Hiking Tips in France
France has nearly unlimited possibilities for hiking trips. There are the forests outside Paris, the Alps, the Pyrènées, Provence and the French Riviera’s mountainous coastline, the Massif Central and the Jura and Vosges mountain ranges. Fontainebleau and Compiègne have forests that were prized by royalty and nobility for hunting wild boar. The Châteaux 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. Compiègne– This city is just a short train ride from Paris and this forested area boasts a fabulous fortress and château, 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 Dôme. This mountain range is primarily in the Franche-Comté 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 pêche (fishing license) at one of the local fishing shops then cast their lines in this prime area for trout fishing. The Ardèche 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-Raphaël 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 Collobrières. 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 Presqu’ile 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. For more travel tips and destination visit: Vacation Now blog For France accommodation and lodging checkout: Owners Direct in France