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A stroll right through the centre of Barcelonnette, enhanced by a few beautiful viewpoints. Ideal for unwinding after some long high-altitude hikes, with a visit to the museum and a tour of the historic town centre!

This enigmatic title serves as a reminder that the Gorges du Bachelard’s notable features are given colourful names. This walk, where the ascent is tackled straight away (with a sometimes steep gradient and a path washed away in places), takes you to Baume Longe, then on to the Col de Cloche. After the Col de Cloche, there are beautiful views of the Cimet peaks opposite the valley as you cross through mountain pastures. The stretch near the Chapeau de Gendarme rocks remains truly stunning.

The Col du Rousset is known as the starting point for magnificent hikes towards the Vercors Regional Nature Park. You can also do a double circular route via Pré Peyret, returning via the Pas de Chabrinel and then the Balcon du Glandasse, a route that is less frequented but very pleasant thanks to its gentle ascent through the woodland. The effort required due to the elevation gain is thus spread between the morning and the afternoon, with the total hike taking around 6 hours including breaks. Hikers are advised that in hot, sunny weather, it is essential to bring a substantial supply of water, as there are no water sources on this route.

Chichilianne is a treasure trove of hikes towards the Vercors plateau. Once finished, some people take the train which stops at Clelles. But few hikers know that you can set off from Chichilianne or La Richardière and reach Clelles station in under two hours, walking alongside an irrigation canal for nearly three kilometres. This return walk to Clelles can also be taken in the opposite direction when you start your journey.

The city has developed the western ascent of the Bastille, which is little known except to a few runners. This ascent is accessible via the Route de Clémencières. The proposed descent takes you back to the Jardin des Dauphins, but you can take another usual route (Fontaine du Lion or Porte Saint-Laurent, or even the Grenoble cable car, nicknamed "les Bulles").The slope is quite steep but safe. You will pass by some unusual views of the valley and the Grottes de Mandrin, a defensive structure of the Bastille's glacis.This hike should not be attempted in rainy weather or up to 24 hours afterwards, as the ground is slippery. The return trip is not recommended.

A short and easy hike, even for little legs. Start in Méaudre to see the bison at the Prés Lauzés farm, climb up to Les Chaberts and return via the Croix des Albans. Beautiful views of the Autrans-Méaudre valley.

This is an easy and well-known hike in Autrans. The advantage of this hike is that you can start in the middle, at point (5), and shorten it by about 1 km at point (9). It's perfect for those with shorter legs! You'll see Autrans from a different perspective than from the ridges. Please note that the waterfall has a very low flow in dry weather, or even no flow at all. However, the charm of this place, combined with the forest walk, will delight you. Hike suggested by the local tourist office.

The island of La Palma in the Canary Islands features a remarkable chain of volcanoes running north to south. If you can’t cover the whole chain, go and see its most recent volcano. At the southern tip of the island of La Palma, from the town of Los Canarios, head past the San Antonio volcano to reach the Teneguia volcano. The route, which is rocky, is very easy. The slopes around the volcano, however, are steeper. Bear this in mind. ⚠️ Update 18 May 2026: Access to the volcano from point (2) is closed for safety reasons. It is still a lovely walk, according to the reviewer.

The Sanctuary of La Salette is set amidst lush greenery and steep mountains. The suggested route will take you to the summit of Gargas (2,208 m), where an orientation board will help you identify the Dévoluy, the Obiou and the peaks of the Barre des Écrins, amongst dozens of other peaks. The view in fine weather is superb. Please note: the 600-metre climb is covered over the first four kilometres. This hike is best suited to experienced walkers.

This discovery trail is ideal for our young and very young walkers; the distance is short and the elevation gain very limited. It passes through a tunnel and features a remarkable waterfall. Definitely a great family outing!

Lake Mariet owes its existence to the impermeable glacial moraines of Montagne de Bange. It’s an easy, short walk that takes you through the mountain pastures, dotted with numerous well-maintained chalets. Suitable for beginners and young people given the elevation gain and distance. Don’t go looking too hard for a ‘lake’ – it’s more of a pond covering a few hundred square metres at the northern end of the mountain pasture.

A very short walk around Lac du Môle, more akin to a family stroll one afternoon. Many birds nest there. It is worth noting the efforts made to ensure the entire route around the lake is accessible to people with reduced mobility (PRM).

