Walks

This walk in the peaceful village of Chipude leads, via the small villages of Apartadero and Pavón, to the foot of La Fortaleza, the sacred mountain of the Guanches.It is possible to climb to its summit (1,243 m). It is thought that the island’s ancient inhabitants cherished this mountain because of its unusual shape. It is a gift from the gods. In any case, on a clear day, it can be seen from the neighbouring island of La Palma!

This walk offers some wonderful discoveries: first the temple perched on the summit of the Grand Donon, then the German military cemetery near the Col de la Côte de l’Engin, and finally the summit of the Petit Donon, which offers a beautiful view.

Black Park is a great place for a family outing. This short walk passes through lovely woodland and open heathland. You will also pass Pinewood Studios. Leave enough time to relax at the café or have a picnic by the lake.

Vergongheon is situated on a plateau overlooking the Allier valley. This is why fortified houses, topped with towers, were built in the villages of Rilhac and Lubières, enabling the monitoring of traffic in the valley. The remains of these structures can be seen in Rilhac and Lubières.

Just a stone’s throw from Guingamp, explore the south-western countryside of Ploumagoar, starting from Saint-Hernin. From wild valleys to country lanes, make your way to the right bank of the Trieux, where the river is still somewhat torrential, then visit the Kerlosquer Viaduct, which bears a passing resemblance to the ‘Bridge on the River Kwai’. Then enjoy the centre of Saint-Hernin with its beautifully restored heritage.You’ll have no trouble at all on this route, which combines all sorts of paths and offers you, by turns, lovely shelter beneath the canopy of trees and completely unobstructed views of the surrounding countryside.

A lovely walk towards Les Champis, where you can enjoy the magnificent view over the Vologne valley and the ski slopes. Return via Pré Jacquot and the beautiful view of the village (stunning sunset).

Starting from the public garden created by the local council around the Torçay pond on Rue de la Blaise, this short circular route takes you through the beautiful Blaise Valley, passing the recently restored Church of Saint-Ange. It then follows the pond created from a former gravel pit dug in the 1960s, near the Torçay mill. Although highly controversial at the time due to the risk of groundwater pollution, these bodies of water now add to the charm of the valleys in the Drouais region. The numerous mills that line the valley, bearing witness to a very early industrialisation, have now become beautiful private residences, such as the Torçay Mill. The scenic value of the area justified retaining the detour required by the new GRP® route, which has replaced the former GR®351, before heading towards the Châteauneuf forest.

A walk starting from Les Sapins de Corrèze campsite, in the heart of the woods surrounding the charming hamlet of Chareneuve, to the site of a pond, now gone, where the river and nature have reclaimed the area. Parking at the campsite is permitted, but access to the campsite is subject to the owners’ permission.

A circular route starting from the Cabasse village hall via Les Vanaux, with a viewpoint at the antennas overlooking the village and a glimpse of Lake Sainte Suzanne, whilst following the Toulon water supply canal for 800 m.

A walk through a wild valley, once inhabited for two centuries. An untouched forest, hyacinths, mosses, ruined houses, and a black rock from which a river with crystal-clear waters flows.

The undulating paths you will follow on this lovely circular route, starting from the Billebaum car park, will take you to the heart of several Alemannic legends (La Spill, a 10-metre-high vertical monolith), to the Geissfels (a magnificent rock with a 40-metre drop and a remarkable view over Dabo), then, in the second stage, to the ruined Ochsenstein Castle (three 12th-century castles built on three sandstone spurs, with the summit area off-limits) and, continuing on from there, the long rocky plateau of the Schlossberg. Finally, the third stage takes in the Wuestenberg plateau, an ancient oppidum and Celtic place of worship (pagan wall, druid stone), the southern end of which begins with the Krappenfels, an enormous rock offering magnificent views, particularly of the Dabo rock.

Exploring the old mines of the village of Échery and its Clock Tower. Climb to the summit of the Grand Brézouard and enjoy its 360° panorama of the Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines valley and the Vosges ridges.

