Dreaming of far-flung, exotic treks but not planning to leave the country this summer? France is packed with routes for getting away from it all and immersing yourself in nature. Beyond the well-known long-distance trails like the GR20, you can also put together highly original mini-treks lasting anywhere from 3–4 days to a full week. Here are a few suggestions for destinations and regions to explore on foot without crossing a border!
Hiking around Lake Annecy via the summits
Here is an itinerary along high alpine balconies where you'll be treated to the jewel that is Lake Annecy alongside magnificent summits rising above 4,000 metres.
You'll need about a week for this trek, starting from Annecy (and finishing at Menthon-Saint-Bernard, where you can catch a bus back to Annecy).
There are several variants of this circuit around the lake, but the simplest is: Annecy – Semnoz massif (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 demanding without being overly technical, and it's well worth the effort: the region is strikingly beautiful and yet remains very accessible.
Hiking around Mont Viso in the Queyras
Mont Viso, standing at 3,841 metres, is one of the iconic peaks on the Italian side of the Alps. Straddling the border between France and Italy, you can trace a superb loop around it in around 6 days. You'll discover magnificent mineral landscapes and stunning lakes that bring the route to life! What's more, the wealth of trails in the region offers plenty of variants and options, making it ideal for multi-day walking trips.
One possible route is to start from l'Echalp and circuit the Viso, passing successively through the refuges de Jervis, Granero, le Viso, Quintino Sella, Valente, and finally Agnel. There are numerous refuges along the way, allowing you to adapt the stages to your ability or your desire to spend more time in the region.
The Fiz mountain range circuit
This chain of fine peaks sits just a few kilometres from the Mont White massif. You'll have the chance to explore beautiful rock spires and the Platé desert — a magnificent, isolated and rarely 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, set your sights on the tête de Lindars, explore the beautiful chimneys of Monthieu, and finally stop at the refuge de Varan before heading to the Tête Pelouse. There are of course options for longer routes too, but this itinerary alone will give you a great taste of the still little-known Fiz range.
The Grandes Rousses massif
From Chamrousse, exploring the Grandes Rousses is a real treat for walkers, with lush green plateaux and some spectacular passages. This mini-trek of around 6 to 7 days is primarily based on the GR 549, but numerous variants are possible.
One possible itinerary is: 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 the lac Carrelet – lac du Milieu – La Grave.
There are countless possibilities in this massif, and whatever itinerary you choose, you're guaranteed a week of great sport and genuine wonder!
The Pic Carlit circuit
Pic Carlit is the highest peak in the Pyrénées-Orientales and is surrounded by trails that let you explore the region over 4 days.
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 de Camporelle or des Bésines. Summiting the Carlit is of course a must for one of the days on your itinerary: the views from the top are absolutely stunning. On top of that, the region enjoys excellent sunshine in summer and has beaches nearby for unwinding after several days on the trail!
Exploring Mont Lozère!
Mont Lozère, rising to 1,699 metres, towers over the Grands Causses and Cévennes region. Sitting midway between Massif Central landscapes and the first hints of the Mediterranean south, it offers a superb playground for walkers with a taste for wide open spaces!
To explore it over around 4 days, you can set off from Florac and follow the route from the signal des Laubies to the pic de Cassini, passing through the col de Finiels, which sits right next to the summit of Mont Lozère. The weather can be unpredictable in the region, so pack accordingly. That said, in summer this should be a bucolic route through small hamlets, granite boulders and high-altitude pastures.
Whatever your destination, there are opportunities this summer to escape and find wild corners of France for multi-day walking. The key is to train properly beforehand and to kit yourself out appropriately for the region you're visiting. hiking clothing is an essential part 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.
