Hiking: 7 itineraries to give mountain roaming a try!

From north to south in the Alps…

The GR5 crosses the Alps from north to south, from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean Sea. Over the course of its 600 km, this legendary itinerary unfolds a palette of exceptional landscapes: peaks covered in eternal snow, green pastures where cows and sheep graze, emerald-coloured lakes in the north, granite and desert valleys with ochre and vermeil hues further south. Stone and slate villages, wooden chalets, ultra-modern or more confidential refuges… A route that stands out not only for its geographical diversity but also for the wealth of its wildlife, since 2 national parks (Vanoise and Mercantour) and 1 regional nature park (Queyras) are located along the route.

> To organise your stages, or choose to do only part of the route, the dedicated website is full of information and good advice.

… Or around Mont-Blanc

Touring Europe’s highest and most majestic peak is an unforgettable experience. With a length of 170km and a vertical drop of over 10,000m, the route is unique in that it crosses three countries (France / Switzerland / Italy), offering a unique view of the Mont Blanc massif at every stage. The tour can be done in either direction, and there are also ski lifts on some sections. An ideal way to rest your legs while taking in the incredible panorama.

Taking it easy in the Vosges

Some 540 kilometres long, the Traversée du Massif des Vosges, via the GR53 and GR5, offers a gentle itinerary in 17 stages in its entirety, between Wissenbourg and Belfort. It follows the foot of the Vosges’ greatest peaks: the Grand Ballon (1424m), the Rothenbachkopf (1316m) and the Hohneck (1363m). From these high vantage points, the Alps can be seen on a clear day. The TMV trails pass through two regional nature parks, revealing a collection of landscapes: peat bogs, ponds, lakes, dense forests and stubble fields – high altitude meadows with precious flora. Wild and spectacular, this walking route is marked by human history. Numerous fortified castles stand along the way, including the famous Haut-Koenigsbourg.

…and in the Jura Mountains

The Grande Traversée du Jura is a long-distance route that crosses the Jura Mountains from north to south, from Mandeure in the Doubs to Culoz in the Ain. In summer, you can hike, mountain bike, cycle or ride horseback (in winter, snowshoe or cross-country ski). The landscapes here are one after the other: bare ridges with the Mont Blanc massif and Lake Geneva towering above, spruce and deciduous forests, vine-growing hillsides, pastures and peat bogs, crossed by numerous lakes and streams. On foot, its 400 kilometres can be covered in daily stages of 20 to 25 km, or in sections of 3 to 5 days. The horse-riding version offers 500 km between Crosey-le-Petit and Arbignieu in the Ain, with around thirty equestrian rest stops for riders and horses.

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On the shepherds’ paths

Inaugurated in 2018, the GR738 crosses the Belledonne massif, from Savoie (73) to Isère (38), covering almost 140km. The route highlights local pastoralism and production linked to mountain pasture activities, with numerous meetings with shepherds, refuge wardens and breeders along the way. Aimed at experienced hikers, the route is described as sporty and technical, with many passages above 2,000 m altitude.

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Crossing the Pyrenees

Almost 1,000 kilometres separate the Atlantic from the Mediterranean on the famous GR10, on the northern – French – side of the Pyrenees. No fewer than 4 topoguides are needed to cover this mid-mountain walking route, which covers six départements and two regions. In other words, it takes time – around fifty days – to complete the entire route, or to return to it several times. This route between Hendaye and Banuyls offers a host of variations based on the local network of signposted paths on this “island” between sea and ocean. These routes can be explored on foot, mountain bike or horseback. Highlights along the way include the Iraty forest, Lac de Gaube, the Cirque de Gavarnie, the Tourmalet domain at the foot of the Pic du Midi de Bigorre, Luchon and the Plateau de Beille.

The Grand Tour des Ecrins

With 184 kilometres and a total vertical drop of 12,800 metres, the Grand Tour de l’Oisans et des Ecrins is aimed at those who are used to mountain trekking. Described as alpine and wild, it crosses the Ecrins National Park and features 14 high mountain passes. Home to unspoilt wildlife, the route unveils breathtaking panoramas, including the Emparis plateau and lakes Noir and Lérié, where you can enjoy a well-earned break. The Barre des Ecrins (4,102m) and the Meije (3,983m), symbols of mountaineering, dominate the route, thanks to their altitude and history.