Hiking Tips in France

France has nearly unlimited possibilities for hiking trips. There are the forests outside
Paris, the Alps, the Pyrnes, Provence and the French Rivieras mountainous coastline,
the Massif Central and the Jura and Vosges mountain ranges. Fontainebleau and
Compigne have forests that were prized by royalty and nobility for hunting wild
boar. The Chteaux Fontainebleau is a beautiful, if odd composite of 500 years of
architecture, from medieval to florentine styles and was made from nearby sandstone.
The surroundings are gorgeous with massive boulders strewn throughout a fern-floored
forest.
Compigne This city is just a short train
ride from Paris and this forested area
boasts a fabulous fortress and chteau,
once a royal hunting lodge, used
particularly by Napoleon and his
nephew Napoleon III. This area of France
is an ancient volcanic range which,
because of its rough and rugged terrain,
has remained largely quiet and
unspoiled. The deep forests give way to
canyons, with crater lakes and hot
springs sprinkled throughout the region.

Hike to mountaintop churches like the

Chappelle St-Michel d'Aiguilhe, or use an
original Roman trail to hike to the summit
of Puy de Dme. This mountain range is
primarily in the Franche-Comt region,
and the opportunities for hiking trips here
are fabulous, as the area is
characterized by beautiful woods,
mountain rivers, and caves. Anglers can
obtain a carte de pche (fishing license)
at one of the local fishing shops then
cast their lines in this prime area for trout
fishing.
The Ardche region is a wild, rocky area
split by rushing rivers and tunneled with
caves. It is a favorite area for rock
climbing and spelunking as well as hiking
and mountain biking.

Three Fabulous Hiking Itineraries

The incredible Gorges of the Massif de l'Esterel, near Saint-Raphal are among the most
spectacular hikes in France. As you approach the sea, the turquoise colors of the water
are staggering. Ancient forts and villages rise in the background. There are a lot of
hiking routes here, and a mini guide to the area is offered to backpackers.
Between Gonfaron or Pignans, head for the drop-dead view from the Notre Dame des
Anges. From this summit you overlook all of the surrounding valley and the incredible
sea views. Heading downward, the path will take you through some of the finest
chestnut groves, between those of Collobrires. The path will guide you to the valley of
Lamberts where you find the Chartreuse de la Verne (Charterhouse of Verne).
The famous Path of the Littoral or chemin des douaniers, which skims the coast of the
Mediterranean, offers a continuous temptation to plunge into the azure waters of the
sea. Starting west of the region, the path starts at St-Cyr and takes you to Bandol,
Sanary and St-Mandrier, passing by Six-Fours Les Plages. The path starts again from
Pradet and stops at Carqueranne. It will then take you through a tour of Presquile de
Giens. You will start the second half of the journey with some of the finest beaches of
Bormes LesMimosas, up to those of Levandou.
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