This year, your mind is made up: you’re going to find time to hike. Here are some hiking trail suggestions to feast your eyes on spectacular French landscapes.
Cover photo: Joel & Jasmin Førestbird
#1: A canyon hiking trail
Destination: The Gorges du Verdon (Provence)
Number of kilometres: About 14 kilometres (return trip)
Time to complete the hike: 4 to 5 hours
Highlights: There’s no end to the phenomenal views. On the trail, you’ll marvel at the many lookout points, such as Point Sublime, the Martel trail and the Mescla scenic viewpoint. Remember to bring your swimsuit so you can stop to take a dip in the turquoise water.
#2: An ocean hiking trail
Destination: The Sentier des Douaniers (Brittany)
Number of kilometres: About 12 kilometres (one-way)
Time to complete the hike: 3 to 4 hours
Highlights: This is one of the most iconic trails on the Brittany coast. On the programme: panoramas of the Atlantic Ocean, cliffs as far as the eye can see, beaches that rival those of Corsica, and incredibly charming fishermen’s villages.
#3: A mountain hiking trail
Destination: The Tour du Mont-Blanc (Alps)
Number of kilometres: About 170 kilometres (loop)
Time to complete the hike: 7 to 10 days
Highlights: This trail is not for Sunday hikers: it’s a real trek. During your journey, you’ll walk through no less than three countries (France, Italy and Switzerland) and discover countless breathtaking landscapes (stupendous mountain passes, lush valleys, picturesque villages, Alpine lakes and high-altitude glaciers).
#4: A seaside hiking trail
Destination: The Sentier du Littoral, between Six-Fours and Hyères (Provence)
Number of kilometres: About 12 kilometres (one-way)
Time to complete the hike: 3 to 4 hours
Highlights: This might not be the shortest path, but there are so many wonderful places to stop on the way. A dip in the clear water at the Bonnegrâce beach, a picnic on the Presqu’île de Giens or dinner at the port of Toulon. And if you feel like exploring a little further, hop on a boat in Hyères and sail to the Port-Cros National Park.
Reminder:
Before heading out, don’t forget to put a hat (like our unisex JOYBIRD bucket hat), a refillable bottle full of cold water and sunscreen in your backpack.
AMV Journal is a space dedicated to encounters, discovery and travel. Every week, explore the musts, portraits and inspirations of American Vintage and its creation studio.