FRANCE SELF-GUIDED WALKING HOLIDAYS

Choose from our carefully developed range of unique independent walking holidays in quiet unspoilt regions of France. Use the map to select your preferred French destination or use the links below to the right or just scroll down.

location map independent walking holidays France self-guided walking holidays in French Alps independent walking holidays Provence mediterranean south France self guided walking holidays massif central France Massif central walking holiday France self guided walking holidays Pyrenees France Beaujolais and Burgundy independent walking holidays France self guided walking holidays eastern France brittany normandy self guided walking holidays south west France independent walking holidays

Click on the map or on these links to go direct to Beaujolais & Burgundy - Massif Central - Eastern France - Provence & Mediterranean - South West France - Pyrenees - Alps - Brittany & Normandy - Slovenia - Spain - Italy - UK - Elsewhere

 

Beaujolais & Burgundy, France

 

Beaujolais Wine Trail: Grand Crus

moderate walking grade

5 nights - From £635/€695 - 4 days walking between guest houses

Varied independent walking through secluded valleys and beautiful countryside in the famous French wine growing region (vintage Beaujolais crus.) This short break walking holiday will suit those who enjoy wine tasting visits, great local cuisine and relatively easy walks.

beaujolais village in France on independent walks

Beaujolais Wine Trail: Chateaux & Medieval Villages

moderate walking grade

6 nights - From £755/€830 - 5 days walking between guest houses

This walking holiday follows on from our Grand Crus wine trail & traverses a number of pretty valleys harbouring pretty chateaux and quaint villages. Your trail then traverses the “Golden stones country” (pierres dorées), so-called due to the warm colour of the limestone in the medieval villages, set in a sumptuous landscape of interlocking hills. Daily wine tasting at your guest houses on vineyards.

beaujolais village in France on independent walks

Beaujolais - Medieval Village Tour

moderate walking grade

7 nights - From £820/€900 - 6 days walking between guest houses

5 nights - From £610/€670 - 4 days walking between guest houses

This independent walking holiday involves fairly gentle walking through vines and a collection of unspoilt historic villages built from a warm golden limestone set in panoramic rolling countrside. Historic chateaux, churches and country houses pepper the landscape. Gastronomic region and B&B's full of charm and character.

Jarnioux in golden stones area of Beaujolais in France destination for self guided or independent walking holiday

Beautiful Beaujolais Trail (traverse)

walking grade moderate to challenging holiday France

7 nights - From £825/€905 - 6 days self guided walk traversing the region

Varied independent walking traversing the best of the Beaujolais region from north to south through a range of beautiful landscapes: upland pasture and forests, open ridges, secluded valleys, sweeping countryside, historic villages and chateaux.

vintage Beaujolais self guided or independent walking holiday in France

Beaujolais & Burgundy Uncovered

moderate walking grade

5 or 7 nights - from £750/€835 - 4 or 6 days self guided, two centre-based walking holiday

This self-guided walking holiday lets you discover two of the prettiest parts of the Beaujolais and Burgundy regions at your own rhythm, whilst indulging yourself at wonderful guest houses.  You’ll stay in two bases, one in an area known as the “Golden stones country” (pierres dorées), due to the warm colour of the limestone which make up a number of remarkable historic villages, the other in the southern Burgundy where you'll walk through Chardonnay vineyards and the Grand Crus of the northern Beaujolais.

chateau roche luxury beajolais walking holiday

High Beaujolais Hills

walking grade moderate to challenging holiday France

7 nights - From £795/€870 - 6 days walking between guest houses

A circular walking trail through the quiet und undiscovered Beaujolais hills which sit above the famous vineyards. Secret valleys little changed for centuries with vibrant green pasture in a patchwork of fields, lead to sturdy summits and ridges some cloaked in forest, others offering panoramic trails. Great Beaujolais hospitality in guest houses full of charm and character.

Beaujolais hills independent walking holidays in France

Lyon's Beautiful Secluded Hills

moderate walking grade/walking grade moderate to challenging holiday France

5 nights - From £650/€715, 7 nights - From £845/€925: 4 or 6 days walking between guest houses

The Mont Lyonnais are a series of beautiful rolling hills rising to the west of Lyon, France’s second city. Less well-known than the neighbouring Beaujolais hills, this hidden country is a picturesque rural scene with a patchwork of lush grazing land, cherry orchards and forested tops. Choose between a self-guided 6-day traverse or a 4-day circular walking trail to discover these inviting, off the beaten track hills.

