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France has it all. In a single day, you can eat Algerian food in the lavender-scented plateaus of the south, pass the snow-dusted Alps and indulge in some vast forests. Walking holidays in France are difficult to plan for this reason – it’s a large landmass with so much to choose from, and the decision often splits travelers into two camps: those seeking a physical challenge and those looking for a cultural masterclass.
The call of the high Alps
Understandably for some, a walking holiday is all about testing our limits. It’s the burn in the calves and the thinning air as you ascend a natural wonder. The Alps are the undisputed kings of this kind of walking holiday. They’re stunning, but also well-connected. They can be both remote at times, yet safe with well-maintained routes.
Regardless of your fitness, the Alps are a big challenge. The French side has some great routes, and you can even do the Tour du Mont Blanc, a legendary circuit that goes through all three countries.
On routes like this, the scenery is everything and it’s worth bringing a good camera along. It’s all about the sunsets and glaciers, and getting a feel for the environment that other tourists only catch a glimpse of from the bus window.
A journey through time and taste
On the other end of the spectrum is a leisurely stroll through an ancient village – and France has numerous villages that are over 1000 years old. Swapping the mountains for the land can mean slower-paced walking routes through prehistoric streets where medieval wars took place. Agricultural traditions that shaped France’s economy and architecture that gives you a glimpse into the past can be indulged.
For this experience, the river valleys of the southwest are a great choice. Walking in the Dordogne, a route organized by Orbis Ways, is a bit like an open-air museum. The trails follow the contours of the land, which also dictated how these villages were built, meaning they’re paths that have been walked for centuries. You might get up at 7 am to take a picture of the 12th-century fortress in the golden hour, while the afternoon is dedicated to venturing into caves that house some of Europe’s oldest prehistoric art. The terrain is gentler. It’s often why it’s a preferred option for oldies, where vineyards are also in abundance. Here, you can indulge the finer things in life – especially the food.
Why you don’t actually have to choose
It is easy to categorize these trips as sport vs leisure, but the truth is more nuanced. High-altitude treks may be more sparse in artifacts, but you’re not removed from culture. Even on the wildest mountain paths had alpine communities with their own dialects and cheeses. You’ll see interesting architectural styles that are unique only to the mountains – they’re reflective of survival in the cold.
Likewise, a cultural walk through on flat ground doesn’t need to be a stroll – it’s your choice. While inside the villages you may be going slow to soak it all in, many of these routes have tough walks between the towns. Plus, you’ll still see a ton of forestry and coastline.
Ultimately, it’s a reminder that you get out what you put in. And, if you want the best of both, it may just be better to stick to a pre-made route that has reviews of meeting both criteria.