Starting from the village of Sournia, this circular route takes you to the beautiful village of Campoussy. It also allows you to discover lovely paths, stone huts, springs, wayside shrines, a memorial stone, and vast landscapes covered in low vegetation. The GR®36 and the GRP® Tour des Fenouillèdes are among the paths taken.Although almost the entire circular route is signposted, you must be extra vigilant as it features three different types of signposting! Please note: on several occasions the IGN base map is inaccurate; the OSM base map may be helpful. There are many changes in direction and signposting. Total elevation gain closer to 550 m.The GPX track is strongly recommended.

In the first section, this walk takes you through much of the town via roads and paths; the best stretch awaits you from point (6) to point (7), along the River Tholon.

This hike will take you along the ridge leading from Mont Sainte-Odile to the Elsberg kiosk, which offers a stunning view and shelter for a break. You’ll also discover impressive cliffs (often visited by climbers) and a bestiary carved into tree stumps on the Sentier des Merveilles, which runs beneath the ridge and, in places, alongside impressive cliffs.

Starting from the Ferme-auberge du Gresson, this circular walk is one of the most magnificent in the Doller Valley. It first takes you to a secluded ridge where the forest has naturally reclaimed the land, before descending towards the lakes of Les Perches and Grand Neuweiher, two magnificent sites where it is lovely to stroll along the shores.

A lovely walk, peaceful at the start but more strenuous on the climb up to the ruins. It’s quite a workout on the uphill section. A magnificent walk, very typical of the Ardèche, with water, pebbles and a narrow path that’s sometimes barely visible.

Fayl-Billot is a village of 1,300 inhabitants located in the Haute-Marne department. It is best known as the capital of basketry. There are many artisans practising this craft in the village. At the end of this walk, do not hesitate to take home a souvenir. This walk takes in the village’s main tourist and cultural attractions, such as the National School of Osier Cultivation and Basketry, Notre-Dame Church, as well as all the village’s wash houses and fountains.

Heading for Romans (79). They say walking is the fountain of youth in Deux-Sèvres... Is this legend true? For this local outing, the ice axes and oxygen masks have been put away: we’ve focused on enjoyment, the great outdoors and a route accessible to all. Starting from the school car park, Romans Town Hall, Rue du Prieuré, let’s start with the vast and peaceful Maupré plain. We’ll skirt respectfully around the Logis de Vieux Romans. A quiet passage, almost on tiptoe, so as not to disturb the (benevolent!) ghosts of the past. Head towards La Garde and La Guittonnerie via the grassy service paths, perfect for unwinding without tiring yourself out. A bucolic detour along the Chemin de la Mare, a crossing of the Plaine de La Règle, before returning to the heart of Romans via Rue de la Garenne. A circular route that's ideal for those who love history as much as they love the great outdoors, without ending the day completely knackered.

A short, pleasant walk where you can have a picnic at the summit. Beautiful views of the Anie and the scattered settlements on the borders of Béarn. No difficulty. A few yellow markers to help you find your way.

This route follows cycle paths, tracks and trails, alternating between sections through woodland, along rivers and canals, and through countryside. Several places to stop and have a picnic along the route.

A walk along small roads, tracks and paths, offering a chance to explore the varied landscapes surrounding the village of Comps, at the head of the Jabron valley, via its church and a circuit around the Montagne des Ventes.

A route taking in small roads and paths that allow you to discover the varied landscapes surrounding the village of Comps and the upper reaches of the Jabron Valley, from the Col de Ventebrun to the church at Comps via the Col de Boutière and the Col de Vesc.

A short level circular walk from the village of Hambleden. The walk starts from the village car park and follows mainly good paths, tracks, and rural lanes. The walk offers a fine view of Hambleden village across the meadows and is packed with interest.

This circular mountain route starting from the Col du Firstacker links three farm-inns (the Kohlschlag, the Freundstein and the Molkenrain) whilst offering you the chance to discover the Hartmannswillerkopf Memorial, the famous and deadly Franco-German mountain battlefield of the First World War. Alternating between forests, pastures and ruins, the route subtly blends heritage with farm life and the atmosphere of the forest, all enhanced by magnificent views.

