With its many mountainous massifs, France is a hiking country par excellence. From the Alps to the Pyrenees, via the Jura and the Massif Central, France offers a great diversity of hikes with diverse and varied landscapes. In the Alps, Haute-Savoie is a prime destination, with the Mont-Blanc massif and its unforgettable landscapes on the rock and snow giants overlooking the Chamonix Valley. On the other hand, the walker can also climb the Pyrenees mountains, with landscapes of exceptional quality maintained by traditional livestock farming. Further north, it is the Jura and the Vosges, a mountainous land that has passed through the ages. Finally, one should also mention the Massif Central, whose volcanoes have been extinct for several thousand years. All the hikes described on this page are also possible in winter with a pair of snowshoes or skis, which is an opportunity to discover the landscapes from a different angle.
Browsing the "France" Tag
The 5 Best Hikes in Haute-Savoie
29 August 2023 | by Pierre-Alexandre
At the heart of the majestic French Alps, Haute-Savoie is a treasure trove for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts. Its
Chalets de Sales, Col de la Portette, and Dérochoir
14 August 2023 | by Pierre-Alexandre
Located in the heart of the Fiz Massif between the Désert de Platé to the west and the Rocher des Fiz dominating Lac d’Anterne to the east, Chalets de Sales, set in the plain of the Grand Pré, constitute a tiny haven of tranquility that will delight the hiker
Lac de Peyre and Col de Balafrasse
31 July 2023 | by Pierre-Alexandre
Lac de Peyre is a small mid-altitude lake in the heart of the Bornes massif. Lac de Peyre is an interesting site for observing the local fauna, which includes marmots, which are hard to spot, and ibex. Unfortunately, the latter were slaughtered in a shameless manner in October 2015 due to an
Pointe de Mandallaz (or Trois Aiguilles)
30 July 2023 | by Pierre-Alexandre
Pointe de Mandallaz (also known as the Trois Aiguilles) is located in the south-western part of the Aravis mountain range and rises to 2277m. Less well known than some of its neighbours, such as Mont Charvin
Lac de Roy
23 July 2023 | by Pierre-Alexandre
I propose here a family walk that will allow you to discover the Alpine meadows of Sommand and Praz-de-lys, as well as of the pretty Lac de Roy. This outing is very easy, since almost flat and short, and will delight young and old alike. The lake is the starting point of several hiking trails, including Pic
Croix de la Frête
10 July 2023 | by Pierre-Alexandre
Croix de la Frête is a summit (actually, a shoulder of Montagne de Commune) in the Haut-Giffre massif. Although it is much less well-known than Mont Buet or Cheval Blanc, which are situated further up the mountain, Croix de la Frête is still an interesting itinerary because of the panoramic views
Pointe d’Andey
27 December 2022 | by Pierre-Alexandre
Veritable balcony overlooking the Arve Valley, Pointe d’Andey is an ideal objective for an outing in the beginning of the season when the snow forbids escapades on higher mountains. Its location allows a dominating overlook on all the surrounding peaks, particularly on Bargy Massif
Montagne de Sous-Dine
17 October 2022 | by Pierre-Alexandre
Recognizable by its steep cliffs on its north face, the Montagne de Sous-Dine constitutes a pleasant hike in the heart of the Bornes Massif. The ascent begins in the forest, continues through the lapiaz, and ends in a vast grassy plateau which, because of its ideal location, offers an extensive panorama on
Pointe de Merdassier
24 August 2022 | by Pierre-Alexandre
Pointe de Merdassier is a summit located in the Aravis massif offering a 360° panorama on a large number of massifs, notably the Mont Charvin. The only access path to the summit of Pointe de Merdassier is very steep, perhaps the steepest I have encountered in many years
Pic de la Corne
7 June 2022 | by Pierre-Alexandre
Pic de la Corne is a rather unknown summit in the Chablais massif. From the top of its 2084 m of altitude, Pic de la Corne is nevertheless an interesting hiking objective. Indeed, it offers the hiker a splendid panorama on the peaks of the Chablais
Mont Vorassay
5 June 2022 | by Pierre-Alexandre
Mount Vorassay (2287 m altitude) is a privileged observation point for a large number of prestigious and emblematic summits of Haute-Savoie. The circuit I propose below describes a loop in which the first part of the ascent is done in forest and undergrowth
Pointe Noire de Pormenaz
12 September 2021 | by Pierre-Alexandre
Pointe Noire de Pormenaz is a summit of the Giffre massif overlooking Lac de Pormenaz situated below on its north-eastern flank. Located in a dominant position in relation to the Diosaz valley, Pointe Noire de Pormenaz remains a must-see in Haute-Savoie
