Hiking the South Of France: Provence

Provence in South of France is one of the finest places in the world for hiking. To prove my point all you would need is to perceive the incredible number of hiking trails, to appreciate the huge variety and diversity of the trails, and the closeness of trails from wherever you are in this picture-perfect area of France.

Provence hiking trails take you far from the crowds and give you the opportunity to discover a region that is filled with natural and manmade wonders such as olives, wine vineyards, lavender, apricots and thousands of years of history. Provence hiking south of France you will find yourself in a country of divine beauty.

Provence hiking south of France can, if you choose, take you across borders. You can start in the city of Nice and hike out on the Grande Randonnée GR5 all the way to Amsterdam. Or you can branch off to other Grande Randonnée trails and on to Italy, or Switzerland, or other parts of France. If Nice proves to be inconvenient for you, you can do the same thing by starting on the GR4 from Grasse, or the GR51 from Cannes. The options are limitless.

The Grande Randonnée GR51 is called the Balcony of the Côte d’Azur, and it is, in fact, just that—a real balcony. If you follow along the southern slopes parallel to the coast, you will be hiking on a “balcony” with little to no extreme climbing except in the beginning of the trail and view the magnificent vistas. And if the maze of visibly-marked Grande Randonnée trails crisscrossing France and Europe seem too overwhelming for you, there are countless other local trails that are usually marked with bright yellow dabs of paint and these can be found in most towns, villages, hamlets and even in completely uninhabited sites around Provence.

Most of the hiking trails in the Provence region, Grande Randonnée (GR), Petite Randonnée (PR) and other local trails, can easily be hiked by most people with no need for special equipment. The only “difficulty” is the steepness of the climbs and those are marked on maps and hiking guidebooks. But even the steep hillside trails have been made easier because the trails zigzag to reduce the incline and much of them go through shady tree areas for coolness in the summer heat.

There are, however, some wonderful trails through farmlands, narrow gorges, woods, and mountains that involve some steep climbing over rocks and stooping low every once in a while but for the most part they are really not too difficult.
The hiking season coincides with the peak tourist season which is in July and August, although ninety percent of tourists are crowded on the beaches. You will, however, need to make your reservations in advance unless you are carrying camping equipment with you on the hiking trail.

The hunting season in the Provence area begins in mid-August which briefly overlaps the hiking season. If you are uncomfortable hiking while hunters are out and about, do your hiking in July.

Provence trails have not had serious mosquito problems but it is always wise to carry and use insect repellents, just in case. Flies, however, do pose some problems but the repellent that you are using should easily take care of that.

Get yourself a good pair of boots for walking and go Provence hiking south of France.

Posted in France Vacation Guide