Beaujolais hills independent walking holidays in France

Burgundy: Chardonnay Wine Trail

moderate walking grade

6 nights - From £900/€990 - 5 days walking between guest houses

This short break independent walking holiday traverses the southern Burgundy through the heart of the Chardonnay wine growing region. These dry and fruity wines have their most famous ambassadors in the Pouilly-Fuisse & Saint Veran labels. As well as the wines, this holiday explores a landscape full of historic treasures. Historic chateaux, villages, and romanesque churches are set in rolling countryside punctuated by a number of rocky outcrops. Great food in lovely guest houses.

chardonnay wine trail walking holiday in Burgundy France

Secret Burgundy - Chardonnay Vines & Historic Villages

moderate walking grade+

6 nights - From £825/€905 - 5 days walking between guest houses

The southern Burgundy is a French treasure of historic chateaux, villages, and romanesque churches set in rolling countryside carpeted with vines and forests. A number of rocky outcrops punctuate the vineyards such as the celebrated “roche de Solutré” important for its pre-historic human activity. Your independent walking holiday includes a visit of the historic town of Cluny. Great food in lovely guest houses.

Pierreclos in the southern Burgundy in France for this self guided or independent walking holiday

 

Medieval Burgundy - The Monk's Trail

moderate walking grade

7 nights - From £960/€1055 - 6 days walking between guest houses

5 nights - From £745/€820 - 4 days walking between guest houses

A circular walking trail including the historic town of Tournus famous for its Romanesque Abbey. Your route follows in the footsteps of monks of medieval times crossing valleys and hills with meadows and Maconnais vines, between charming historic villages and hamlets such as Blanot and the fortified town of Brancion. The short break walking holiday takes a linear trail between Tournus and Cluny.

independent walking trail in Burgundy France Briancon village

 

Beautiful Brionnais: Secret Hills of Burgundy

moderate walking grade

7 nights - From £910/€995 - 6 days walking between guest houses

A circular walking trail through the secret region of Brionnais in the Burgundy, France. A patchwork of fields in secluded valleys and ridges with vast panoramic views towards the Loire Valley or the hills of the Beaujolais. It also has fine architecture to rival some of the more popular parts of Burgundy. Delightful villages such as Semur-en-Brionnais decorated with lovely floral displays harbour remarkable churches, abbeys and chateaux.

clayette brionnais Burgundy French walking holidays

Brionnais Explorer

moderate walking grade

7 nights - From £980/€1075 - 6 days centre-based walking staying in two guest houses

A centre-based self-guided walking holiday in the Brionnais staying in two beautiful guest houses. Discover the secret French region of Brionnais in the Burgundy at your own leisure. A patchwork of fields in a preserved landscape of secluded valleys and panoramic ridges, as well as delightful villages such as Semur-en-Brionnais harbouring remarkable churches, abbeys and chateaux.

clayette brionnais Burgundy French walking holidays

Classic Burgundy Trail: Dijon - Buxy

moderate walking holiday grade

7 nights - From £940/€1030 - 6 days walking between guest houses and hotels

Our Classic Burgundy independent walking holiday starts in Dijon and takes you through some of the most famous vineyards of Burgundy's Pinot Noir region in the Cote d'Or. It also explores less well-trodden paths through secluded forests, deep coombes and grassy hills with wild flowers and great views. Explore a number of classic towns and villages along the way including Nuits St Georges, Beaune and Rochepot.

beaune burgundy walking france

Medieval Burgundy Explorer

moderate walking holiday grade

7 nights - From £950/€1045 - 6 days centre-based walking

Explore a rich landscape full of historic treasures. Medieval chateaux such as those at Berze and Brancion, historic churches and pretty medieval villages are set in beautiful rolling countryside carpeted with Chardonnay vines, pasture and forests. This centre-based walking holiday enables you to explore more of the southern Burgundy area and allows you to be more flexible in terms of the walks you choose to do.

Pierreclos in the southern Burgundy in France for this self guided or independent walking holiday

Massif Central, France

 

Tranquil Auvergne Trail

moderate walking holiday grade

7 nights - From £750/€825 - 6 days walking between guest houses

Starting and finishing at Puy en Velay, the world heritage town, this independent walking holiday explores an upland plateau landscape in the southern Auvergne punctuated with intimate valleys and volcanic domes (sucs.) You'll stay in small historic properties often located in small forgotten hamlets built of sturdy stone and thatched houses.

walking holiday france auvergne trail

Auvergne: Volcanoes, Lakes and Historic Villages

walking grade moderate to challenging holiday France

7 nights - From £715/€790, single-centre based, 6 day walks (requiring a car)

