Our self-guided walking holidays in France let you travel at your own pace. Plan the day around your own personal agenda, choose when and where to stop for lunch, then set off again whenever you're ready. Whether you want to explore the beautiful Basque countryside or venture along the famous trails of Mont Blanc, it's completely up to you.
Discover the picturesque landscapes of France on our hotel-to-hotel walking holidays or single-centre self-guided tours. Receive comprehensive route notes and detailed maps so you always know where you're going, no matter where you are. For the days you're not walking, take advantage of our regional guides to seek out information on the local area, so you can enjoy a spot of sightseeing... or just spend the day lounging by the pool!
Each of our self-guided walking tours can cater to all abilities. Many people bring children on our easier independent walking holidays and, of course, you can always carry infants in a papoose. Families staying in one place can have more choice over routes and how strenuous or easy-going you want your days to be. Alternatively, you can view our guided walking holidays if you'd like a little more direction.
Begin planning your exciting independent walking tour by browsing our list of holidays below. You'll find plenty of information on the location you'd like to visit, including dates, prices and itineraries.
Read more▼
Journey from the peaks of the Pyrenees to the shores of the Atlantic encountering the charm of the Basque countryside with every step.
DEPARTURE MONTHS
Facing the sea with feet in the sand, take a breath and experience the authentic Normandy with historical places including D-Day landing beaches, the generous cuisine, orchards and half-timbered houses.
DEPARTURE MONTHS
This gentle walking trip is a fabulous introduction to the Loire Valley. Your route will lead you from a chateau to another including the most famous ones such as Blois, Chambord, Cheverny, Chenonceau and Amboise. Warm, friendly hotels and great regional cuisine.
DEPARTURE MONTHS
From Bastia to Calvi, discover the north coast with stunning landscapes, paradise beaches, heritage and rich tradition.
DEPARTURE MONTHS
A walk on the Brittany coastline from St Malo to the World Wonder Mont St Michel. Walk the famous custom's path and enjoy bird watching and exceptional views. This path offers anyone who walks it a large breath of fresh ocean air and stunning sea views.
DEPARTURE MONTHS
Varied walking in the glorious Luberon National Park - inspiration for generations of poets, painters and writers. Wander through vineyards and olive groves to perched medieval villages and stay in delightful hotels, full of character along the way.
DEPARTURE MONTHS
This walking holiday explores the limestone cliffs, wooded valleys and beautiful medieval villages that are so unique to France's Dordogne region. World famous prehistoric sites and fine local wines add a further dimension to a stay here.
DEPARTURE MONTHS
explore and taste every day what is hidden behind the bubbles that help us toast good news. Pop the cork and let the bubbles speak for themselves.
DEPARTURE MONTHS
This short break features the famous trails of Mont Blanc where we’ve selected some of the most beautiful sections around this iconic mountain. You’ll be based in the bustling adventure hub of Chamonix, surrounded by mountaineers with an exciting atmosphere.
DEPARTURE MONTHS
This gentle hotel-to-hotel short break walking holiday is a fabulous introduction to the Loire Valley. Your route will lead you from a chateau to another including the most famous ones such as Blois, Chambord, Cheverny, Chenonceau and Amboise. Warm, friendly hotels and great regional cuisine.
DEPARTURE MONTHS
During a short break, discover some of the most beautiful villages in France; Colmar, Kaysersberg and Riquewihr, with their brightly-coloured, half-timbered buildings decked with window boxes spilling with geraniums and traditional ornamental features.
DEPARTURE MONTHS
In Burgundy, enjoying a good meal is more than a tradition this is the culture! Savour Burgundy's 'Art de Vivre' through its great vineyards and the numerous gourmet products that you will taste along your route. Get your taste buds ready to be delighted.
DEPARTURE MONTHS
explore and taste every day what is hidden behind the bubbles that help us toast good news. Pop the cork and let the bubbles speak for themselves.
DEPARTURE MONTHS
Facing the sea with feet in the sand, take a breath and experience the authentic Normandy with historical places including D-Day landing beaches, the generous cuisine, orchards and half-timbered houses.
DEPARTURE MONTHS
This short break features the famous trails of Mont Blanc where we’ve selected some of the most beautiful sections around this iconic mountain. You’ll be based in the bustling adventure hub of Chamonix, surrounded by mountaineers with an exciting atmosphere.
