Hiking & Trekking Tours & Trips in Southern France
Southern France does hiking right. Think about Provence’s routes linking medieval villages with coastal paths. Explore Menton's cobblestone streets before climbing Mont Bastide castle ruins. Explore gardens along the Riviera including Villa de Rothschild and Serre de la Madone, and don’t miss the Ardèche volcanic landscapes leading to hidden chapel Soutron. You can walk through vineyards and lavender fields throughout the region.
10 best hiking & trekking Southern France tours
Compiled by
MelissaSouthern France travel expert at TourRadar
- Dordogne River Walk
- The entire Way of St. James, From Le Puy-en-Velay to Cahors19 Days
- Provence - The Verdon Gorge 8 Days
- From Le Puy en Velay to Cahors via the Voie de la Célé19 Days
- From Le Puy-en-Velay to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port3 8 Days
- France - Hiking the Dordogne 7 Days
- Piedmont - Val Maira (8 days)
- From Le Puy-en-Velay to Aumont-Aubrac 6 Days
- the Way of St. James, From Cahors to LecToure 7 Days
- The way from Santiago, from Le Puy to Conques 12 Days
The GR6 path from Meyronne follows the Roc de Monges, revealing stunning Dordogne River panoramas. Historic routes link Chateau de Montfort and La Roque-Gageac, passing stone bories and country hamlets. The path rises to Chateau de Beynac's fortress, with visits to Grottes de Lacave's underground cave system.
Duration 9 days Destinations Martel, Meyronne, Souillac, Saint Vincent de Cosse Age Range Ages 8+ Distance 28 mi Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From
- US$2,075
This 19-day trek follows the historic Way of St. James from Le Puy-en-Velay to Cahors, moving through the volcanic landscapes of the Massif Central and the lush Velay mountains. You'll see UNESCO-listed sites including the Romanesque cathedral of Notre Dame and Hôtel-Dieu in Le Puy-en-Velay. The route takes you to the medieval village of Conques.
Duration 19 days Destinations Le Puy En Velay, Saint-Privat-d'Allier, Saugues, Les Faux, Aumont Aubrac, Nasbinals, Espalion, Estaing, Golinhac, ConquesSee all destinations Age Range Ages 16+ Operated in Only: German Physical Rating Moderate Distance 168 mi Operator ASI Reisen From
- US$2,408
Duration 8 days Destinations Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Riez Age Range Ages 16+ Operated in Only: German Distance 6 mi Operator ASI Reisen From
- US$1,644
This 19-day trek through Southern France starts in Le Puy-en-Velay's volcanic countryside, visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Notre Dame cathedral and Hôtel-Dieu before moving across the Aubrac plateau from Aumont-Aubrac to Nasbinals. Moderate trails take you through the Velay Massif mountains, down to the medieval village of Estaing and the famous pilgrimage site of Conques with its Romanesque abbey, ending in the historic town of Cahors along the Voie de la Célé. Comfortable 2-3 star accommodations include luggage transfers, and the route passes through Saint-Chély d'Aubrac and Espagnac-Sainte-Eulalie while you sample regional cuisine including smoked sausages and green lentils.
Duration 19 days Destinations Le Puy En Velay, Saint-Privat-d'Allier, Saugues, Les Faux, Aumont Aubrac, Nasbinals, Saint-Chely-d'Aubrac, Espalion, Estaing, GolinhacSee all destinations Age Range Ages 16+ Operated in Only: German Physical Rating Moderate Distance 137 mi Operator ASI Reisen From
- US$2,501
Duration 38 days Destinations Le Puy En Velay, Saint-Privat-d'Allier, Saugues, Les Faux, Aumont Aubrac, Nasbinals, Saint-Chely-d'Aubrac, Espalion, Estaing, GolinhacSee all destinations Age Range Ages 16+ Operated in Only: German Physical Rating Moderate Distance 342 mi Operator ASI Reisen From
- US$5,323
Duration 7 days Destinations Badefols-sur-Dordogne, Cadouin, Monpazier Age Range Ages 16+ Physical Rating Easy Distance 13 mi Operator ASI Reisen From
- US$1,218
Duration 8 days Destinations San Michele Prazzo, Pontemaira, Chiappera, Viviere, Acceglio Age Range Ages 16+ Operated in Only: German Distance 15 mi Operator ASI Reisen From
- US$1,473
The legendary GR65 Via Podiensis runs from Le Puy-en-Velay through the volcanic Velay massif to Aumont-Aubrac, covering 111 km over six days with moderate climbs reaching 1022 meters at Montaure. Starting at the UNESCO-listed Notre Dame cathedral in Le Puy-en-Velay, the route moves through historic villages like Saint-Privat d'Allier and Saugues, home to the famous English Tower. Stays include 2-3 star B&Bs and hotels with luggage transfers, and evening meals in charming hamlets like Rochegude and Les Faux where you can try local specialties like Le Petit Sal with green lentils.