Discover the contrasting volcanic regions of the northern Auvergne in central France. The Puy de Dome landscape varies from rugged peaks to open moorland and perfect volcanic cones. Dramatic waterfalls, varied lakes and pretty historic villages with fine roman churches all form part of this moderate week's self-guided walking.

volcanoes auvergne walking holidays France

Tour of Ardeche: Rustic Trails

walking grade moderate to challenging holiday France+

8 nights - From £985/€1085 - 7 days walking between guest houses

With its wild, rugged mountains and picturesque historic villages clinging to terraced hillsides the Ardeche makes an ideal location for an independent walking holiday if you're looking to get away from the beaten track. This walking tour is located in the heart of the Ardeche Regional Park & includes wonderful heather-clad mountains with great panoramic views; pretty chestnut forests; beautiful rivers where it's possible to bathe and sun parched, vine covered slopes.

sancy tour walking holiday auvergne france

Cevennes to Provence: Saint Guilhem's Trail

walking grade moderate to challenging holiday France+

9 nights - From £970/€1065 - 8 days walking between hotels & guest houses

Discover an amazing variety of landscapes in the southern Massif Central as you head south through the Cevennes, passing must-see sites such as the Tarn Gorge and the Navacelles Cirque and finishing at the pretty village of Saint-Guilhem-le-Desert. With wild, rugged mountains and picturesque historic villages this independent walking holiday is ideal for those walkers looking to get off the beaten track.

cirques navacelles cevennes france walking

Summits of Auvergne: Tour of Sancy

challenging walking in auvergne france

5 or 6 nights - from £565/€620 - 4 or 5 days walking between guest houses

This self guided walking holiday explores the stunning Puy de Sancy mountains in northern Auvergne, including its summit, which at 1885m is the highest in France outside the Alps & Pyrenees. Your walking holiday takes the form of a circular tour, starting and finishing in the pretty spa town of Mont Dore, taking in the most spectacular trails with expansive breath-taking views. It will also explore many of the features that make up this beautiful landscape including beautiful volcanic and glacial lakes, mighty volcanic domes, dramatic rocky cliffs, secluded glacial valleys and amazing waterfalls.

sancy tour walking holiday auvergne france

Cantal Mountains - The Rugged Heart of France

challenging walking in auvergne france

7 nights - From £685/€750 - 6 days walking, single centre

This independent walking holiday explores the Cantal massif in the southern Auvergne which is the extinct remains of a huge volcano. Erosion has since created a series of rugged ridges, rocky peaks and green valleys of stunning beauty. Exciting self-guided walking in an untamed landscape with rich wildlife. Small B&B style guest houses in historic buildings. Warm welcome.

Independent or self guided walking holiday in Cantal, Auvergne in France

 

Eastern France

 

Jura Wine Trail

moderate walking grade grazalema park spain

6 or 7 nights - from £765/€840 - 5 or 6 days walking between guest houses

Our self-guided walking holiday in the Jura is a linear trail which follows the vines south, allowing you to discover not only the unique Jura wines, which include the famous Vin de Paille and Vin Jaune, among the most prized wines in France, but also wonderful historic villages such as Baumes-les-Messieurs and Chateau Chalon. These villages are situated on hills which are home to a series of dramatic valleys and gorges which harbour stunning waterfalls & dramatic cliffs.

jura wines france walks

Alsace - Vineyards and Mountains

walking grade moderate to challenging holiday France

7 nights - From £810/€890 - 5 days walking between guest houses

This independent walking holiday explores the famous Alsace vineyards and the Vosges hills. As well as their vintage wines the area features some remarkable chateaux and pretty unspoilt villages, their cobbled alleyways lined with typical Alsace houses. The Vosges offer panoramic views over their rounded summits. Hotel accommodation.

Alsace vineyards and vosges independent walking holiday in eastern France

Provence & Mediterranean, France

 

Secret Provence: Tour of the Baronnies

walking moderate baronnies Provence France or moderate challenging grade Baronnies France independent walking holiday

7 nights - From £850/€895 - 6 days independent walking between guest houses

Les Baronnies is a secret and unspoilt corner of France where the Alps meet the Provence with beautiful historic villages clinging to rocky mountain sides decorated in purple lavender flowers. Quiet walking trails through delightful and changing countryside bathe in a wonderful light.

baronnies in Provence south France self guided walks

 

Travels through Baronnies Regional Park

challenging walking in auvergne france

7 nights - From £865/€910, first part of a long distance walking holiday across southern France