A hike that’s very well-known locally and as beautiful as ever! You set off from Mont-devant to reach Le Golet first, then follow theGRP® trail through the Bauges Massif with stunning views to reach the Col de Bornette. Finally, you’ll climb the Crêt du Char to admire the view over the Bauges, passing through Le Mollard, which offers a magnificent view of Lake Annecy. This hike completes two circular loops around the Col de Bornette. Depending on your fitness level, you can shorten the route by doing just one circular loop or by focusing on the view from Le Mollard.

This circular will take you to the heights of Murianette, with beautiful views of Grenoble and the Grésivaudan valley. The climb is quite steep, but the reward of superb views is well worth it! You will pass through Les Molinières and La Pérérée without crossing them, then cross Les Combes and the Combeloup National Forest before reaching Pressembois. All these places are charming and the trails are bucolic!

Both villages, Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa, are well worth a visit; you’ll be enchanted by their unique character set against this rocky landscape. A footpath runs between them, but it involves climbing several hundred steps over a significant elevation gain with steep gradients. The effort is well worth it – you won’t regret it.

Otranto is a very pretty town to visit and, to escape the crowds of tourists in its narrow streets, there's nothing better than a tour of the old bauxite quarry and then returning along the seafront.

This unpretentious walk is very short. Its aim is to give you a chance to unwind, on your own, after visiting the bustling tourist centre of Gallipoli. You’ll walk along the coast to the headland where you’ll catch a glimpse of Gallipoli in the distance. This gives you an idea of the grandeur of this bay, renowned for sheltering ancient ships. The flora is fragile and protected within this Regional Nature Park. Wildlife is scarce, but there are some lovely surprises when it comes to insects.

Matera has preserved its two old quarters, known as the Sassi in the plural and Sasso in the singular.We suggest you walk through the Sasso of Matera, climb up to the viewpoint opposite the second Sasso and, to finish, take a long circular route through the countryside that brings you back to the outskirts of Matera.This final circular route isn’t compulsory given its length; you can return from the viewpoint via (5).Crossing the Sasso isn’t difficult, but you do need to follow the paths carefully. Traditionally, everyone gets it wrong at some point! Update 29 April 2026: there is now a charge to cross the bridge opposite the viewpoint (€15!!). Do the route in the opposite direction to finish at the viewpoint and cross the Sassi. (Crossing the stream is then free of charge)

Trulli dot the countryside around Locorondo. This countryside walk follows quiet country lanes that pass close to trulli, some restored and some not. The best times to visit are May and June, or alternatively in autumn to avoid the heat.

The Cape Verde islands are home to many tourist attractions that are not always promoted to hikers. The island of Sal, in Santa Maria, is no exception to the beach-swimming clichés. If you have a day to spare before heading to the other islands, you can still go hiking and discover the salt flats and the sky surfing beach, then return along the coast to the fish market. You'll end up back in the shopping street of Santa Maria.

This short walk takes you north of Saint-Antoine-l’Abbaye to explore the walnut groves. You’ll catch a glimpse of the foothills of the Vercors. The Chapel of Saint-Jean le Fromental is quite large and houses a small, very old cemetery. The return route takes you straight back to the abbey, just like the pilgrims of the ‘du mal ardent’ era. You can fit in the walk, a tour of the town and a visit to the monuments all in the same day if you arrive early enough in the morning.

From the Col de la Charmette in Chartreuse, climbing up through the Plaine de Varavey, a magnificent summer pasture, you will reach the Col d'Hurtières to admire the Grande Sure. You will walk along cliffs to pass the Goulet d'Hurtières. Once past this aerial gully, the descent takes you back to the car park through very varied landscapes. This route is less steep than the Col de la Grande Vache, and therefore less difficult, but it follows a path on a sloping hillside.

You start from a place called Les Clots and head to the magnificent Vallon de la Fauge. At the bottom, you climb up the Combe Charbonnière, reach the Pas de l'Œille and look out over Prélenfrey at 1,960 m and the Lac de Notre-Dame de Commiers on the Grenoble valley side. The return route passes through Grande Combe, offering spectacular views, and follows the tracks down to 1,350 metres. You return to Les Clots via L'Aversin. A feast for the eyes, sometimes with chamois!

Walk along the edge of the Grande Brière. As you circle the village, you will discover meadows sometimes flooded by the rising spring waters, separated by the canals you will be walking alongside. In Rozé, you can climb up to a viewpoint to enjoy a view of the entire Grande Brière.

A round trip hike to admire the Loire estuary. From Sainte Marguerite beach, take the coastal path linking beautiful sandy beaches to Saint-Marc beach, where Jacques Tati's film "Les vacances de monsieur Hulot" (1953) was shot. A statue of Mr Hulot watches over the beach eternally.

