Walks

A short walk taking you up Mont Peyreguille, where the mobile phone mast is located, from the hamlet of Le Coural, situated a few kilometres above Avène. The walk offers views of mid-mountain landscapes; the first section is fairly shaded by the forest canopy.

Please note that the circular route starting from (5) is closed to traffic from 1 December to 30 June, to ensure the animals’ peace and quiet. It is essential to comply with this ban. A pleasant walk which, in addition to the scenery of the Hautes Vosges, allows you to discover the fifth highest peak in the Vosges. The route passes through magnificent beech forests in places, and the stop at two farmhouse inns is a definite highlight.

There are numerous lakes in the Vosges mountains. These include Lac des Perches, as well as the Grand and Petit Neuweiher. This walk takes you to these lakes and on to the Roche de l’Enfer. There are numerous viewpoints, particularly along the first section. It is a technical and challenging hike, but absolutely stunning. When there is water, the 70-metre Gazon Vert waterfall puts on a spectacular show. Among the viewpoints along the route are those at Tête du Rouge Gazon, Gazon Vert, Roche de l’Enfer, as well as two overlooking the Petit and Grand Neuweiher.

Starting from Karpacz in Lower Silesia, this long mountain hike leads to Śnieżka, the highest peak in the Sudetes, on the border between Poland and the Czech Republic. You’ll first climb through the wild Sowia Dolina valley, passing over footbridges and past the Kaskada Joanna waterfall, before reaching the long ridge of the Karkonosze Mountains and following its peaks all the way to Śnieżka. The descent runs alongside the Kocioł Małego Stawu glacial cirque and its lake nestled beneath the rock faces, then heads down through the forest towards Karpacz, in the heart of the Karkonosze National Park. Please note that the high ridge remains snow-covered and windswept for much of the year.

This route allows you to easily walk there and back between the Tamarone Beach car park and the Santa Maria Tower. This walk is suitable for families. There are no difficult sections along the route.

This walk avoids too much elevation gain and takes you back along the lake via a short, technical path that at times resembles the customs officers’ path. There are deckchairs halfway along the route, offering a lovely view and a well-deserved rest.This walk is best done in summer as the pass is closed in winter.

A quick family walk offering magnificent views of the chasm. This route is easy and provides quick access to the chasm. The path goes round the chasm and another one (with steps) even allows you to climb down into it.

This route, which crosses the GR®20, takes you to the intriguing and fascinating Abri Southwell, in the heart of Corsica. You can complete the round trip in 45 minutes. It’s a fairly easy to moderate walk in the shade, ideal for a family outing.

A metropolis in Lower Silesia nestled amongst the many branches of the Odra, Wrocław ranks among Poland’s most beautiful cities, with its bridges, islands and hundreds of bronze dwarves hidden on street corners. This stroll takes you from one end of the city to the other, taking in its most iconic sights. You’ll set off in search of the little musician dwarves, cross the vast Rynek lined with colourful patrician houses, stroll along the banks of the Odra opposite the cathedral’s spires, then head for Cathedral Island and its cobbled alleyways. The walk then heads towards the regenerated Nadodrze district and its painted courtyards, crossing a string of islands and bridges as it follows the river, before ending in front of a striking locomotive towering skywards. A wonderful way to discover Wrocław on foot, combining medieval heritage and urban art.

On the edge of eastern Poland, the Narew National Park protects a wild river that branches into a multitude of intertwining channels, nicknamed the ‘Amazon of Podlasie’. From the village of Waniewo, the famous kładka – a long wooden footbridge – winds its way through the reed beds and marshes. The walkway is interspersed with waterways which you cross yourself on small floating rafts, hauling yourself along a chain from one bank to the other. Further on, a watchtower stands on the hilltop of the former fortified castle that once guarded the river crossing.