This self-guided walking holiday in France is the first leg of a unique trek through Alpine Provence from the Rhone Valley to the Med. Your independent walking trail will take you through some wonderful mountain scenery where the Alps meet Provence. The first part of this trail discovers the beautiful Baronnies Regional Park, far from the beaten trails.

trek through alpine provence baronnies walking holiday

Historic Hill-top Villages of Drome Provencale

walking grade moderate to challenging holiday France

7 nights - From £820/€860 - 6 days independent walking between guest houses

This unique self-guided walking holiday traverses the Drome Provencale from north to south, exploring varied and beautiful landscapes linked by several stunning historic perched villages. Starting in Crest in the Drome Valley, you’ll pass through scented lavender fields, secluded woods, vines of the Cote du Rhone and finally the olive groves of Nyons in the Baronnies.

walking holiday drome provence france

 

Cote du Rhone Wine Trail

moderate walking grade grazalema park spain

6 nights - From £875/€920 - 5 days independent walking between guest houses

9 nights - From £1180/€1245 - 8 days independent walking between guest houses

Our Cotes du Rhone Wine Trails in Provence explores the eastern side of the Rhone Valley from the Baronnies Regional Park in the north, to the slopes of the impressive rock spires of Dentelles de Montmirail in the south, passing by the foothills of Mont Ventoux.

cotes du rhone wine trail vines provence

 

Les Alpilles: Van Gogh's Provence

moderate walking grade grazalema park spain

6 nights - From £830/€875 - 5 days independent walking between guest houses

Les Alpilles means little Alps, but don't worry, the walking is easy to moderate exploring the wonderful villages and towns in this stunning part of Provence, including Arles, Avignon, Baux de Provence and St Remy de Provence, celebrated as the place where Van Gogh created 150 of his famous paintings.

Pyrenees coastal trail

Pyrenees Coastal Trail: Collioure to Cadaques

moderate walking grade grazalema park spain+ or walking grade moderate to challenging holiday France

6 nights - From £660/€695 - 5 1/2 days independent walking between guest houses

This self-guided walking holiday follows a classic coastal and mountain trail flirting with both the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean as it moves south from Collioure in France to Cadaques in Spain. Accommodation in two and three star hotels in fishing ports and villages.

Pyrenees coastal trail

French Fjords: Calanques National Park

walking grade moderate to challenging holiday France

4 or 5 nights - From £640/€670 - 3 or 4 days independent walking based in a guest house in Cassis.

This self guided French walking holiday explores the Calanques National Park where gleaming white limestone cliffs form a stark contrast with the deep blue sky and the turquoise Mediterranean Sea. The Calanques coastline offers a unique landscape of beautiful fjords and dramatic cliffs, small ports and wonderful panoramic viewpoints. You'll stay in a delightful guest house in the pretty coastal resort of Cassis.

calanques provence south coast med walking holidat France

 

Luberon: Classic Provence

easy walking in bordeaux vines france+

6 nights - From £1040/€1095 - 5 days independent walking between hotels

This self guided French walking holiday in Luberon takes in some of the best loved historic hill-top villages in Provence. Easy to moderate walking lets you discover a pretty landscape covered with vines, lavender, orchards and forests where small hills provide generous vantage points. You'll explore the beautiful historic villages of Gordes, Goult, Lacoste, Bonnieux and Roussillon, each with their own special character.

gordes historic village luberon regional park

 

Panoramas of Provence: Grand Tour of Luberon

moderate walking grade grazalema park spain or walking grade moderate to challenging holiday France

12 nights - From £1620/€1705 - 8 or 9 days independent walking between guest houses

This unique self-guided walking holiday undertakes a beautiful circuit around the hills, gorges and historic villages of the Luberon Regional Park in Provence. As well as visiting some of the best loved historic hill-top villages in Provence such as Gordes, Lacoste, Bonnieux, Roussillon and St Saturnin les Apt, your walking trail takes you off the beaten track into the higher hills and through some less frequented, charming hamlets and villages. Choice of walks on most days.

tour of Luberon in Provence self guided walking holiday France

 

South West France

 

Delights of Historic Dordogne

easy walking in bordeaux vines france

7 nights - From £1040/€1095 - 6 days walking between guest houses

The Dordogne in central France is dominated by the magnificent Dordogne river and its stunning valley lined with historic delights. Our easy self guided walking holiday passes through one picturesque village after another, including La Roque Gageac, built into sandstone cliffs along with a troglodyte fort and Sarlat which is famous for its medieval architecture and lively street market. In addition, a large number of superb chateaux line the valley.

