Walking in France (Doller Valley in the Vosges) © François Guernier – French Moments
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Walking in France: a bit of vocabulary

Last Updated: 22 August 2023

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.

Hamlet of Pra-Spa, Granier © French Moments
Our walk in the French Alps © French Moments

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’.

Mont Saint-Jacques, La Plagne in Autumn © French Moments
At the top of Mont Saint-Jacques with a view of Mont Blanc © French Moments

 

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.

Brittany Unveiled: Anse du Verger, Cancale © French Moments
Sentier des Douaniers in Brittany (near Cancale) © French Moments

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.

Mountains of Corsica © Olivier Risnes
Mountains of Corsica © Olivier Risnes

 

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.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc © French Moments
Mont-Blanc seen from the town-centre of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc © French Moments

 

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.

Brittany Unveiled: Pointe du Grouin © French Moments
Brittany Unveiled: Pointe du Grouin © French Moments

 

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.

General view of Gordes © French Moments
General view of Gordes © French Moments

 

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.

Tour of Alsace - Hunawihr © French Moments
Hunawihr © French Moments

 

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.

Rivers in France: the Dordogne River at Beynac © French Moments
The view of the Dordogne River from the castle of Beynac © French Moments

 

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
The Corsican village of Saint-Florent © Pierre Bona – licence [CC BY-SA 3.0] from Wikimedia Commons

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.

Cassis 09 © Olivier Risnes
Calanque of Port-Miou © Olivier Risnes

 

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.

Tour of Alsace - Route des Crêtes © French Moments
Route des Crêtes © French Moments

 

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.

Coulée Verte René-Dumont 11 © French Moments
Roses on the Coulée Verte René-Dumont © French Moments

 

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.

Gems of Paris by French Moments
About the author

Pierre is a French/Australian who is passionate about France and its culture. He grew up in France and Germany and has also lived in Australia and England. He has a background teaching French, Economics and Current Affairs, and holds a Master of Translating and Interpreting English-French with the degree of Master of International Relations, and a degree of Economics and Management. Pierre is the author of Discovery Courses and books about France.

Like it? Leave a comment!

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}

Transparency: Some blog posts and pages may contain affiliate or sponsored links. If you are planning a trip, the use of these links helps us to run the site. There is no additional cost to you. All you have to do is click on the link and any booking you make is automatically tracked. Thank you for your support!

Escape to France with every email! Get insider insights, travel guides, cultural gems delivered and exclusive offers to your inbox twice a week. Your journey to Paris and France begins when you sign up!

SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER AND GET THE FREE EBOOK

20 OFFBEAT PLACES IN PARIS

Ebook 20 amazing offbeat places in Paris front cover