An urban walk along a cycle path starting from the Bois de Badonfosse. Starting from Saulxures-lès-Nancy, heading to the Chartreuse de Bosserville via the Bois de Badonfosse, continuing towards the Marne-Rhine Canal at Laneuveville, just outside Nancy, crossing the Meurthe via the Bosserville footbridge. The walk continues along the canal towards the port of Nancy, passing through Jarville-la-Malgrange and the outskirts of Nancy. Junction with the Meurthe at Saint-Max, followed by a walk along the Meurthe. Return via Avenue Eugène Pottier and Rue Salvador Allende.

A lovely walk in the hills above Fréjus, with a stunning sea view in the first section. We then wind our way through the valleys and along the ridges, through magnificent forests of cork oaks and eucalyptus trees.

Fancy exploring the villages around Carnac? This route, less than 30 km long, takes you to Plouharnel via the Anse du Pô, specifically Sainte-Barbe Beach. Then, passing by the abbeys and part of the stone alignments, you’ll reach the path leading to La Trinité-sur-Mer, before returning via the coastal cycle path to Carnac.

A circular route through the hills of the Allier, from village to village, to discover beautiful traditional houses, fountains and wash houses, and stunning unobstructed views throughout the route, over the surrounding Limagne, the Allier and the ponds of the former gravel pits, and further afield the Chaîne des Puys and the Sancy massif.

Beautiful balcony-style paths through heather, maritime pines and cork oaks. Panoramic views of the sea, the Gulf of Napoule, Cannes and the Lérins Islands, the Alps, Mont Vinaigre, Les Suvières, the Pics de l’Ours and Cap Roux, and the entire Estérel Massif, as well as the Gulf of Fréjus.

This easy walk follows the Canal du Centre and the old canal for the most part, before crossing the countryside to reach the top of the Ronquières inclined plane, which is used to transfer boats. This ‘lift’ overcomes a 68-metre difference in height over a distance of 1,432 metres.

This hike, lasting a good hour, allows you to discover three very different castles: Haut-Barr, restored with viewing platforms offering breathtaking views; Grand Geroldseck, where you can see the major restoration work carried out over decades by enthusiasts; and Petit Geroldseck, which is more rugged.

A descent followed by an ascent linking two iconic sites: the Mont Sainte-Odile sanctuary and Niedermunster Abbey, a beautiful site with stunning views and a lovely chapel. A journey into the history of Saint Odile. Saint Odile founded the convent at the very top of the mountain; less well known is the fact that she also founded a second convent, further down the slope, which included a hospice to accommodate pilgrims unable to climb the steep path.

This is a fairly comprehensive hike that passes through the Col d’Aubignane and the Pas du Loup (which rises to 543 m). The walk then passes the Grosibou Cave, the Pic du Taoumé and the Baume Sourne or Bat Cave. It is a protected, fenced-off area, but you can see it and take photos; it is very pretty. The hike also passes the Puits du Mûrier, the Col du Garlaban, the Croix du Garlaban, Louis Douard’s rock carvings (over 100 rock carvings) and, finally, the Grotte du Plantier, also known as the Grotte du Cerf or the Grotte de Manon.

The route starts at the church in Bromeilles, nicknamed the Mont Saint-Michel of the Gatinais as it is perched on a hilltop and its bell tower can be seen from a great distance. The route passes through fields and woods, offering a beautiful view of the village of Puiseaux from the Butte Jaune.

This hike follows old paths, with the view changing as you climb: the Lescun cirque (Pic d’Anie), Layens, Ourdinse, Mailh Massibe, and of course, the Bergon. You arrive at a charming hut where you can stop for a picnic.

A lovely walk through the Roussivau cork oak forest, followed by a steep climb up the flank of the Pic du Perthus Occidental to the Baisse Andoulette and Baisse des Charretiers plateaus. Beautiful panoramic views of the iconic peaks of the Estérel and the Gulf of Fréjus. Descent through a steep-sided valley.

This circular route takes you on a tour of Dol-de-Bretagne, a former episcopal city, notably the 13th-century Saint-Samson Cathedral and beautifully restored half-timbered houses. The route follows the Promenade des Remparts and country lanes along the Guyoult coastal river.

Multiple panoramic views of the Barban valley, the main peaks of the Esterel and the Gulf of Fréjus. Beautiful mountain-side paths. It is possible to extend the route by climbing towards the Grand Porfait from the Carrefour de Roche Noire, then descending back onto the GR®49 via the Pas d’Adam.

Walk starting from the car park at Douy church to explore Courgain Mill, situated at the bridge over the Loir. The route then passes near a castle at La Boulidière, descends along the road between the ponds and then follows a path towards the Vouvray footbridge to the old wash house and Saint-Pierre Chapel. The return journey follows the same route for part of the way, then veers off to skirt the ponds of the Basse Plaine, where you can spot coots and grey herons. The end of the walk leads to another bridge over the Loir, then past the Château du Prieuré before returning to Douy church.

A lovely little hike to the Trou de l'Enfer that will introduce you to a place full of charm and freshness. This circular route offers beautiful scenery, ranging from paths under the trees alongside streams to open stretches with stunning panoramic views.

A hike through soggy terrain in the northern French Ardennes on the Belgian border. At an altitude of 300 m, you’ll need to cross a multitude of streams and springs to complete this route. Waterproof footwear is essential.

A very easy walk that takes you along the white sandy beaches with the characteristic palm trees of Bois Jolan, the surfing beach of Gros Sable at Helleux with its turquoise sea and the mangrove in the background. A relaxing moment to discover the typical landscapes of Grande Terre: ponds, pools and a beautiful forest area consisting mainly of black mapou trees. Much of the route is shaded.

A circular route on the border between the Combrailles and the Chaîne des Puys, in the countryside around Saint-Ours, passing by the summit of Puy de Louchadière, offering a beautiful viewpoint, and the lovely beech forest covering its slopes. The Visorando app is highly recommended in the Louchadière forest.

A mid-mountain route, partly through woodland, offering the chance to discover boundary stones, crosses, fountains and rocks, as well as beautiful views over the upper Moselle valley and the first Vosges peaks

The legendary mountain of Roussillon has always held a great appeal for hikers. The Canigou fascinates some and frightens others. From the Refuge des Cortalets, the ascent is fairly easy. But starting from Vernet-les-Bains, at a lower altitude, this route is aimed at experienced hikers who are not put off by the elevation gain. The magnificent panorama from the summit and the subtle landscapes along the entire route reinforce, step by step, the pleasure of walking in these surroundings.

Circular route around Montagne de la Serre, with beautiful views, passing through the charmingly ‘dotted’ hamlet of Rouillat Haut, to discover the well-restored shepherds’ huts nestled amongst the dry stone walls marking the boundaries of the pastures.

Explore the Bois de Vincennes, passing by Lac Daumesnil, Lac de Gravelle, Lac des Minimes, the Arboretum, the Vincennes Racecourse, and the Butte aux Canons with its magnificent view over part of the Paris region

Thann is the starting point of the Wine Route. It is therefore a very large wine-growing region. Its history is closely linked to this industry. Situated at the entrance to the Thur Valley, this route allows you to visit the town, which is well worth a stop. Among the monuments you’ll encounter are the Saint-Thiébaut Collegiate Church and the Witches’ Tower. There are several squares and parks, such as Parc Albert1er and Place de Lattre de Tassigny... There is every reason, therefore, to stop off in this town before heading for Lorraine or Alsace.

The Central Pyrenees boast three superb cirques, the best known of which is Gavarnie. However, the other two, Troumouse and Estaubé, are also well worth a visit. Troumouse, situated furthest to the east, features stunning rock faces that mark the border with Spain.Important note: following discussions with the Gavarnie-Gèvre Tourist Office, here is some information about this hike:Road access to Héas and the Maillet plateau has been restored, and the road is considered to be open again. Works will resume in the spring and may occasionally affect traffic.However, the access road to the chapel at Héas is closed every winter and in early spring due to snow and avalanche risks. The road reopens gradually from March–April and then in late May–early June. To find out when the road is open, please visit the website.