Walking France – Trails and Trail Maps for Hiking in France

The French countryside is filled with lush greenery and grandiose hills, making it an ideal destination for trekking enthusiasts. With thousands of miles of well-marked and well-maintained trails, hikers can explore the stunning landscapes of France. Trail markings, called “blazes,” can be seen painted on trees or asphalt roads across the country.

Types of Trails in France

You can walk just about anywhere in France on designated paths. Here are the three main types of trails to discover:

• Sentiers de Grande Randonnée (GR): These long-distance trails (designated as GR followed by a number, such as GR 7) connect to international paths at France’s borders, traversing the country from border to border.
• Regional Paths (GRP): With approximately 25,000 miles of these trails throughout France, they are marked with yellow over red blazes and cover specific regions.
• Local Paths (PR): These paths typically lead from the outskirts of towns to historic sites and are marked with a single blaze.

Maps for Walking

For the best maps for walking, refer to the Institut Géographique National (IGN), France’s national survey agency. IGN green maps (scale 1:100,000) can be handy for general planning. However, for serious hiking, it is advisable to use the detailed IGN 1:25,000 blue series maps.

While IGN maps are not commonly found in the US, they can be easily purchased at newsstands and tobacco shops in France. For example, in Tournon-sur-Rhone, the IGN blue map called Carte de Randonnee can typically be found for around 8 Euro. This map is detailed enough to show prominent structures and trails you are likely to take, including names of vineyards.

For casual walkers, picking up an IGN Blue series map in the local village is a great option before heading into the countryside.

If you prefer to plan your route in advance, it is possible to order one from the IGN website.

Hiking Advice

Before heading out on the trail, consider these essential tips:

Footwear:
Choose appropriate footwear. Avoid loafers or sandals, as supportive shoes are necessary for trekking. Running shoes may suffice for light hikes, but for more strenuous activities, bring broken-in hiking boots.

Clothing:
Dress in layers. Even in summer, temperatures can drop significantly at higher elevations. It’s wise to have clothing that can be added or removed as needed.

Lights:
Hikers should be aware that while summer and spring offer longer daylight, many underestimate the time needed to return from hikes and may end up walking in the dark. Therefore, carry a flashlight or headlamp as a safety precaution.

Communication:
Cellular reception may vary, but coverage is generally good in most of France. As a backup, bring a spare battery pack for your phone and inform someone of your itinerary and estimated return time.

Stay on the Paths:
While exploring may be tempting, it is crucial to adhere to the marked paths. Wandering onto private property can lead to unpleasant encounters, and it is advisable to respect others’ privacy.