DEPARTURE MONTHS
Walk at your own pace and let your feet guide you on a journey that combines lush countryside views and delectable tastings.
DEPARTURE MONTHS
Discover some of the most beautiful villages in France; Colmar, Kaysersberg and Riquewihr, with their brightly-coloured, half-timbered buildings decked with window boxes spilling with geraniums and traditional ornamental features.
DEPARTURE MONTHS
In Burgundy, enjoying a good meal is more than a tradition this is the culture! Savour Burgundy's 'Art de Vivre' through its great vineyards and the numerous local products that you will taste along your route. Get your taste buds ready to be delighted.
DEPARTURE MONTHS
All the top highlights of the High Pyrenees - turquoise lakes, innumerable waterfalls, and the UNESCO Site of the Cirque du Gavarnie. Great walking on ancient footpaths, regional cuisine, and an unforgettable visit at the Summit Observatory of the Pic du Midi.
DEPARTURE MONTHS
An immersive adventure along the famous trails of Mont Blanc, we’ve selected the most outstanding sections around this iconic mountain. You’ll stay in the bustling adventure hub of Chamonix before crossing the Italian border into the classic resort of Courmayeur.
DEPARTURE MONTHS
An immersive adventure along the famous trails of Mont Blanc, we’ve selected the most outstanding sections around this iconic mountain. These historic paths offer dramatic panorama, deep mountain lakes, and spectacular snow-capped summits. You’ll stay in the bustling adventure hub of Chamonix before crossing the Italian border into the classic resort of Courmayeur.
DEPARTURE MONTHS
Combine three of our exciting holidays to experience the ultimate activity holiday in the Dordogne. Two days of safe, leisurely canoeing with a choice of easy walking or cycling on the other days.
DEPARTURE MONTHS
Overall customer rating, based on 124 reviews
Our hotel-to-hotel walking holidays allow you to discover your chosen holiday region at your own pace. Each holiday is graded depending on your experience and fitness levels. Here, you'll move between hotels every two days while the local Headwater team transport your bags, so you won't need to worry about carrying your luggage with you.
Our single-centre holidays mean you'll be spending your evenings in one base hotel for the duration of the trip. That way, you can settle in and make yourself at home. You'll be provided with a list of walking routes to follow but you're completely free to walk as and when you wish. This holiday is particularly ideal for those who prefer a less active break.
France is the perfect place for you to take the reins on a self-guided walking holiday. There are so many places to explore, from coastal towns and medieval villages to iconic mountain ranges and quiet countryside.
Venturing on foot allows you to choose the pace you move. Whether you want to challenge yourself or soak in the atmosphere, you're free to select the walking route that best suits you. When you're ready to settle down at your hotel for the night, your luggage will be ready and waiting for you.
The weather is usually warm and pleasant in France so it's important to dress for the conditions. Make sure to wear comfortable, breathable clothing and sturdy walking boots, as you'll be spending a lot of time on your feet! If the weather is particularly hot and sunny, don't forget to wear sunglasses, a hat and plenty of high-SPF sunblock.
However, if you're heading to a cooler part of the country, it's important to be prepared for all circumstances. Thermal layers plus waterproof trousers and jacket will keep you warm and dry while on the move.
We have a large selection of self-guided walking tours in France that operate throughout the year. If you're planning on exploring the rural French countryside, make the most of the warmer climate and depart between the spring and summer months. That way, you can wander through the lush meadows, admire the rolling hills and enjoy wine-tasting in the sunshine.
Alternatively, if you're taking on the country's mountainous regions, we advise travelling in late summer (July to September). This is so you can avoid the harsh weather conditions that these areas usually experience throughout winter.
There are so many stunning areas of France that will truly take your breath away. Mont Blanc boasts enchanting views with its snow-capped summit and mirrored lakes.Step into a real-life fairy tale when you visit the Loire, with its mesmerising chateaux and unspoilt landscapes, or head to the paradise beaches of Corsica and immerse yourself among the idyllic shorelines and azure waters.
Our self-guided walking holidays in France typically last between four and eight nights. This is to ensure you get the most out of your holiday and have time to explore your surroundings and enjoy the carefully crafted itinerary that our local experts have put together. They're all designed so that you also have enough time to relax in the excellent accommodation provided.
With nearly 40 years' experience in the travel industry, you can count on us to make sure your walking holiday is an unforgettable one. We cater to leisurely strollers and adventure-seekers alike, so here's why you should book your next holiday with Headwater: