Day hikes, Organised Trips or Freedom with a Tent

FREEDOM WITH A TENT

One option is to book a flight, pack your tent and go. If you know what you’re doing, this can be a liberating experience. You will need to get the correct maps and the right equipment and supplies, but this is really the ultimate in walking holidays.

FREEDOM WITH COMFORT

You could book a flight and perhaps accommodation or a camp site, in an area which you fancy exploring. Then you can plan your walks and routes to your own timetable, perhaps only hiking for a day here and there during your holiday. The local tourist office and regional large scale maps (bright blue) will have information on enough local walks to keep you busy for months.

BOOK YOUR OWN

Many of the walking holidays available in France are run by individuals, who will accommodate you in their home with B&B, or in a gîte on their land. They will plan your walking routes, and sometimes help with transporting luggage. With this type of holiday you will get a really personal service, but will be responsible for booking your own flight or getting there by car.

LET SOMEONE ELSE BOOK IT FOR YOU

Finally, you can simply book a holiday with all the elements in place. If you like the sound of the routes and the accommodation that go with a particular holiday, then it is very simple and straightforward to just book a walking holiday, and your tour operator will book your transport there, too. Some people feel more secure booking like this, because there is someone answerable in case of problems, but as long as you have adequate travel insurance, this shouldn’t be an issue.

GUIDED OR SELF-GUIDED

If you opt for having your walks guided, you will benefit from local knowledge and insights from your guide along the way, as well as the responsibility of navigation being taken off your shoulders. With companies offering self-guided walks, they will provide you with a route, possibly meeting up with you at certain pre-arranged points along the way.

See our top hiking destinations in France