dordogne walking holidays France self guided

Bordeaux Classic Wine Trail

easy walking in bordeaux vines france

7 nights - From £1040/€1095 - 5 days self guided walking between guest houses

Our self-guided Bordeaux wine trail traverses some of the most famous vineyards in the world. Discover a rolling countryside steeped in history, from its 2000 year old vines planted by the Romans to its wine chateaux and historic villages. Your walking holiday starts by exploring the famous St Emilion vineyards home to some of the most sought after Bordeaux wines.

bordeaux wine trail st emilion

Quieter Side of Dordogne: Villages of Correze

moderate walking grade grazalema park spain

5 or 7 nights - From £730/€765 or From £875//€920 - 4 or 6 days independent walking between guest houses

On the edge of the Massif Central in France lies a beautiful undulating countryside of green pasture, forest and vines where pretty villages adorn the ridges and hilltops. The Correze is not as well known as the more frequented parts of Dordogne, but the villages have a varied character and charm, set in a countryside which changes with the geology. Your self guided walking holiday passes through the historic villages of Turenne, Collonges-la-Rouge and Curement all of which are classed as some of the prettiest villages in France.

Turenne correze independent walking holiday France

Serene Lot Valley Trail

moderate walking grade grazalema park spain

7 nights - From £1055/€1110, 6 days walking between guest houses

Less well known than the Dordogne to the north, the Cele and Lot valleys will leave you captivated by their beauty. Our independent walking holiday begins in Figeac and travels downstream to Cahors, home of the Malbec vineyards. You'll follow quiet trails through unspoilt countryside with wonderful chateaux and historic villages.

Lot valley walking holiday in France

Tarn's Medieval Bastides

moderate walking grade grazalema park spain

7 nights - From £850/€895 - 6 days walking between guest houses

This self-guided walking holiday in Tarn explores a number of wonderful hill top villages, known as bastides, many classed as among the prettiest villages in France. As well as exploring beautiful villages such as Puycelsi, Penne, Castlenau, Bruniquel and Cordes-sur-Ciel you'll discover a picturesque landscape of rolling fields and vineyards with expansive views, sunny plateaux, ancient oak forests and deep rocky gorges. You'll stay in delightful chambre d'hote style guest houses.

cordes sur ciel walking break south France

Historic Villages & Valleys of the Tarn

moderate walking grade grazalema park spain

7 nights - From £780/€820 - 6 day walks based at a single guest house

Hundreds of medieval villages known as Bastides are scattered throughout the Midi-Pyrenees.  From high on rocky hilltops, villages such as Puycelsi, Penne and Cordes have kept watch over the surrounding countryside for centuries.  Our centre based self-guided walking holiday in the Tarn and Aveyron will allow you to explore several of these villages as well as discover the valleys that cut through the countryside giving it a distinctive character of deep rocky gorges, steep wooded valleys and high sunny plateaux. 

self guided walking Tarn France

The Pyrenees, France

 

Pyrenees GR10: Part 1, Hendaye - St Jean Pied de Port

walking grade moderate to challenging holiday France

7 nights - from £775/€815 - 6 days independent walking between hotels

This independent walking holiday is the first section of a wonderful & dramatic 415km trek crossing the Pyrenees Mountain chain from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. The walk from Hendaye on the Atlantic Coast covers a variety of landscapes typical of the Basque country, where the scenery has a charm and regional originality that you won’t find elsewhere. Rolling hills and magical villages.

Pyreens self guided walking holiday gr10 France

 

Pyrenees GR10: Part 2, St Jean Pied de Port - Etsaut

walking grade moderate to challenging holiday France

7 nights - from £730/€770 - 6 days independent walking between hotels and one gite

Second part of our long distance GR10 walking trail along the length of the Pyrenees Mountain chain between the Atlantic Coast and the Mediterranean Sea. This self-guided hike starts in St Jean Pied de Port in Basque Country, before climbing into high mountain landscapes in the Bearn and reaching Lescun, famous for its glacial cirque. Finish at Etsaut, gateway to the Pyrenees National Park.

Pyreens self guided walking holiday gr10 France

 

Pyrenees GR10: Part 3, Etsaut - Cauterets

walking grade moderate to challenging holiday France

7 nights - from £745/€785 - 6 days independent walking between hotels and 2 mountain huts

Part 3 of our GR10 long distance walking trail along the length of the Pyrenees Mountain goes between Etsaut and Caurets. Traversing the Pyrenees National Park, your week's walking pass through the Ossau valley, with spectacular views of Pic de Midi d’Ossau followed by a succession of lakes, villages in stone and slate and a never-ending wilderness used for summer pastures.

