Walking France’s coastal paths

Whether or not Napoleon was a keen walker is not fully documented (he was certainly no stranger to a long march). What we do know, however, is that he decided that the French coastline was part of the nation’s heritage and so gave all citizens the right to access it.

In 1976 the Sentier du Littoral (coastal path) was formally created on a national scale with an unbroken three-metre strip along the entire length of France’s coast.

Along with France’s magnificent Grande Randonnée network of long-distance footpaths, it forms a vast network from the GR21 on the Alabaster Coast in the north to the GR51 on the south coast, linking Marseille to Menton on the Italian border.

Today there is no single unbroken path, largely due to urban sprawl and factors which were not present in Napoleon’s time (not least naturist campsites and high-end housing). In some areas, the land is now privately owned but with public rights of way across it.

There are some 5,000 km of designated coastal paths, mostly accessible and relatively straightforward terrain. Some stretches are more challenging; in fact, in places, you should be very careful indeed, such is the precarious nature of the terrain and ground underfoot. Wherever you are, you will need appropriate clothing, sun protection when hot and plenty of water.

The pleasures of walking the coast

Walking has many obvious appeals – constantly changing scenery, a sense of purpose and gentle exercise (helps you feel just a little virtuous when perusing the evening menu later!).

Following a coastal path adds other dimensions: sweeping seascapes, coastal terrain of various types and bracing sea air.

Brittany is renowned for its ancient smuggler’s paths. Around Concarneau, you can trace the steps of many a shipwrecking scoundrel and imagine the customs officers in hot pursuit. You’ll come across massive boulders, gorse and rocky outcrops, not to mention the mesmerising pink granite of the Pink Granite Coast, which runs along the north coast.

France’s west coast is an endless sandy beach, stretching roughly from Nantes to Biarritz, backed by fragrant and shady pine forests. When the going gets hot and sticky, these paths allow the indulgence of a quick splash in the gently shelving waters of the Charentais or the Landes beaches.

The Mediterranean coast is different again. Twisting paths in many places is challenging, with gnarled trees clinging onto sheer cliffs, and rocks below pounded by the surf.

But the azure blue waters of the Med and the scintillating light of Provence combine to create something magical. It is no accident that so many artists have sought inspiration here: Picasso, Van Gogh, Miró, Matisse and many others. Perhaps they were also keen walkers?

Frances Coastal Paths

• GR120 - Bray-Dunes to Le Tréport
  From - Bray-Dunes
  To - Le Tréport
  Trail Length - 292 km
  Maximum Elevation - 141 m
  Total Climb - 635 m
  
  
• GR21 - Sentier des Falaises
  From - Le Havre
  To - Le Tréport
  Trail Length - 187 km
  Max Elevation - 130 m
  Total Climb - 2,703 m
  
  
• GR223 - Littoral de la Normandie
  From - Honfleur
  To - Mont St Michel
  Trail Length - 612 km
  Maximum Elevation - 149 m
  Total Climb - 3,931 m
  
  
• GR34 - Sentier des Douaniers
  From - Mont Saint Michel
  To - Saint Nazaire
  Trail Length - 2,101 km
  Maximum Elevation - 106 m
  Total Climb - 7,957 m
  
  
• GR8 - Atlantic Coastal Path *
  From - Saint-Brevin-les-Pins
  To - Sare
  Trail Length - 600 km
  Maximum Elevation - 175 m
  Total Climb - 2,000 m
  
  
• GR51 - Balcon de la Méditerranée
  From - Menton
  To - La Madrague
  Trail Length - 436 km
  Maximum Elevation - 1,073 m
  Total Climb - 13,880 m
  
  

* The GR8 route is the newest in France, and as such, the route is yet to be finalised; distances and elevations provided are approximate.

If you're looking for walking maps for any of the above routes, then why not head to the Alan Rogers Shop, where we have a wide range of IGN maps available?

Rob Fearn

Editor - Alan Rogers Guides

Rob has been involved in the leisure industry since completing a BTEC in Travel & Tourism in 1993. Previous roles have included the promotion of tourism in Yorkshire and running a motorcycle touring company in the Australian Outback.

He is the General Manager at Alan Rogers Travel Group, responsible for the ongoing development of the Alan Rogers website and the publication of the Alan Rogers Guides and 'Destinations' magazine.

He regularly travels with his wife and young daughter in their Dethleffs 'Campy' caravan. A keen cycling fan, Rob can often be found in a field in Belgium during the 'Spring Classics' season or riding his Royal Enfield Himalayan motorcycle.

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