In the heart of Biebrza National Park, Poland’s largest, this circular forest trail circles Fort IV of the Osowiec fortress. Built by the Russian army to block access to the Biebrza Marshes, the stronghold was largely blown up by its garrison during the Great War. Fort IV, the most recent of the four structures and one of the first to be cast entirely in concrete, lies in ruins, overgrown with moss in the middle of a sparse pine forest: gutted barracks, a vaulted powder magazine, small blockhouses and earthen ramparts bordering a moat, overlooked by an observation platform.

In the heart of Dzūkija National Park, the largest in Lithuania, this nature trail is a circular route that circles the village of Marcinkonys and its surroundings through a vast pine forest. The circular route begins with a string of ponds lined with wooden houses, then winds its way through the pines to a viewing point overlooking the meandering Grūda River. It then reaches the village and its remarkable wooden church with two towers, before crossing a sand dune situated right in the middle of the forest. The return journey takes you through a landscape of peat bogs and streams, bringing you close to unspoilt wilderness and the rich heritage of the region’s ethnographic villages.

Situated on the banks of the River Narew, on the edge of Podlasie, Tykocin is regarded as one of Poland’s most beautiful small Baroque towns and was for a long time a major centre of Jewish life in the country. This easy circular walk first follows the ‘bulwary’ promenade along the river, opposite the old metal bridge and its willow-lined banks. It then heads into the heart of the town, from the Great Synagogue to the vast square where the statue of Hetman Czarniecki and the Baroque Church of the Holy Trinity stand, before meandering through the cobbled streets lined with traditional wooden houses.

On the shores of Lake Galvė, west of Vilnius, this circular route takes you around one of Lithuania’s most iconic sites: Trakai Island Castle, a red-brick Gothic fortress set on the water and connected to the mainland by long wooden footbridges. The route first heads up Karaimų Street, the historic heart of the Karaite community with its traditional wooden houses, before reaching the castle island and then a viewpoint offering a full view of the castle rising above the lake, before returning along the lakeshore. An easy stroll, combining heritage and water, ideal for a half-day in Trakai.

In Pärnu County, in south-western Estonia, this nature trail winds its way along a boardwalk through one of the country’s most unique landscapes. It first climbs a pine-covered sand dune – one of the highest in the country – where a tall wooden tower offers sweeping views over the Tolkuse bog and its mosaic of pools. The circular route then heads into the heart of the marsh, to a viewing platform situated on the edge of the largest pool, before returning through a damp birch forest.

On Estonia’s west coast, Haapsalu’s wooden houses and promenades stretch along the edge of a shallow bay; this former seaside resort was once prized for its therapeutic mud. This circular walk takes in the main sights. You’ll first reach the medieval bishop’s castle and its cathedral, then head to the seafront and its wooden viewing platforms overlooking the bay. You then walk along vast coastal meadows where, in spring, huge flocks of migratory geese gather, before skirting the bay along its tranquil shores, from where the picture-postcard view of the castle rising above the water comes into view. The return journey takes you past the historic railway station and its railway museum, renowned for its very long covered wooden platform. An ideal getaway combining heritage, the seaside and birdwatching.

Set on a high terrace overlooking the Pajauta Valley and the River Neris, in the heart of Lithuania, this route takes you around one of the country’s most iconic archaeological sites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kernavė was one of the first Lithuanian towns and a medieval capital of the Grand Duchy, which no longer exists. All that remains of the ancient city are five fortified hills – large, grassy mounds with flat summits, separated by deep ravines and linked by wooden stairways. The trail then descends into the Pajauta Valley, follows a reconstructed log road and passes through a medieval timber-framed village, before returning via the heights overlooking the meandering Neris.

This short walk takes us easily to a shepherd’s hut. Left unoccupied during the off-season, it’s a lovely spot for a picnic break. The setting is idyllic. Take care during the summer months and follow the advice given to respect the herds and the Patou dogs.

