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View over vineyards to Lacoste

The warm sunrays embrace you as the scent of ripe olives and blooming herbs drifts through the air. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Southern France and let its charm inspire you.

All Hiking Tours in Southern France

Warm sunrays, blooming herbs, and ripe olives

Questions and Answers about Your Hiking Tour in Southern France

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Our hiking trips in the Italian Alps are suitable for the skill levels "Walking" and "Mountain Hiking". They are aimed at both beginners and experienced hikers who want to experience the breathtaking diversity of the region's landscapes.

The cuisine of Southern France combines influences from Catalan, Corsican, Basque, and Provençal cooking. Characteristic ingredients include Provence herbs and olive tapenade. Other typical dishes are Socca, Niçoise salad, Ratatouille, and Bouillabaisse. Every meal is complemented by excellent wines.

Due to the mild Mediterranean climate, Southern France is an ideal hiking destination from March to October.

The Most Beautiful Hiking Tours in Southern France

Côte d'Azur

Discover the stunning beauty of the Côte d'Azur on an eight-day hiking journey from Grasse to Menton. Traverse the peaks of Courmettes and explore the picturesque village of Sainte-Agnès. Ideal for beginners, this tour offers mild temperatures and spectacular views. Immerse yourself in the Mediterranean allure of the region!

Mercantour

Hike along a historic salt route from the French Alps to the Côte d'Azur. Begin in the breathtaking, fairy-tale-like landscapes of Mercantour National Park and discover picturesque mountain villages and the rich culture of the salt trade. The trail takes you along the French-Italian border, where the landscape gradually turns more Mediterranean, filled with the scents of mimosa and rosemary, until you reach the lemon town of Menton.

View of the harbour of Menton

Nature Paradise Vercors

France's largest regional park is a paradise for nature lovers, offering breathtaking views of Mont Blanc and seven mountain ranges of the Alps. Hikes through vast valleys, mixed forests, and high plateaus present unforgettable panoramas. In spring and summer, the green forests and colorful flowers captivate, while in autumn, the woods shine in shades of gold and red.

Gorges du Verdon

Explore the breathtaking Verdon Gorge, carved over millennia by the river through the limestone massif. Starting from Castellane, hike the famous Blanc-Martel trail through tunnels, stairs, and bridges, offering spectacular views of the 700-meter-deep gorge. In the evening, enjoy the charm of the picturesque villages of Provence.

Collioure - Cadaquès

Experience a diverse hiking week along the "purplish" Côte Vermeille and the Spanish Costa Brava. Each day, choose between coastal routes and mountain hikes in the Pyrenees. Enjoy stunning panoramas, vineyards, and Mediterranean maquis, before discovering the rocky coves and charming fishing villages.

Picturesque Provence

Experience the diverse beauty of Provence with its spectacular villages, poppy, and lavender fields. Your journey begins in Isle sur la Sorgue, the "Venice of the Luberon," and takes you to the Fontaine de Vaucluse and charming places like Gordes. A highlight is the Cistercian abbey of Abbaye Sénanque. In the evenings, indulge in Provençal cuisine and a glass of red wine.

View over fishing boats lying on the beach towards Cadaques

Top Destinations in Southern France

Carcasonne

Medieval Fortress Town

Gorges du Verdon

"The Grand Canyon of France"

Calanques de Marseille

Nature Paradise of White Limestone

Amphitheater of Arles

Roman Masterpiece

Nice

Pearl of the Côte d'Azur

What Our Guests Say

This tour was one of the most stunning hikes we've ever experienced. While some stages are challenging, they are entirely manageable with a good fitness level. The landscapes and views were breathtaking, and the food and fine wines were equally exceptional.

Ben H.

This area is like something out of a picture book. Incredibly beautiful, and the scent – simply wonderful! Even though we've vacationed in Provence before, hiking here allowed us to experience the region in a deeper, more intimate way. [...]. The on-site support from the team was equally excellent, ensuring everything ran smoothly.

Kurt L.

We had a truly amazing week with fantastic hikes. The route book was excellent, full of helpful extra information. A beautiful tour, and simply highly recommended!

Heidi G.

Useful Information for Your Hiking Tour in Southern France

Facts about Southern France

  • Location: Bordered by the Mediterranean, the Pyrenees, and Italy
  • Area: Approximately 150,000 square kilometers (about 58,000 square miles)
  • Population: Around 13 million residents
  • Largest City: Marseille, a major port and cultural hub
  • Official Language: French, but also regional languages such as Provençal and Occitan
  • Economy: Predominantly agricultural, with a focus on wine production, olive farming, and lavender cultivation
The harbour of Marseille

The Climate in Southern France

Thanks to the mild temperatures in Southern France, hiking is possible year-round. With around 300 sunny days, hikers can expect consistent, pleasant weather. In spring, a tropical influence brings mild temperatures, while summer remains warm, with cooling mountain winds. Autumn also offers ideal conditions, with comfortable temperatures around 20°C (68°F).

Hiking trail to the Plage du Corton

The Culture of Southern France

The culture of Southern France is a captivating fusion of tradition and modernity. The region is celebrated for its culinary treasures, including the renowned Bouillabaisse and exquisite olive oil from Provence. Charming villages and historic cities, such as Avignon and Nice, showcase a rich history that spans from Roman influences to the grandeur of medieval architecture. Art enthusiasts will find plenty to appreciate, as Southern France was once home to iconic painters like Picasso and Van Gogh.

Picture of sunflowers

The Cuisine of Southern France

The cuisine of Southern France blends influences from Catalan, Corsican, Basque, and Provençal cooking. One of the most distinctive features is the use of Provence’s aromatic herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, oregano, and savory. A beloved specialty is olive tapenade, a flavorful paste made from green, black, or Kalamata olives, enhanced with capers and anchovies. Other typical Mediterranean dishes of the region include chickpea flatbread Socca, Niçoise salad, ratatouille, and Bouillabaisse. Paired with exceptional wines, every meal becomes an unforgettable culinary experience.

Olive tapenade

Did you know, ...

  • that Southern France is one of the oldest wine regions in the world, with viticulture dating back to ancient times?
  • that the Côte d'Azur is considered the birthplace of tourism, when the first wealthy Brits discovered the region as a holiday destination in the 19th century?
  • that Avignon was the seat of the Pope for almost 70 years during the Middle Ages and is home to one of Europe's largest Gothic structures, the Papal Palace?
  • that the Riviera hosted the first automobile race, held in Nice in 1895?
The bridge of Avignong
Tanja Haring

I look forward to bringing your vacation dreams in Southern France to life.

Tanja Haring
Travel Specialist
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