Duration 6 days Destinations Saugues, Rochegude, Les Faux, Conques Age Range Ages 16+ Operated in Only: German Physical Rating Moderate Distance 211 mi Operator ASI Reisen From
- US$679
The French Way of St. James runs from Cahors through Southern France's Romanesque art treasures, including the UNESCO World Heritage Saint-Pierre Abbey in Moissac and the village of Auvillar, classified among France's most beautiful villages. This self-guided 7-day trek takes you along the Garonne River and across the canal at Malause before reaching the medieval town of Lectoure with its ramparts and Saint-Gervais-Saint-Protais church. Luggage transport comes included, with 24/7 bilingual support and accommodations in 2/3-star hotels throughout Quercy Blanc and Le Gers agricultural areas.
Duration 7 days Destinations Cahors, Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry, Lauzerte, Quercy, Moissac, Auvillar, Lectoure Age Range Ages 16+ Operated in Only: German Physical Rating Moderate Distance 354 mi Operator ASI Reisen From
- US$1,020
Duration 12 days Destinations Le Puy En Velay, Saugues, Les Faux, Aumont Aubrac, Nasbinals, Saint-Chely-d'Aubrac, Espalion, Estaing, Golinhac, Conques Age Range Ages 16+ Operated in Only: German Physical Rating Moderate Distance 87 mi Operator ASI Reisen From
- US$1,603
What people love about Hiking & Trekking Tours in Southern France
- The French Basque Country Trek: Ocean-to-Mountains (Self-guided Hiking Tour)
An extraordinary and most enjoyable trek in the French Pyrenees along the GR10! Easily connected with Camino de Santiago in case you wish to make the popular stage from St. Jean Pied de Port to Pamplona (or why not all the way to Santiago). All arrangements went smooth. The quality of accommodations was pretty good, and so was the food provide.
What our customers ask about Hiking & Trekking Tours & Trips in Southern France
What is the best time of year to go hiking in Southern France?
Southern France's prime hiking season extends from May through September. June and September stand out as excellent choices with mild temperatures and fewer tourists on the trails. The Luberon region showcases different highlights each season. Spring brings cherry blossoms and wildflowers while autumn offers pleasant temperatures and harvest activities. Recent travelers advise against hiking in July and August especially in Provence where temperatures can reach 40°C and many trails face fire restrictions.
How challenging are the hiking trails in Southern France?
Southern France offers trails for every skill level. The Pyrenees National Park features more demanding routes spanning 12-20km daily with elevation gains of 400-900m. For easier options head to Provence where trails average 8-15km per day with gentler climbs of 200-400m. The Hotel l'Hermitage in Pernes-les-Fontaines caters to various abilities offering both short valley walks lasting 2-3 hours and full-day mountain treks.
What type of accommodation can I expect on multi-day hiking tours?
The accommodation options span from local 3-star hotels to historic properties and mountain refuges. Travelers can find themselves staying at places like the Hotel du Poete in Menton or sleeping in converted 11th-century chateaux in the Dordogne complete with swimming pools. One guest's review notes: "The hotels were perfectly located with the Hotel Les Esclargies in Rocamadour offering a beautiful pool and tranquil setting after long days of hiking."
Are the trails well-marked and easy to follow?
The French trail system uses the reliable GR (Grande Randonnée) network marked with red and white blazes. Popular hiking regions like the Luberon and Provence maintain clear local trail markers. Tours along routes such as the Dordogne River Walk come with detailed navigation materials and GPS coordinates. Recent feedback highlights the excellent maintenance particularly on major routes like the GR10 Transpyrenean Trail.
What kind of meals are provided during hiking tours?
Tour packages typically cover breakfast and dinner served at local establishments or hotels. Provence's dining experiences center around regional ingredients olive oil and Mediterranean dishes. The Hotel du Poete in Fontaine-de-Vaucluse serves traditional Provençal evening meals. During daytime hikes most tours arrange picnic lunches featuring local bread cheese and cured meats.
Is it possible to combine hiking with cultural experiences?
The hiking routes naturally incorporate cultural attractions. The Dordogne Walking Tour lets travelers explore medieval villages prehistoric caves and local wineries between hikes. Visitors to Provence often spend mornings on the trails then dedicate afternoons to exploring villages like Gordes or visiting sites such as the Senanque Abbey known for its surrounding lavender fields.