Dreaming of far-flung, exotic treks without actually leaving France this summer? France is packed with routes to escape into and find yourself surrounded by nature! Beyond the well-known long-distance French trails like the GR20, you can also put together very original mini-treks lasting 3–4 days or up to a week. Here are a few suggestions of places and regions to explore for a free-roaming walk without crossing any borders!
Touring Lake Annecy via the summits
Here is a route along alpine balcony trails where your eyes will be treated to the jewel that is Lake Annecy, as well as magnificent summits rising above 4,000 metres to admire along the way.
You'll need the better part of a week to complete this trek starting from Annecy (and finishing at Menthon-Saint-Bernard, from where you can take a bus back to Annecy).
There are several variants of this lake tour, but the simplest is the following itinerary: Annecy – massif du Semnoz (refuge du Semnoz) – col de Leschaux – col du Solier – refuge du Roc des Boeufs – col de la Bornette – White Flat – refuge de la Combe – col de la Forclaz – Pré Vérel – summit of la Tournette – chalets d'Aulps – Lanfonnais – col de Bluffy – Menthon-Saint-Bernard.
This mini-trek is both demanding without being too technical, and well worth the effort — the region is stunningly beautiful while remaining very accessible.
Touring Mont Viso in the Queyras
Mont Viso, peaking at 3,841 metres, is one of the iconic summits on the Italian side of the Alps. Right on the border between France and Italy, it's possible to trace a highly enjoyable loop around it in approximately 6 days. You'll discover magnificent mineral landscapes and sublime lakes that will light up your journey! What's more, numerous trails allow for plenty of variants and options in this region, which lends itself beautifully to travel on foot.
A great route option is to start from l'Echalp and circle Mont Viso, passing successively through the refuges of Jervis, Granero, le Viso, Quintino Sella, Valente and finally Agnel. There are a multitude of refuges along the way, allowing you to complete this circuit by adapting the stages to your level or your desire to spend more time in the region.
The tour of the chaîne des Fiz
This chain of beautiful summits sits just a few kilometres from the Mont-White massif. You'll have the chance to discover stunning aiguilles and the désert de Platé — a magnificent, isolated and little-visited spot.
For a 3 or 4-day loop, you can start from Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, then head to the refuge de la Sales, the col de Portette, the refuge de Platé, make your way to the tête de Lindars, explore the beautiful chimneys of Monthieu, and finally stop at the refuge de Varan before heading up to the Tête Pelouse. There are of course options for longer routes too, but this itinerary will give you a great feel for the still-undiscovered chaîne des Fiz.
The Grandes Rousses massif
From Chamrousse, exploring the Grandes Rousses is a genuine hiker's treat, with lush green plateaus and some spectacular passages. This mini-trek of around 6 to 7 days is mainly based on the GR 549, but numerous variants are possible.
One possible route could be: Chamrousse – refuge Jean Collet – lacs Robert, via the col de la Pra – Rivier d'Allemond – Les Roncières via the col de la Mine de Fer – Pas de la Coche – gîtes de Pourchery or de l'Enversin-d'Oz – refuge de la Fare (2,300 m) via the plan du Cerf and lac Carrelet – lac du Milieu – La Grave.
There are plenty of options in this massif, and whatever route you choose, you're guaranteed a week that's both physically rewarding and full of wonder!
The tour of Pic Carlit
Pic Carlit is the highest point in the Pyrénées-Orientales and offers nearby trails that let you explore the region over 4 days.
To do this, you can start from Latour-de-Carol and pass by the refuge and the lac des Bouillouses. You can also push on to the refuges of Camporelle or des Bésines. The ascent of Carlit is of course a must for one day during your itinerary: the views are absolutely breathtaking. What's more, the region guarantees good sunshine in summer, with nearby beaches to relax on after several days of walking!
Exploring Mont Lozère!
Mont Lozère, rising to 1,699 metres, towers over the Grands Causses and Cévennes region. Halfway between landscapes worthy of the Massif Central and early hints of the Mediterranean south, it offers a fantastic playground for hikers with a hunger for wide open spaces!
To explore it over approximately 4 days, you can set off from Florac and follow the route that runs from the signal des Laubies to the pic de Cassini, passing through the col de Finiels, which sits alongside the summit of Mont Lozère. The weather can be unpredictable in the region, so pack your clothing accordingly. That said, in summer, this should be a bucolic route through small hamlets, granite boulders and high-altitude pastures.
Whatever your destination, this summer offers the chance to escape and find wild corners of France to walk through for several days. The key is to train properly beforehand and kit yourself out appropriately for the region you're visiting. Hiking clothing is an essential component of your comfort and enjoyment on a trek, whether short or long! Check out our collections of women's hiking shirts and men's hiking shirts.
