Inspiration, practical tips and guidebooks for long-distance walks in France
(Published November 2017, last updated February 2026) Forty-two days of walking through southern France along the Chemin de Saint-Jacques from Le Puy-en-Velay to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. Follow the footsteps of the first pilgrims over the wide-open spaces of the Aubrac plateau, through the Célé valley to the foothills of the Pyrénéan mountains, visiting eleven of France s most [ ] The post Walking…
(Published September 2020, last updated March 2026) When Scottish author, Robert Louis Stevenson, left the village of Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille in September 1878, with only his two feet and his donkey Modestine to carry him south, he could not have imagined that one hundred years later, thousands of walkers would be inspired to follow in his [ ] The post Walking the GR70 Chemin de Stevenson…
(Published May 2014, last updated March 2026) The nine-day walk from Martel to Rocamadour weaves through 127 kilometres (80 miles) of glorious French countryside. Located in the Lot and Corrèze Valleys (adjoining the better-known Dordogne region), this walk visits fairy-tale castles, underground caves and passes through nine of France’s most beautiful villages. It s a walk [ ] The post Walking…
(Published July 2013, last updated March 2026) Toulouse is a favourite destination for many visitors to France. It’s also the starting point for a walk along the Midi Canal (also known as the Canal du Midi en français) as it winds its way south-east through quintessential French country villages, towns and cities, reaching Carcassonne and [ ] The post Walking the Midi Canal appeared first on I…
(Published July 2017, last updated February 2026) From rugged headlands and dramatic cliffs, to swathes of dancing wildflowers, wide sandy beaches and quaint fishing ports—this 160-kilometre (100-mile) walk from Camaret-sur-Mer to Audierne following the GR34 along the coast of Brittany has it all! During my initial research for this walk, I found that some Tourist [ ] The post Walking the GR34 on…
(Published August 2013, last updated February 2026) Two hundred and forty kilometres (150 miles) of flat, easy walking, rural scenery, small villages, historical splendour—it’s not hard to find a good reason to walk (or cycle) along the Burgundy Canal (also known as the Canal du Bourgogne en français)! Within easy walking distance or a shuttle [ ] The post Walking the Burgundy Canal appeared first…
(Published June 2014, last updated February 2026) One of the bonuses of venturing off the freeway and out into the French countryside is the likelihood that you’ll find yourself in one of the picturesque villages which have earned their classification among France’s ‘most beautiful’. The association Plus Beaux Villages de France was formed by Charles [ ] The post Most beautiful villages in France…
(Published November 2015, last updated April 2026) Each time I visit Le Puy-en-Velay, I find something else about it to love and it is now one of my favourite places to visit in France. Although the town sprawls over quite a large area, the historical heart is a charming mixture of quaint alleys, colourful houses [ ] The post Le Puy-en-Velay (Chemins de Saint-Jacques Stevenson) appeared first on I…
(Published July 2024, last updated March 2026) Founded in the eleventh century, Martel was once the capital and commercial hub of the Turenne region. All that remains now of the walls that once protected the town are seven towers—earning Martel the nickname la ville aux sept tours. In 1994, Martel acquired a new classification—Site Remarquable [ ] The post Martel (Martel to Rocamadour) appeared…
(Published July 2023, last updated April 2026) A little over 60 kilometres (almost 40 miles) beyond Le Puy-en-Velay, the Chemin de Saint-Jacques de Compostelle reaches the gîte at Le Sauvage, considered by many as a ‘must-do’ overnight stop. Historical records show that as long ago as the twelfth century, the road traversing the Margeride region [ ] The post Le Sauvage (Chemin de Saint-Jacques)…
(Published July 2013, last updated June 2026) Long ago in the fifteenth century, before France was united under one king, this corner of France was ruled by the Dukes of Burgundy, who were based here in Dijon. It wasn’t until 1477, after the death of the Duke Charles the Bold, that the area came under [ ] The post Dijon (Burgundy Canal) appeared first on I Love Walking In France .
(Published August 2013, last updated April 2026) The view of the church tower surrounded by ancient stone houses in the tiny village of Aubrac never fails to set my heart aflutter! It’s the same view that has greeted pilgrims and long-distance walkers for the last 900 years. And although the village is tiny and can [ ] The post Aubrac (Chemin de Saint-Jacques) appeared first on I Love Walking In…
(Published April 2013, last updated March 2026) Clinging precariously to the side of a cliff high above the Alzou gorge, the sacred city of Rocamadour is a breath-taking sight. Considered the second most important religious site in France (after Mont-Saint-Michel), the town attracts a steady stream of visitors. Let’s join them and explore this historic [ ] The post Rocamadour (Martel to…
(Published October 2016, last updated April 2026) A recent addition to the ranks of France’s most beautiful villages, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is a delightful note on which to end a long-distance walk along the Chemin de Saint-Jacques du-Puy. I’ve enjoyed many unforgettable moments here. Before you scroll to the bottom for practical tips on where to stay [ ] The post Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port (Chemin…
(Published March 2013, last updated June 2026) Known as la Ville Rose for the beautiful red brick buildings lining the streets, Toulouse is the fourth largest city in France and the starting point of a long-distance walk—or a boating holiday—along the Midi Canal. Everything you’d expect to find in a city of almost half a [ ] The post Toulouse (Midi Canal) appeared first on I Love Walking In France…