This cycle route is a classic along the Côte Sauvage and through the salt marshes. You’ll pass through Le Pouliguen, Batz-sur-Mer and the Pointe du Croisic. On the return journey, you’ll cross the salt marshes.

This is a short family hike that takes you to the foot of the Alpilles on a wide, easily accessible forest path. The path follows the old Roman road, of which nothing remains, and even the bridge dates back to the Middle Ages. However, the variety of landscapes along this circular route is very interesting. The section near the Mazet de Romanin aerodrome offers the opportunity to watch gliders taking off, with some precautions.

This hike takes you along the ridges to the north-east of the Vercors, partly following theGR®9. You will climb via the Route Forestière des Pichières to reach Plénouze and theGR®9, which you will follow westwards to La Sure, then descend along the Tunnel du Mortier.

From the Promenade des Vouillants, treat yourself to a little adventure by climbing up to Saint-Nizier-du-Moucherotte on pleasant trails to Pariset. You will return via the tramway, which no longer exists but has been replaced by a very pleasant forest path. You will pass in front of Pariset station, then, after visiting the Tour sans Venin, you will descend to Les Vouillants. Along the way, you will enjoy beautiful views of Moucherotte and the Grenoble valley.

The Grenoble metropolitan area has developed a Frange Verte (Green Belt) to the south, bringing together several walking trails that are popular with everyone and offer views of the mountains. This route takes you along the Frange Verte in Échirolles, up the Combe de la Gouderie to the Étang de Jarrie-Le-Haut, then down the Voie Romaine, which no longer exists today. The route is classified as easy, although the climb up the Gouderie may put some people off. Fortunately, it is relatively short.

This snowshoe hike takes you along a well-marked trail from the snow stadium in Lans-en-Vercors to the foot of the Grande Roche Saint-Michel (without reaching it). You will stop in front of the Habert des Ramées, then continue your exploration of the plateau beneath the Grande Roche to reach the viewpoint over the Lans valley from the Croix des Ramées. The descent to the snow stadium offers different landscapes, even though it is the same path.

The Étang de Vaccarès is undoubtedly the most iconic lake in the Camargue. Often overlooked because it’s difficult to reach by car, it’s perfectly accessible by bike. This cycle route takes you around the western part of the lake – its wildest area – and back along the Petit Rhône to discover the Bac du Petit Sauvage, a unique public ferry service.

The Provençal writer Alphonse Daudet (1840-1897) spent some time in Fontvieille, where he drew inspiration from the landscapes to write Lettres de mon moulin (Letters from My Mill). This short family route takes you to four mills that are part of Provençal heritage and passes by the Château de Montauban, where Daudet was a guest.

Les Baux-de-Provence is a wonderful village dominated by the Alpilles mountain range, hidden in the middle of a landscape of rugged relief. This hike takes you deep into the Val d'Enfer, following the ridges along a wide forest path with panoramic views of the Alpilles, before returning to Les Baux-de-Provence for a tour of the neighbourhood. No difficulty except for the stairs to access the village.

This hike is a longer version of the one suggested by the La Plagne Tourist Office. You will see Les Inversens and the summit of Bellecôte as you pass by the Carroley mountain and its small lake. You will descend to Belle Plagne via the foot of Mont Saint-Jacques (2,407 m).

Heading to Mont Jovet via the Tête du Jarset then the Col du Lac and continuing along the Crête des Étroits remains a classic route in La Plagne. However, this ridge walk puts off hikers prone to vertigo due to a few steep slopes. The suggested route avoids the difficult sections and allows everyone to admire the mountain accessible via the Pas des Brebis. The return journey offers views of the entire resort. The length and elevation gain mean this circular route is best suited to experienced hikers.

In summer, the resort of La Plagne offers a number of hiking routes that are very accessible thanks to the cable cars. This entirely downhill walk allows you to admire the area from a high vantage point (2,710 m) and discover a varied mountain landscape along a very pleasant path to La Plagne Bellecôte. Suitable for the whole family, provided everyone can cover this distance; please note that there are no shortcuts if you get tired.

This exploratory hike along the paths on the northern flank of the Vercors should be treated as a training session if it is cold higher up. There are three viewpoints, two of which have been developed. That said, the constant change in gradient along this route is sure to please any hiker or runner hoping to tackle the drovers' road leading to the Sornin plateau at a later date. This walk is only enjoyable in dry weather, as the slopes become slippery after rain.