Pyreens self guided walking holiday gr10 France

 

Pyrenees GR10: Part 4, Cauterets - Luchon

walking grade moderate to challenging holiday France

7 nights - From £850/€895 - 6 days independent walking between hotels and 1 mountain hut

Part 4 of our long distance trek along the length of the Pyrenees following the GR10 trail takes place between Cauterets and Luchon in the central Pyrenees, almost halfway between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. Your 6-day independent walking itinerary passes through a succession of lakes, high mountain passes and mountain villages, as well as the Neouvielle Natural Reserve and its remarkable glacial lakes.

Pyreens self guided walking holiday gr10 France

 

Pyrenees Balcony Trail: Azun Valley

walking grade moderate to challenging holiday France

6 nights - From £595/€625 - 6 days independent walking between hotel on 3 days, and 3 day walks

This self-guided walking holiday explores a beautiful part of the central Pyrenees mountains in France. Your walking tour takes you up onto the sides of the delightful and luminous Azun Valley where you’ll marvel at the wonderful panoramas and the well preserved mountain villages. Four of the days have both moderate and more challenging walking options to suit different abilities and as the week progresses you’ll enter the stunning high mountains of the Pyrenees National Park.

Pyreens self guided walking holiday France

 

Cerdagne Explorer: Lakes, Mountains and Hot Springs

walking grade moderate to challenging holiday France

6 nights - From £630/€660 - 6 days independent walking between guest houses

The Cerdagne is a picturesque plateau, lying at 6000 ft up in the French Pyrenees. It is a delectable landscape scoured and shaped by Ice Age glaciers leaving behind deep ravines, rocky knolls and an array of beautiful mountain lakes, surrounded by imposing mountains. An enjoyable mixture of good walks, relaxing in natural hot pools and soaking up the sun in clear mountain air.

cerdagne self guided walking in pyrenees france

Traversing the Pyrenees National Park

challenging walking in auvergne france

7 nights - From £565/€595 - 6 days independent walking between gites and mountain huts

This self-guided walking holiday is a wonderful traverse of the Western Pyrenees National Park. You’ll discover a series of must-see sites such as the highest waterfall in Europe at Gavarnie Cirque. The stunning high mountains of the Pyrenees are peppered with beautiful lakes, rich green forests and mountain pastures which you’ll discover with a light rucksack, as your bags are transported for you.

Pyreens self guided walking holiday France

French Alps

 

Tour of Queyras - An Alpine Secret

challenging walking in auvergne france

8 nights - From £1005/€1055 - 7 days trekking between guest houses

Dramatic walking in an unspoilt, rugged region of the French Alps with breathtaking scenery. A sunny climate and good paths makes this an ideal alpine destination for the fit novice and experienced alpine walker alike. Luggage transported between guest houses. Rich alpine flora and fauna in this undiscovered corner of France.

queyras mountain alpine trekking holiday

 

Grand Tour of Ubaye: 3 Regions Tour

strenuous walking holiday in vercors

8 nights, from £930/€975 - 8 days walking between gites and refuges

The Grand Tour of the Ubaye is a circular walking trail through a hidden corner of the French Alps. This off the beaten track alpine trek takes you through some magnificent landscapes with beautiful alpine summits, serene mountain lakes and traditional alpine hamlets.

ubaye alpine walking holiday France

 

Tour of Ubaye: Hidden Alps

strenuous walking holiday in vercors

6 nights - From £630/€665 - 6 days walking between gites and refuges

Discover our wonderful tour of the Ubaye, a 6-day circular walking trail through a hidden and unspoilt corner of the French Alps with a small excursion into Italy. Starting in the Queyras, this off the beaten track itinerary takes you through some magnificent landscapes with beautiful alpine summits, majestic mountain lakes and remote and traditional alpine hamlets including Maljessat in France and Chiaperra in Italy.

ubaye alpine trek

 

Marvels of Mercantour

challenging walking in auvergne france

5/6 nights - From £630/€660 - 5 days centre-based walking

Discover the Mercantour National Park and the superb landscapes of the "Vallée des Merveilles" whilst staying in three star accommodation in a wonderful setting. Five great walks to discover the best of this wild corner of France in the southern Alps.

independent walking holiday Mercantour France in French ALps

 

