Why not embrace "green" tourism in France and discover the French natural heritage? And if, on top of that, an encounter with the winged world is possible — no matter where you are — don't pass it up! Look up at the sky, but also all around you. Unexpected scenes will unfold before you (a raptor hunting, birds mating…). That's why we have selected a few locations across different French regions where wonderful hiking with birdwatching await you. Let yourself be guided!
France is full of magnificent places to explore on a hike. Nature offers us stunning landscapes to take in, as well as the chance to discover birds. We have highlighted sites with diverse scenery across different regions. Hiking with birdwatching is a great way to walk with family or friends, combining two passions around a shared goal. Keep your eyes wide open and savour unique moments with our feathered friends! Whether you're an expert at identifying birds or a complete beginner, you won't regret it!
Ouessant Island
This island is located in Brittany, between the English Channel and the Atlantic, surrounded by numerous islets and edged with deeply indented cliffs. The island of Ouessant is a truly wild island at the edge of the world. Several hikes are possible, allowing you to explore the entire island. It is an exceptional site for birdwatching hikes during migration. Whatever the season, you will make wonderful sightings — such as the Northern gannet (in winter and spring) or the razorbill (in spring) — and many more. Plenty of wonderful surprises await!
The Hohneck Massif
Prestigious nature and majestic landscapes are the defining features of this massif, located in the heart of the Vosges and at the centre of the Grande Crête. You will appreciate the diversity of its natural habitats: waterfalls, valleys, lakes, glacial cirques… Chamois are commonly and easily spotted. Such varied habitats support a wide range of bird species. So, during your hikes, look out for the skylark, the alpine swift or the various tit species. You may even be lucky enough to spot a peregrine falcon! Thanks to the diversity of species, every season is rewarding here.The Aveyron Gorges
This spot is synonymous with outdoor activities in Tarn-et-Garonne. Set off to explore 12 km of limestone gorges with immense walls. Starting from Saint-Antonin, for example, trails of varying difficulty are available, ranging from a gentle family walk to a demanding sporting route. The rich habitats and diverse flora shelter a variety of bird species: tits, raptors such as the peregrine falcon, and the black kite. What a magnificent sight to watch these birds soaring overhead and occasionally hunting! The higher you climb, the more the species change — with, for example, the majestic colonies of rock swallows. Don't hesitate any longer!
La Hague: from the Nez de Jobourg nature reserve to Cap de la Hague
Head to Normandy, and more specifically to the Manche département, in the oldest geological zone of the Cotentin peninsula. You will be awestruck by the high cliffs and sheer drops of several dozen metres. This site combines stunning viewpoints with caves at the foot of the cliffs. You can follow the Sentier des Douaniers, an 80 km walking trail steeped in smuggling history, once used by customs officers. The Nez de Jobourg is classified as an ornithological reserve. Hiking with birdwatching is very much on the agenda here. Seabirds nest in the cliffs — watch out for European shags and herring gulls, as well as migratory seabirds such as the Northern gannet and terns. A place where history and nature come together!Bonifacio and its plateau
The town of Bonifacio is built on a limestone cliff overlooking the sea, facing Sardinia. Here you can encounter the most Mediterranean species of Corsica's birdlife. In the heart of the town, you can spot the spotless starling — a close relative of our common starling. Taking a staircase down to the seafront, you'll find yourself on the Îlot du grain de sable, where a colony of Scopoli's shearwaters will honour you with their evening song. Follow the path and open your ears… The rasping call of warblers will be heard in spring, while pale swifts and alpine swifts skim the cliffs with their piercing cries.The Tarn Gorges
For lovers of birds of prey, this is the place for you! The Grands Causses and the Gorges du Tarn represent a region of outstanding character, with deeply impressive canyons and towering cliffs. The flora is exceptionally rich, but this area is also remarkable for its year-round presence of large raptors — in particular griffon vultures, monk vultures, and the famous golden eagle. The Egyptian vulture can be spotted in spring. During your hike, rock swallows will treat you to majestic aerial displays. This site combines a wealth of varied hiking routes that take you past numerous viewpoints for observing raptors and other birds.
France is full of magnificent places to explore on a hike. Nature offers us stunning landscapes to take in, as well as the chance to discover birds. We have highlighted sites with diverse scenery across different regions. Hiking with birdwatching is a great way to walk with family or friends, combining two passions around a shared goal. Keep your eyes wide open and savour unique moments with our feathered friends! Whether you're an expert at identifying birds or a complete beginner, you won't regret it!