This unpretentious one-way route is an invitation to discover the banks of the Cher and admire one of the remains of the dams regulating the river, complete with its operational building. Partially shaded, it is particularly beautiful and the light is at its best if walked in the afternoon from 4.00 pm in summer. The town of Saint-Aignan is in talks with the riverside landowners to extend the path for the final kilometre and a half. Journey time (there and back): 3 hours

This locally well-known walk will take you on a tour of the countryside around Mareuil-sur-Cher. You’ll discover the quarries where the tuffeau stone was extracted, which was used to build the houses and later to age the wine. You’ll pass through vineyards and farmland, with views over the Cher from the watchtowers and winegrowers’ tool sheds. The return journey follows the banks of the Cher to complete this easy circular walk.

The climb to Cilaos is reputed to be long and tiring – why not stop off at Le Pavillon on the way for a walk that you can extend as far as Peter Both? The path has just been refurbished by the ONF, much to our delight, and Îlet-Haut is secluded and unspoilt. A truly unique viewpoint overlooking the peaks of the Cilaos cirque. If you’re heading up to Cilaos for the first time, this is a great introduction to understanding just how isolated the cirque is.

Grande Anse beach is renowned for being almost perfectly suited to a family picnic. For tourists, it also offers the chance to enjoy a fairly short, relaxing discovery walk with a lovely view from the top of the piton. Beach, shaded areas, picnic spots and viewpoints overlooking the sea or the beach: the epitome of Réunion’s hospitality!

Réunion used to be a self-sufficient producer of sea salt. The salt pans at Pointe au Sel bear witness to this and are open to visitors. Along the coast, the rough sea crashes with such force that the water passes through the rock faces via crevices known as ‘souffleurs’. The water gushes several metres above the rocks, providing a spectacular sight. This short walk takes you to discover the ‘souffleurs’ at Pointe au Sel.

To complete the hike (Le Grand Colombier from the lodge d'Arvière n°1241202), you can extend it from the pass by returning via the Griffe du Diable and Grange d'en Bas ridges. This trail is less frequented than the one leading to the cross and then to Le Grand Colombier itself, offering you more distant views. Best done in good weather without snow, this trail seems less suitable for snowshoes.

This is a great opportunity to use the Grand-Bornand ski lifts to reach the base or summit of Mont Lachat via a figure-of-eight route, which can also be shortened depending on how far you want to hike. Beautiful panoramic view of the mountains and peaks surrounding Le Grand-Bornand. The Mont Blanc massif is not visible from the Mont Lachat viewpoint. Ideal for beginners in alpine hiking due to its gradual progression and adaptability to different levels.

In summer, this gradual climb will take you through the forest, then the mountain pastures to halfway around a beautiful artificial reservoir. (medium level) You will then climb a very steep forest path (difficult rating) leading to the viewpoint at 1980m, offering an incomparable view of La Clusaz, the Col des Aravis, the Mont Blanc massif and the peaks of the Jura. The second part of the descent, after the reservoir, is easy and informative (plants and habitats).

This route opposite the Pouldu marina is a simple, pleasant and varied circular route, touching on theGR®34, which remains one of the most scenic trails in the area. An easy walk along sunken paths at first, then following the Laita river estuary.

The northern part of the Molière plateau is well worth a visit for its rocky outcrops and lush vegetation. The suggested circular route follows the “Sentier des Génisses” both out and back, coming close to the Sornin without reaching it, to explore a section ofthe GR®9, which is very wild in this area, both in terms of vegetation and as it winds its way through the sharp limestone pavement. The return journey along the “Sentier des Génisses” is a delightfully gentle walk.

Access on foot to Fort du Saint-Eynard is possible from three sides: - on the one hand, the route along the ridge or the ascent via the Col de Vence (theGR®9passes through these points), - secondly, the route suggested here, which follows a well-marked path from La Pillonnière. This route appears less challenging, even though the gradient is steep on the second half of the journey. However, you do need to put in some effort to fully appreciate the fort’s defensive value.

This circular route takes you past several vantage points overlooking the 3 Pucelles.It features a tricky but short section – the passage beneath the cliff, which is narrow and steep but absolutely stunning. (Hence its ‘difficult’ classification).On this walk, you’ll have the chance to enjoy unique views of the village of Saint-Nizier-du-Moucherotte and the local farming landscape, without having to tackle the rather technical climbs of the Pas de la Corne and the Pas du Curé from Engins, or theGR®®9from La Tour sans Venin.