Climb Ursuya via the easiest route. A circular loop at the summit will save you from having to descend the final steep climb, which is quite strenuous. Firstly, as you climb, you can admire the coastline and the wooded countryside of the Basque Country, as well as the plains of the Landes. Further on, you’ll see some typical thatched cottages and the surrounding secondary peaks. At the summit, there’s a magnificent view of the Baigura and all the peaks of the Basque Country.

An easy circular walk from Léoncel to La Vacherie. No particular difficulties. The outward leg to La Vacherie, which follows the GR®9, is very pleasant, starting through the woodland. The return leg to Léoncel includes a few sections on the road where you need to be careful.

From Saint-Pierre-de-Rivière, head for the Rocher de Batail via the Col Blanc. The first section follows the GRP® Tour de la Barguillère trail, through a fairly wild, mid-mountain landscape, whilst the second section leads back to Saint-Pierre via Brassac, along quiet tarmac roads towards the end of the route.

This circular walk, starting from Ophain Cemetery, follows paths that wind through fields and woods (passing through the Bois du Hautmont), as well as a few quiet roads, offering a variety of landscapes that are as interesting as they are pleasant. The only downside is a 500-metre stretch along the Chaussée d’Ophain, which is quite busy on weekdays; for this reason, I recommend doing this walk on a Sunday or during the holidays.

In the heart of Biržai Regional Park, in northern Lithuania, this short circular walk takes you around a unique geological site: the Kirkilai Karst Lakes. Here, the dissolution of underground gypsum has carved out a multitude of small basins – known as dolines – which are now filled with water and surrounded by grassy strips of land. The path leads from one basin to the next via wooden footbridges, winding through reeds and birch trees. At the start stands a tall wooden tower, shaped like a boat or a crescent moon, whose viewing platform offers a panoramic view of the entire mosaic of lakes and the surrounding countryside. An ideal walk for an easy family outing, bringing you up close to a rare natural wonder.

To the west of Tallinn, on the banks of the River Keila and very close to the Gulf of Finland, Keila-Joa Manor Park unfolds its paths and lawns beneath tall trees. This circular walk first takes you to the foot of Keila Juga Waterfall, one of Estonia’s widest waterfalls, which can be viewed from both banks via a series of footbridges. It then crosses the park and its stone-lined canal, winds its way up the wooded valley to the ruins of Meremõisa Manor, before reaching the Benckendorff Chapel-Mausoleum, nestled in a pine forest on Kabelimägi Hill. An ideal walk combining the power of a waterfall with the charm of a park steeped in history.

As Finland’s second-oldest town, Porvoo (Borgå) boasts one of the country’s finest clusters of wooden houses along the banks of the River Porvoonjoki. This circular walk takes you around the old town along both banks of the river. You’ll walk down the cobbled alleyways leading down from the medieval cathedral, skirt a reed-lined pond offering a picture-postcard view of the colourful houses, pass the old railway museum and its railcar, then reach a panoramic rock overlooking the river. After crossing the bridge, you’ll follow the quay and its marina before heading back up to the higher parts of the old town. An ideal stroll to take your time exploring one of Finland’s most iconic sites.

On the shores of Lake Saimaa, Finland’s largest lake, this circular walk takes you on a tour of Lappeenranta during the golden hour of evening. From the harbour, you’ll walk alongside the marina’s jetties, its boats and waterside terraces, before reaching a viewpoint overlooking the lake dotted with wooded islands. Further on, a large wooden staircase descends from a wooded headland overlooking the lake. The return route climbs up to the fortress (Linnoitus), the old fortified town with its cobbled streets and wooden houses, which is home to museums and the country’s oldest Orthodox church.

This walk takes you to discover Lake Lioson. The route starts from the public car park at Les Mosses. Magnificent views of the Vaud Alps. Along the way, you can also buy farm produce.

A pleasant route starting from Jongieux, alternating between sections through the vineyards of the Savoyan foothills and through woodland, culminating in a route around Mont Landard and its viewpoint overlooking Saint-Pierre-de-Curtille.

