If lately you’re feeling like having a holiday but something different, or if you are just tired of travelling to crowded places, then a self-guided walking holiday in France might be the solution. Not many holidays leave you with a huge feeling of accomplishment like this one, it also has an amazing feeling of freedom since you’re not tied to a tour guide, here you pick your own pace, make any stop you want and decide what to look for.
The best part is how a walking holiday in France lets you truly immerse yourself in the local culture, since most trails are located in the countryside, this way you are not only seeing what the locals see but also drinking and eating the same as them.
Choosing the Right Region for Your Walk
Believe it or not, France is a huge country and it’s widely diverse too. So, the first step is to choose the right region for you, one that fits your taste and walking style. You can start by asking yourself a few questions:
- Do you like rolling hills and peaceful vineyards?
- Do you prefer mountains and dramatic views?
- Do you want beach time or a coastal route?
For example, if you want hills and vineyards, then Provence is a great choice. There, you not only have vineyards but also tons of lavender fields, as well as ancient towns.
But if, on the other hand, you want mountains and views, then your best option is a walking holiday to the Tour du Mont Blanc.
The countryside of the south offers easier terrain and lots of sunshine, while the Alps or Pyrenees offer a more rugged terrain with more dramatic scenery.
Planning Your Route, Pace & Accommodation
Once you have decided on the place you want your walking holiday to be, then it’s time to sort the details out. Now, planning a walking holiday can be overwhelming, not to say complicated… after all, you’re walking for several days and staying in different accommodations across different towns.
That’s when specialised agencies like OrbisWays come to play. This is not the average travel agency, no, they have a purpose, and that’s to take care of all the details for you, so you can focus on enjoying the experience and the trails.
They take care of everything, from booking and breakfast to moving your luggage so you only carry around a backpack, as well as giving you a customized itinerary with useful information and 24/7 assistance.
As you can see, their packages are tailored for one reason only: For you to enjoy the journey. They also offer packages for all major walking holidays, like the Camino de Santiago in Spain or the West Highland Way in Scotland. The best part is that its team is actually composed of active hikers who know the needs people may have on a long-distance route.
Conclusion
The first thing you need to do is ask yourself what kind of walking holiday you want, beach, hills, mountains or even if there’s a particular town you want to visit. Then, planning all the logistics, but I highly recommend booking a specialised agency like Orbisways.
When you pick the right region, plan thoughtfully, pack smartly and stay open to the smaller moments, you’ll return home with more than photos.
