Did you know the French have several words about ‘walking’, a popular pastime in the country? Let’s look closer at walking in France and the corresponding vocabulary.
Walking in France
Walking in France is a delightful journey that unveils the country’s rich tapestry of landscapes, history, and culture at a leisurely pace.
From the charming streets of Paris to the serene countryside of Provence, France offers a diverse range of walking experiences that cater to every taste.
Stroll through quaint villages adorned with cobblestone pathways, savour the aroma of freshly baked baguettes as you wander local markets, and explore the intricate architecture of centuries-old cathedrals.
Traverse picturesque vineyards and rolling hills, or embark on epic hikes in the majestic Alps.
Whether it’s the allure of historic pathways like the Route des Crêtes of the Vosges or the tranquil allure of coastal trails along the Mediterranean, walking in France is an intimate encounter with its landscapes and a chance to enjoy the simple pleasures that make this country so captivating.
In French, five words refer to walking:
La flânerie
‘Une flânerie’ is a word often used when walking in the shopping centre of a town when one has no clear destination. The verb ‘flâner’ is somewhat equivalent to ‘to stroll’ in English.
La balade
‘Une balade’ involves a walk with a specific direction but not much purpose. ‘Une balade’ is more informal and more familiar to use than ‘une promenade’. The corresponding verb is ‘balader’. ‘Une balade’ should not be confused with ‘une ballade’, meaning poetry.
La promenade
‘Une promenade’ implies a component of leisure and enjoyment and is used as a reflexive verb in French: ‘se promener’. ‘Une promenade’ is not exclusively limited to a walking activity: one can also say ‘une promenade en vélo, en voiture, en bateau’ (bike, car, boat).
La marche
More seriously, ‘une marche’ (a walk) or ‘une petite randonnée’ (a little hiking) are outings of a greater length along a planned route.
La randonnée
‘Une grande randonnée’ is the longest and most challenging walking activity, which takes hikers on a several-day journey through the countryside of France. The French use verbs such as ‘marcher’ or ‘randonner’ and ‘faire des randonnées’.
Walking in France: the most famous routes
The walking routes are rigorously marked in France and recorded on detailed maps such as those from I.G.N. (Institut Géographique National). It is estimated that there are more than 60,000 km of marked walking paths (chemins balisés) throughout France, which are often part of the Grandes Randonnées network (GR), in addition to former shepherds’ trails, drove tracks or pilgrimage routes (such as the St. James Way).
Walking through France is one of the best and most rewarding ways to discover the diversity of its landscapes, from the plains of Poitou to the snow-capped mountains of the Alps and from the jagged coastlines of Brittany and Côte d’Azur to the vine-covered hills of Alsace and Champagne.
France offers many scenic and captivating walking routes that cater to various preferences and fitness levels. Here are 12 of the best walking routes to explore:
GR20, Corsica
Known as one of Europe’s most demanding long-distance trails, GR20 offers challenging terrain and breathtaking vistas. It traverses Corsica from north to south, showcasing rugged mountains, lush forests, and stunning coastal views.
Camino de Santiago
The French Way, one of the routes to the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage site in Spain, starts in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France. It takes walkers through picturesque countryside, charming villages, and historical landmarks.
Tour du Mont Blanc
Circumnavigate the iconic Mont Blanc massif through France, Switzerland, and Italy on this famous trek. Enjoy alpine meadows, glacier views, and charming mountain hamlets.
Sentier des Douaniers, Brittany
Also known as the Customs Officer’s Path, this coastal trail offers stunning vistas of Brittany’s rugged coastline, dramatic cliffs, and charming fishing villages.
Provence: Luberon Villages
Explore the enchanting villages of the Luberon region, including Gordes and Roussillon. This route takes you through lavender fields, vineyards, and olive groves, offering a quintessential Provençal experience.
Alsace Wine Route
Wander through the vineyards and charming villages of Alsace while enjoying some of the best wines in France. The route combines natural beauty with cultural richness.
Dordogne Valley
Walk along the meandering Dordogne River, passing medieval castles, limestone cliffs, and charming towns. The trail offers a glimpse into France’s historical past and natural beauty.
Corsica Mare e Monti
This trail combines coastal and mountain landscapes, allowing you to experience the diverse beauty of Corsica. Enjoy panoramic views, lush forests, and the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean.
![Villages in France - Saint-Florent © Pierre Bona - licence [CC BY-SA 3.0] from Wikimedia Commons](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Saint-Florent-04-©-Pierre-Bona-licence-CC-BY-SA-3.0-from-Wikimedia-Commons-scaled.jpg)
Chemin des Bonshommes
Starting in southern France and ending in Spain, this historic trail follows the escape route used by the Cathars during the 13th century. It offers a blend of history and stunning landscapes.
Calanques National Park, Marseille
Explore the rugged coastline of the Calanques National Park, featuring rocky coves, turquoise waters, and Mediterranean flora. The park offers various walking paths with varying levels of difficulty.
Route des Crêtes des Vosges
Traverse the stunning Vosges Mountains along the Route des Crêtes, a panoramic road that offers breathtaking vistas of rolling hills, dense forests, and picturesque valleys. The walking route takes you through the heart of the Vosges Regional Nature Park, where you can enjoy invigorating hikes while soaking in panoramic views of the Alsace region and beyond.
Paris Promenade Plantée
Explore an urban oasis in the heart of Paris on the Promenade Plantée, also known as the Coulée Verte René-Dumont. This elevated linear park follows a disused railway line, offering a unique city perspective. Walk among lush gardens, arches, and viaducts, enjoying peaceful moments above the bustling streets below.
These walking routes in France provide an immersive way to experience the country’s diverse landscapes, rich history, and unique culture, making them perfect for travellers seeking adventure and exploration.
