Hiking and cycling routes in France

France numbers its long-distance footpaths. GR stands for grande randonnée, and the red and white waymarks look the same wherever you are. The big cycle routes mostly follow rivers and canals, and La Vélodyssée runs down the Atlantic coast. They’re gentle enough for a first bike tour. The mountain walks are another matter, and the GR20 in Corsica is usually described as the hardest of the GR routes. A few of the routes here cross into Spain, Switzerland or Italy.

Routes to choose from

Trips tracked in France

Flyby films from France

See every journey on the adventure map · All flyby films

All journeys in France · Hiking trails and treks · Cycling routes and bike tours

Questions and answers

How many routes in France are there here?

26 at the moment, 15 for walking and 11 for cycling. 11 of them also go through other countries.

Which are the longest and shortest?

Of the routes that stay in France, Corsica included, the longest is GR 34 (Sentier des douaniers) at 2,000 km and the shortest is Tour des Fiz at 52 km.

Which routes suit a first trip?

10 are graded easy or easy to moderate. Most of them are cycle routes along rivers and canals, such as the Loire and the Canal du Midi. The Alpine walks and the GR 10 across the Pyrenees are much harder.

Can I track my trip in France on a map?

Yes. The Pebbls app records your route as you walk or ride, pins your photos and notes to the map, and turns each chapter into a flyby film. Friends and family can follow along.

Routes in other countries

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