you go up by funicular and come down by train. The only downside is the cost of transport!

La Gacilly is, first and foremost, a bridge spanning the River Aff, where the river winds its way between two wooded hills. By climbing the hill overlooking the town to the west, you can enjoy a lovely circular walk through a densely wooded landscape. The Saint-Jugon Chapel, nestled in its green surroundings, is a lovely spot to stop for a break halfway along the route.

At the gates of Vannes, the Gulf of Morbihan narrows to form a stretch of water crossed by the Marle, an inlet that serves the city's port. It would not be possible to go around it if the Vannes public transport managers had not thought of chartering a ferry between Pointe de Conleau and Barrarac'h to cross this narrow stretch of sea. Then all you have to do is follow the shore to return to the starting point. However, be sure to check beforehand whether the ferry service is operating (usually from April to October). As this stretch of water is subject to the tides and it takes a good four hours to walk around it, you will have plenty of time to see how the landscape changes with the sea level. It is therefore impossible to get bored.

The second stage in the Saint-Malo region, this section links the medieval town of Dinan to the Paramé district, just past the pirate town of Saint-Malo. From the canalised banks of the Rance to Rochebonne beach, you follow the Rance valley – first along the river and then along the coast – until it meets the English Channel. After Saint-Servan, the walk becomes more urban, whilst still offering an almost unbroken view of the sea. In Paramé, it’s a truly luxurious seaside experience!