In the heart of Koli National Park, in North Karelia, this hike leads to the summit of Ukko-Koli, the park’s most famous viewpoint. Starting from the western shore of Lake Pielinen, the route first descends through the boreal forest of pine and spruce, passing white quartzite boulders and a wetland criss-crossed by footbridges, before climbing back up to the open heights. Up there, the light-coloured rock slab offers a sweeping panorama of Lake Pielinen, dotted with islands – a landscape that has inspired painters and composers and is counted amongst Finland’s national landscapes. An ideal getaway to discover one of the most iconic sites of Finnish nature. Please note that in winter conditions, the entire route is not always accessible.

A walk starting from the hamlet of La Grande Verrerie, allowing you to explore almost the entire Taennchel massif. Allow a full day for the best experience. There is a wealth of literature on the Taennchel, and the information boards along the route help you gain a better understanding of the area.

A well-known and unmissable hike along the Wormsa trail. This is simply a variation, starting and finishing in Mittlach. A varied route through woodland, past torrents and footbridges, with lovely views over the valley. Recommendation: please follow the recommended direction of the walk – the ascent passes through stony sections that are easier to climb than to descend. The return route follows a wide, easily passable mountain path, which is slightly less shaded.

Starting from the Grimsel Pass in the Bernese Alps, this mountain hike ascends to the summit of the Sidelhorn before descending through the valley of the high-altitude lakes. The route first climbs above the Totensee and its mountain-pass hotel, along a stony path that soon overlooks the Rhône Valley and the surrounding glacial peaks. The final ascent involves scrambling up a rocky ridge to a wide viewpoint overlooking the High Bernese Alps and their glaciers. The return route runs alongside the Jostsee, a small mountain lake, before following a balcony-like path back towards the pass. A true alpine ascent, to be attempted only in the height of summer, in fine, dry weather, and reserved for seasoned walkers wishing to experience the Swiss high mountains.

A circular hike or trail run with stunning views over the Val Montjoie, the nature reserve and the Mont Blanc massif. Passing through four refuges on the GR® du Tour du Beaufortain (Roselette and Prés) and the TMB (Balme, Nant Borrant), the sections are short, allowing you to top up your water supplies or take a coffee or lunch break.

A walk through the woodland, with several small bridges to cross the streams, paths running alongside the streams, and the chance to encounter horse riders and, if you’re lucky, roe deer.

A pleasant, undulating walk through varied landscapes, starting from Bourbach-le-Bas, passing through Spannplatz and the Krastkopf graves, near the summit of the Kohlberg, then on to the National Monument to the Shock Troops, where you can enjoy the view over the Doller Valley and the Thannerhubel and Rossberg massifs, followed by a descent via the Col d’Hundsruck, a walk through Bourbach-le-Haut and a return via the Col du Schirm.

A lovely walk through the Chautagne State Forest (poplar groves), heading for the Mollard de Vions and the Port of Chatillon. The short, steep climb up to the Mollard de Vions offers panoramic views from the Canon de Vions site over the Rhône, the Grand Colombier and the Lavours Marshes plain. During the descent towards Vions, there’s a viewpoint overlooking Lac du Bourget and the Croix du Nivolet. From Vions, it’s possible to continue on a round trip to Chanaz and the lock on the Canal de Savières, but the entire section along the Rhône has very few shaded areas.

Easily accessible without a car, this walk offers views of the surrounding valleys and peaks, as well as the magnificent Lac d’Oô. A perfectly signposted and well-maintained path where it is impossible to get lost. The return journey will be by public transport back to Luchon station.

This forest path follows the course of the Ruisseau de Lavail. It is a very shaded round-trip walk, right in the heart of the forest, which leads out onto the large plain where the Cabane de Sauzet is situated. The cool air and the murmur of the stream will ensure you have a pleasant time, despite the constant effort required as the route has virtually no flat sections. You should plan for several breaks, but you’ll easily find plenty of places to access the river to cool off.

