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The 5 Most Beautiful Treks in France to Do in Summer 2025

Top 5 Best Treks in France for Summer 2025

Detailed Comparison of Treks in France: Level, Budget and Duration

TrekLevelDurationBudgetHighlights 2025Booking
GR20★★★★★12–16 days€300–800Magnificent landscapes, great challengeMandatory
Tour du Mont-Blanc★★★★☆7–11 days€600–900International diversity, Alpine cultureStrongly recommended
Queyras Loop★★★☆☆8–10 days€200–500Sunshine, authentic villagesRecommended
Vanoise Crossing★★★☆☆6–9 days€350–450Exceptional wildlife, glaciersAdvised
GR34 Brittany★★☆☆☆3–10 + days€200–600Wild coasts, easy accessOptional

1. GR20 (Corsica): The Grail of Trekkers

Le GR20 demeure le trek le plus légendaire d'Europe, reconnu comme l'un des plus difficiles au monde. Cette traversée épique de 180 kilomètres relie Calenzana à Conca en 12 à 16 jours, avec plus de 11 000 mètres de dénivelé positif.

Technical facts

  • Distance: 180 km

  • Elevation gain/loss: +11 000 m / −11 000 m

  • Highest point: 2 706 m (Monte Cinto)

  • Duration: 12–16 days

  • Level: Very difficult. Mountain experience required.

  • Best period: 15 June – 15 September 2025

2025 budget

  • Comfort (huts + meals): €800 / 15 days

  • Semi-autonomy: €300 / 15 days

  • Travel to Corsica: €200-400 (flight) or €70-120 (ferry)

Why choose it
Wild scenery. Razor-sharp ridges, turquoise lakes, huge views over the Mediterranean. Each day reveals a grand scene unique in Europe.

2. Tour du Mont-Blanc: The Mythical International Route

The TMB crosses France, Italy and Switzerland. It covers 170 km in 7–11 days and circles the 4 809 m Mont-Blanc.

Technical facts

  • Distance: 170 km

  • Elevation gain/loss: +10 000 m / −10 000 m

  • Highest point: 2 537 m (Grand Col Ferret)

  • Duration: 7–11 days

  • Level: Intermediate to experienced

  • Best period: June – September 2025

2025 budget

  • Huts, half-board: €70-90 per day (≈ €630 / 9 days)

  • Full bivouac: €150-200 total

  • Paris travel: €100-170

Why choose it
Rare cultural mix. French, Italian and Swiss Alpine traditions. Green valleys, huge glaciers and high passes with stunning views of the Mont-Blanc range.

3. Queyras Loop (GR58): The Sunny Jewel of the Southern Alps

The GR58 offers 130 km through the Queyras Nature Park in 8–10 days. It is France’s sunniest area and is less technical than other Alpine circuits.

Technical facts

  • Distance: 130 km

  • Elevation gain/loss: +6 000 m / −6 000 m

  • Highest point: ≈ 2 800 m

  • Duration: 8–10 days

  • Level: Intermediate

  • Best period: mid-June – late September 2025

2025 budget

  • Huts + meals: €400-500 / 8 days

  • Semi-autonomy: €200-250 / 8 days

  • Easy access: TGV Paris – Briançon

Why choose it
Great variety. Larch forests, green pastures, clear high lakes and villages such as Saint-Véran (2 042 m), the highest in Europe. Marmots, chamois and rich Alpine flora.

4. Vanoise Crossing: France’s First National Park

This route links the Maurienne and Tarentaise valleys in 6–9 days. It skirts the glaciers of the Vanoise massif and the Grande Casse (3 855 m).

Technical facts

  • Distance: 56 km (GR55)

  • Elevation gain/loss: +4 500 m / −4 500 m

  • Highest point: 2 976 m (Col des Fours)

  • Duration: 6–9 days

  • Level: Moderate to experienced

  • Best period: June – September 2025

2025 budget

  • FFCAM huts: €14-20 / night + €15-25 / meal

  • Total: €350-450 / 7 days

  • Access: TGV to Bourg-Saint-Maurice

Why choose it
Oldest French national park (1963). Glaciers, high passes, wide meadows, friendly huts, emblematic wildlife: ibex, marmots, golden eagles.

5. Customs Officers’ Path (GR34): The Wild Soul of Brittany

Technical facts

  • Full trail: 2 034 km (walk 50–200 km sections)

  • Elevation: moderate

  • Highest point: ≈ 400 m

  • Duration: 3–10 + days

  • Level: Easy to intermediate

  • Best period: April – October 2025

2025 budget

  • Accommodation: €15-50 / night

  • Average cost: €40-60 per day, all-in

  • Access: TGV Paris – Rennes, then TER

Why choose it
Unique coastal adventure. High cliffs, hidden beaches, fishing villages. Pink Granite Coast, Cap Fréhel, Cap d’Erquy are among Europe’s most spectacular shores.

Essential Gear for Summer Treks

Three-layer system

  • Base: breathable technical T-shirt. No cotton.

  • Insulation: fleece or light down jacket.

  • Shell: Gore-Tex jacket, 20 000 mm +.

Technical gear 2025

  • Pack: 40-60 L if autonomous, 30-40 L with huts.

  • Boots: high-cut, Vibram sole, waterproof.

  • Safety: poles, headlamp, first-aid kit, IGN map.

  • Bivouac: 3-season tent < 2.5 kg, sleeping bag comfort 0 °C.

Accommodation & Bookings (2025)

  • FFCAM huts: €14-20 / night (−30 % for members)

  • Private huts: €20-30 / night

  • Meals: dinner €15-25, breakfast €8-12

  • Booking mandatory for the GR20 and TMB from March 2025

FAQ – Summer Treks in France

Which trek for beginners?

Queyras Loop or GR34 sections. Intermediate level, fine scenery, good facilities.

Best period to go?

June and September. Good weather, fewer crowds, better prices. Avoid July–August on busy routes.

Budget for 2025?

€25-60 per day. Total: €200 (GR34) to €800 (GR20, comfort).

Is experience needed for the GR20?

Yes. You need excellent fitness and mountain trekking experience. Start with easier treks.

How to train?

Eight-week plan. Longer hikes, strength work, gear tests. Aim for 6 h walking with a 10 kg pack.

Full self-support possible?

Yes, except on the GR20 where wild camping is forbidden. Autonomy cuts costs by 50-70 %.

These five treks show the best of French hiking in 2025. From the legendary GR20 to Brittany’s maritime panoramas, each route promises a unique adventure. Prepare well, book early, and enjoy France’s finest landscapes.

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