3 Walking Routes to Discover Rural France this Summer
Slow travel is about spending more time in one place, connecting with local communities and appreciating the small details. With a variety of marked trails, France offers unique walking experiences for Francophiles.
Brittany: Côte de Granit Rose
One of the most scenic coastal locations is the Côte de Granit Rose, also called the Pink Granite Coast, which is located near Perros-Guirec. It features 300-million-year-old rose-coloured rock formations, the iconic Phare de Men Ruz lighthouse, and beautiful walking trails.
This stunning coastline combines rugged landscapes, peaceful beaches and charming seaside villages. The best way to experience it is by following the GR34 coastal trail, a 15km walking route that takes visitors past some of the region’s most impressive viewpoints, including the famous Ploumanac’h Lighthouse. It is a perfect choice for travellers looking to slow down and discover Brittany’s natural beauty on foot.
Why visit: A perfect route for local seafood and authentic coastal life away from the crowds.
Address: GR34 Sentier des Douaniers, Perros-Guirec, Brittany, France
Provence: The Luberon Hilltop Loop
Provence is famous for its colourful landscapes, but the region is best appreciated slowly. Walking routes through the Luberon connect charming hilltop villages, vineyards and olive groves.
Begin the walking adventure in Gordes, a village of stone terraces that seem to grow from the hillside, then descend into Roussillon’s ochre canyon, where galleries and cafés line cobblestone alleys. The path meanders past olive groves, vineyards, and the occasional lavender field in summer, with the entire walk taking about 3.5 hours through the Luberon Regional Natural Park.
Spring and autumn offer mild weather, while summer brings lavender blooms but also overwhelming crowds and heat. The trail connects two of Provence’s most beautiful hilltop villages, with stone terraces, ochre-red cliffs, and local cafés perfect for post-hike relaxation.
An ideal location for casual walkers and photographers who want to experience French country life. The trail follows marked PR (yellow) trails from Gordes, descends to Roussillon, and explores the Ochre Trail (€3.50 entry, 30-45 minutes). Wear comfortable shoes and bring a refillable water bottle as summer can be dry and hot.
Why visit: For iconic Provençal hilltop villages, lavender fields, and wine-tasting opportunities in a UNESCO-recognized natural park.
Address: Luberon Regional Natural Park, Vaucluse, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, France.
Cévennes: The Stevenson Trail (GR70)
For a longer journey, follow Robert Louis Stevenson’s 1878 route through the Cévennes, which is a 4-7 day trek through deep valleys and mountain villages. Late spring and early autumn offer mild weather and clear trails, making this a true escape into rural France where shepherds guide flocks and markets trade seasonal produce.
Best for experienced walkers and those seeking solitude and rugged beauty, follow the GR70 trail from Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille, with overnight stops in Cheylard and Saint-Andéol village.
Why visit: A literary pilgrimage through wilderness, shepherding culture, and mountain solitude.
Address: GR70 Stevenson Trail, Cévennes National Park, Occitanie, France.
The appeal of walking through France is a fascinating experience: discovering a hidden village, chatting with a local producer or enjoying a meal after a day outdoors. To walk through France is to discover that the French way of life isn't about rushing from place to place, but taking time to enjoy each moment.