A short walk in the Tinée, starting from the magnificent hamlet of Roya, combining forest crossings, exposed ridges and breathtaking views. A relatively easy hike, though it will still require a bit of navigation on the climb up to the Col de Chavalet.

A truly delightful walk, mostly in the shade or along very quiet roads. It offers a wide variety of landscapes – from heathland to woodland – and provides views over the various valleys and villages.

Discover a secluded valley through which the Ruisseau du Moulin Caillet winds, before a steep climb towards the ridges overlooking the Doubs valley. The route alternates between forest tracks, wild paths and sections through sharp limestone pavements, offering magnificent panoramic views of Montferrand Castle and the Notre-Dame-du-Mont Chapel. A short detour also offers the chance to see a mysterious ancient underground passage carved beneath the cliff face. A varied and charming circular walk, suitable only for walkers with a sure footing for the sections along the cliff edge.

A journey through woods, fields and villages, passing through the Mézerolles woods. Following in the footsteps of the Impressionists, discover Mézières-sur-Seine, La Plagne with its Saint-Germain de Secqueval Chapel, Guerville, Senneville and La Villeneuve with their wash houses, and finally Épône with its castle and David’s Temple of Friendship.

A very pleasant circular walk on well-maintained and easily accessible paths, situated south-east of Plum. The route alternates between mining tracks and trail paths, with panoramic views all along the way. Even the return journey along the RP1 road offers magnificent views.

This route allows you to explore the villages of Chabrignac and Juillac, as well as numerous scenic viewpoints. It follows almost exclusively tarmac roads. It is, above all, a very easy walk, accessible to everyone and requiring no special equipment .

Starting from the village of La Puisaye – whose village centre has recently been beautifully refurbished, complete with its wash house and a leisure area near the town hall and the church – this circular walk takes you through woods and fields around the Bois de la Saucelle, which should not be confused with the neighbouring village of the same name. With its long forest lanes, the return route along the Meuvette takes you past the Étang de Rouge, a prime spot for recreational fishing home to carp and enormous catfish.

A lovely walk exploring the Crosagny marshes, the bread ovens and the footpaths on the hills above Albens. A walk with no particular difficulties apart from the distance.

The border range near Modane comprises a series of peaks along a ridge, which the French call Grand Argentier and the Italians call Punta Nera (Pointe Noire). It is possible to visit these peaks by traversing from the Col de la Roue to the Col du Fréjus, following the ‘Sentiers de la Mémoire’ (Paths of Remembrance) across these passes, which are dotted with military border defences bearing witness to the fighting of 1940.

Starting from Montremont, I suggest you follow a lovely route on the Montagne de la Tournette, taking in numerous viewpoints: the ascent is via the Col de Frêtes de Rosairy, where you are unlikely to encounter many people, then the return via the classic route from the Chalet de l’Aulp – which can be quite busy – before reaching the Col des Nantets. The challenges lie in the elevation gain and distance, but above all in certain exposed sections requiring caution: ⚠️ Please take full note of the explanations and warnings in the ‘Practical Information’ section.

A lovely walk that climbs up to a lake, which you walk round before heading back down the same path. There are a few sections that require a bit of care, but nothing too difficult. The lake is a magnificent blue!

In the heart of Valkmusa National Park, in southern coastal Finland, this circular walk takes you through one of the largest peat bogs on the Finnish coast. The Simonsaari trail initially winds its way along boardwalks through a sparse birch forest, before opening out onto the vast, open expanse of the domed peat bog, dotted with pools and dwarf pines. At its centre, an observation tower offers sweeping views over the bog and its forest edge. It is a renowned spot for birdwatching, particularly for waders passing through in spring. An ideal nature outing for an easy walk, bringing you up close to a fragile and unspoilt environment.