Alps to Med Trail

walking grade moderate to challenging holiday France

7 Nights - From £850/€895 - 6 days independent walking between guest houses

Varied walking through a changing landscape from the Mercantour National Park in the Alps to the Mediterranean coast through beautiful perched alpine villages, with a rich historic and cultural heritage.

saorge independent walking from Mercantour alps to mediterranean coast

 

Les Ecrins: Panoramic Alpine Trail

challenging walking in auvergne france

5 nights (extra night possible) - From £670/€705, 5 days walking between guest houses

Starting at Besse en Oisans, your spectacular traverse will follow one of the best sections of the Tour of the Ecrins. You’ll discover stunning panoramic views of glacier-clad mountains such as the Meije and the Barre des Ecrins. Your trail takes you past high alpine lakes, through stunning valleys and along beautiful balcony paths.

vercors alps alpine walking holiday France

 

Panoramic Vercors

strenuous walking holiday in vercors

6 or 8 nights - from £885/€930, 5 or 7 days walking between guest houses

The Vercors is a magical place where gleaming rock faces meet wild and desolate plateaux. The main summits are to be found on a ridge running along its eastern edge, the centre piece being Mont Aiguille, an awesome rock tower cast off from the main cliffs. Your 6 day traverse will follow this edge from above and below in the most scenic part of the Vercors with amazing panoramic views of the alpine chain.

vercors alps alpine walking holiday France

 

Tour of Mont Aiguille

challenging walking in auvergne france

5 nights - From £710/€745, 4 days walking - mix of day walks and walking between guest houses

This self guided walking holiday in the Vercors takes a short tour around the mythical mountain called Mont Aiguille, which provides some of the most cherished views in the Alps. This rock tower is central to a beautiful area in the French Alps made up of deep gorges and canyons, gigantic cliffs several hundred metres high and rocky plateaux. You'll also have the chance to summit the highest peak in the Vercors - Grand Veymont at 2341m.

cliffs of mont aiguille france

 

Sensations of Verdon Gorge

challenging walking in auvergne france

6 nights - From £870/€955, 5 days walking between hotels

A sensational walking holiday that explores the Verdon Gorge, from above and below, one of Europes largest and most spectacular canyons. Its location between Provence and the Alps means it is a great spring and autumn destination.

Alpine mountains in French Alps on self guided trekking holiday

Queyras - Best Kept Secret in the Alps

challenging walking in auvergne france

7 nights - From £855/€900 - 6 days centre-based walking holiday staying in 2 or 3 locations

This centre-based independent walking holiday explores the Queyras, an unspoilt, rugged region of the French Alps with breathtaking scenery. A sunny climate, good paths and lots of easily accessible alpine summits makes this an ideal mountain walking destination.

Queyras

Trekking Tour of the Vanoise

challenging walking in auvergne france+

7 nights - From £635/€670, 6 days trekking with back-pack between mountain huts

The tour of the Vanoise in the French Alps is a circular trek which allows you to be at close quarters with elegant high mountain peaks and stunning alpine glaciers. Designated a National Park, the Vanoise offers an ideal natural, unspoilt wilderness for walking and trekking holidays where soaring alpine peaks with pristine glaciers rise majestically above wild, remote valleys.

Alpine mountains in French Alps on self guided trekking holiday

Alpine Adventure Part 1: Lake Geneva - Chamonix

challenging walking in auvergne france

6 nights - from £640/€710 per person, 6 days self-guided walking between gites

This is the first stage of a mythical walk which follows the GR 5 long-distance trail from the shores of Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean coast at Nice, following the entire length of the French Alps. Your trail crosses the alpine meadows of the Abondance Valley before meandering along the foot hills of the Chablais mountains heading towards the ever-present profile of Mont Blanc.

Alpine mountains self guided alpine traverse GR5

Alpine Adventure Part 2: Chamonix - Briancon

challenging walking in auvergne france

7 nights - from £715/€795 per person, 6 days self-guided walking between hotels and gites

This is the second stage of a mythical walk which follows the GR 5 long-distance trail from the shores of Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean coast at Nice, following the entire length of the French Alps. You'll start your walking holiday in Chamonix and after passing by the foot of the immense Mont Blanc glaciers you’ll head through the alpine meadows of Beaufortain, before discovering the beautiful summits and glaciers of the Vanoise National Park.

