France is where Headwater Holidays began. We have over 30 years' experience of taking travellers on exceptional guided walking holidays in France, discovering world-class wines, friendly hotels, beautiful scenery and delicious cuisine. Whether you want to explore the stunning Alpine Mountain trails or the picturesque Riviera, we're sure that we'll have guided hikes in France to suit you.
If you want to discover the true character of France, guided walking tours are a great way to do it. They allow you to explore all the hidden gems that you wouldn't be able to experience any other way. Wander through picturesque streets in the village of Sainte-Agnes to uncover spectacular views of the Mediterranean, or hike the Mont Blanc circuit to witness the dramatic scenery in all its glory.
Whichever you choose, all our guided walking tours in France are led by an experienced and passionate guide who will share their specialist knowledge with you, so that you really get to know the area. Take a look at our France walking trips below to get started on your next adventure.
Guided group walking
7 nights,
single centre
Level: 3
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Where appropriate, we grade our holidays based on distance, terrain, elevation gain, remoteness, etc and categorise them into 4 relative groups. This is ultimately subjective and may vary slightly day to day; for more advice, please see the specific trip page or call one of our friendly team.
No matter the destination, there are several things every traveller should make sure they have with them before embarking on a walking holiday.{BREAK}Make sure you are well prepared with a rucksack filled with plenty of snacks and water to keep you hydrated, as you may be out walking for extended periods on some excursions.{BREAK}Whatever the climate and conditions, a good pair of sturdy walking boots or shoes is a must. It's also handy to make sure you have things like plasters and a first-aid kit too, just in case!{BREAK}You may also find it beneficial to bring along trekking poles, which can offer additional support for people who may have issues with their knees or joints.
As the climate and conditions you will encounter can vary drastically depending on where and when you embark on your walking tour in France, it's important to pack clothing to suit.{BREAK}If you are planning on travelling to parts of France which enjoy milder conditions for most of the year, with temperatures increasing during the summer months, then packing lighter items of clothing would be best. It's also a good idea to bring a light jacket for any wet weather you may encounter, or for cooler evening temperatures.{BREAK}However, if you are embarking on a trip that will mean you could face harsher weather conditions, then you'll want to be well prepared. Waterproof trousers and jackets, fleeced layers and thick socks would all come in very handy for treks in regions such as the Alps.
At Headwater, we offer guided walking holidays in France throughout the year. The months available vary slightly depending on which tour you decide to go on.{BREAK}If you are embarking on a walking tour to the south of France, we advise travellers to make the most of the Mediterranean climate, so late spring and late summer are great options to book one of our walking holidays. This means you will avoid the peak summer temperatures which could result in you feeling uncomfortable on days spent hiking.{BREAK}For walking holiday destinations in France that will take you into mountainous regions, we recommend that you travel between May and October, which you can do with our Mont Blanc Highlights tour. This means you will avoid the harsher weather conditions typical of this area during the winter months.
You are absolutely spoiled for choice when it comes to finding beautiful areas of France to explore. From sandy beaches and luscious green gardens in the Cote d'Azur to dramatic rugged mountain peaks and the crystal clear waters of Lake Blanc de Chamonix, there is no end to the wonderous natural beauty you can experience on a walking holiday in France.
To make sure you get the most out of your time in France, our guided walking tours typically give you seven nights to spend on your holiday.This means you have ample time to explore your surroundings while you enjoy the carefully planned excursions, while also having time to sit back and relax in the wonderful accommodation we have provided, should you so choose.
With our years of experience in the travel industry, we can hand-pick the best accommodation that we know you'll love. Whether it's delightfully quaint alpine chalets complete with bubbling hot tubs or luxurious hotels just a stone's throw from the Mediterranean Sea, you'll always enjoy the same warm hospitality and fantastic traditional cuisine.