Alpine mountains self guided alpine traverse GR5

Alpine Adventure Part 3: Briancon - Roya

strenuous walking holiday in vercors

8 nights - from £670/€705 per person, 7 days self-guided walking between hotels and gites

This is the 3rd stage of a mythical walk which follows the GR 5 long-distance trail from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean coast at Nice, following the entire length of the French Alps. Part 3 of our Alpine traverse goes from Briancon to Roya traversing the beautiful Queyras regional park before moving onto the secret Alps of the Ubaye Valley. From there its onto the majestic and wild Mercantour National Park.

lake mirroir queyras gr5 trek

Alpine Adventure Part 4: Roya - Nice

strenuous walking holiday in vercors

5 nights - from £495/€520 5 days self-guided walking between hotels and gites

This is the final trek of a mythical walk which follows the GR 5 long-distance trail from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean coast at Nice, following the entire length of the French Alps. On this walk you'll discover the majestic and wild Mercantour National Park, with great wildlife before moving on to the wonderful perched villages of the Provence in the Maritime Alps.

Alpine mountain walking self guided alpine traverse GR5

Alpine Adventure Parts 3 & 4: Briancon - Nice

strenuous walking holiday in vercors

12 nights - from £1065/€1120 per person, 12 days self-guided walking between hotels and gites

These are the final two parts (combined) of a wonderful long-distance trek which follows the GR 5 trail from the shores of Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean Sea at Nice, following the entire length of the French Alps. From Briancon you’ll first traverse the beautiful Queyras regional park before moving onto the secret Ubaye Valley. From there its onto the majestic and wild Mercantour National Park before discovering the wonderful perched villages of the Provence in the Maritime Alps.

Alpine mountain walking self guided alpine traverse GR5

Alpine Adventure: Alternative Part 4: Roya to Menton

strenuous walking holiday in vercors

9 nights - from £815/€855 per person, 9 days self-guided walking between hotels and gites

Our Alpine Adventure trek follows the entire length of the French Alps from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean Sea. This walking holiday is an alternative final leg of this superb trek via the GR52 (rather than the GR5) passing through the heart of the Mercantour National Park before finishing in Menton. Discover beautiful lakes surrounded by rocky summits & the famous Vallee des Merveilles.

trek french alps gr52 mercantour

Travels through Baronnies Regional Park

challenging walking in auvergne france

7 nights - From £865/€910, first part of a long distance walking holiday across southern France

This self-guided walking holiday in France is the first leg of a unique trek through Alpine Provence from the Rhone Valley to the Med. Your independent walking trail will take you through some wonderful mountain scenery where the Alps meet Provence. The first part of this trail discovers the beautiful Baronnies Regional Park, far from the beaten trails.

trek through alpine provence baronnies walking holiday

Brittany & Normandy

 

Brittany's Emerald Coast

moderate walking grade grazalema park spain

6 nights - From £755/€830, 5 days walking between guest houses

The Emerald coast is home to some of Brittany’s most impressive coastlines, with dramatic rocky headlands jutting into the sea, enclosing picturesque coves of beautiful golden sand. Each day’s walk changes character from the opulent villas of Dinard and the fabulous historic walled town of St Malo to the wild heathland and stunning 70m cliffs of the Frehel Peninsula.

france coastal trail GR walking holiday

Brittany's Granite Coast

moderate walking grade grazalema park spain

9 nights - From £905/€995, 8 days walking between guest houses

The granite coast in Brittany is a dramatic section of coast where pink rocks contrast with vibrant turquoise seas and fine sandy beaches. The long distance coastal trail follows a former coastguard footpath, winding among bizarrely shaped rock formations interspersed with sandy coves and wonderful coastal views. Elsewhere along this coastline you'll discover wild and remote cliffs and peninsulas, dramatic estuaries and pretty fishing villages.

france coastal trail GR walking holiday

Brittany's Coast of Legends Part 1, Roscoff to Aber Wrac'h

moderate walking grade grazalema park spain

7 nights - From £695/€765, 6 day's walking between guest houses

This self-guided walking holiday takes you along the northern Finistere coast in Brittany heading west from Roscoff. Relatively easy walking takes you along a beautiful stretch of coastline with a multitude of tiny islands and rocky promontories which make this coast so difficult to navigate, making it a place of numerous shipwrecks and legend. In between you'll discover pretty beaches and a host or pre-historic sites.

france coastal trail GR walking holiday

Lyon World Heritage City: All Year Round

easy walking in bordeaux vines france

Tailor-made, flexible self-guided or independent walking holiday, staying in hotel of your choice in the heart of the world heritage city. Roman ampitheatres, medieval quarter, renaissance town. Gastronomic capital of France. Choice of walks and plenty of occasion to relax.

 

 

Lyon world heritage city - independent walking holiday in France

 

View our general information page about our independent walking tours in France

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