It never ceases to amaze us how France can offer so many wonderful, and each very different, experiences out on the trail.
Such a vast country, with a bewilderment of different landscapes and cultures, it could be hard to choose your French walking or hiking vacation…
Brittany and Normandy captivate with their rugged coastlines, medieval history, and a rich tapestry of Celtic and Norman heritage.
Is the lush, history-rich ancient Dukedom of Burgundy more for you? Or what about the unique mix of France and Germany that can only be found in Alsace?
Read on for must-visit destinations, local cuisine, wine tastings, hidden gems, unique experiences, and top attractions.
À bientôt!
Of anywhere in France, Burgundy truly has it all: rolling countryside, world-famous vineyards, delectable cuisine, and history around every corner.
We waste no time in discovering Fontenay Abbey. Nestled in the lush Burgundy countryside, this is a 12thcentury masterpiece of Romanesque architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In the heart of Burgundy’s wine country lies Beaune, the epicenter of its prestigious vineyards. Among its many landmarks is the iconic Hôtel-Dieu, also known as the Hospices de Beaune. Its colorful, patterned roofs are instantly recognizable, and its history as a hospital—operational from the 1400s until the late 20th century—is remarkable.
We’ll trace the famed wine route established by Cistercian monks in the 14th century, stopping at the Côte de Nuits vineyards and the magnificent Château de Clos Vougeot to uncover the secrets of Burgundy’s legendary wines.
But Burgundy isn’t just about wine. This is a region of forests, lakes, and valleys, home to the renowned Charolais cattle and the granite Morvan hills, whose rivers flow toward the North Sea, the Atlantic, and the Mediterranean.
Highlights of our journey include a visit to the beautifully preserved Château de Commarin, where the current owner – descended from an aristocratic family with over 500 years of history here – welcomes us personally.
For food lovers, Burgundy is a dream. Beyond its world-renowned wines and cheeses, the region’s culinary traditions reflect the refined tastes of the Dukes of Burgundy. Our farewell dinner in Tournus at a celebrated Michelin-starred restaurant is the perfect finale to our journey.
Prepare to set aside your preconceptions about France—Alsace is a world apart.
This enchanting borderland, shaped by centuries of alternating French and German influence, offers a delightful blend of cultures, landscapes, and flavors.
Nestled between the French Vosges mountains and Germany, Alsace is a region of fairy-tale beauty: colorful villages, Europe’s highest concentration of feudal castles, and a distinctive Franco-Germanic cuisine.
Picture narrow, cobbled streets lined with flower-decked, half-timbered houses painted in vibrant hues. Historically, these colors denoted the trade within: a bakery in one shade, a butcher’s shop in another.
Wine enthusiasts will find paradise along the famed Route des Vins, where more than 100 wine-producing villages stretch between Strasbourg and Colmar. Strolling through vineyards of Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, and Gewürztraminer, we’ll taste the fruits of winemakers’ labor.
In Alsace, food and wine go hand in hand. Simple yet exquisite meals of local produce await, as do dinners in cozy traditional wine taverns. Indulge in regional delights like Munster cheese, pretzels, choucroute (sauerkraut), smoked sausage, and flammekueche, Alsace’s take on pizza.
A visit to the Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle is a highlight. Perched high above the plains, this 12th-century fortress offers breathtaking views of the Alsatian Plain stretching to the Black Forest.
Our journey continues with a walk through the serene Vosges Mountains, following shaded forest paths to the poignant Le Linge Memorial. This battlefield is a solemn reminder of the intense trench warfare of World War I, marked by crosses commemorating fallen French and German soldiers.
Brittany might surprise you. Yes it’s France, but it’s also one of the six original Celtic nations, sharing deep-rooted cultural ties with Scotland, Ireland, Cornwall, and Wales. Listen closely to the melodic tones of the Breton language, and you might catch echoes of Scottish or Irish accents.
The Emerald Coast offers a kaleidoscope of experiences, from elegant Belle Époque seaside resorts to rugged beaches and heather-clad headlands.
Normandy, with its lush farmland and ocean-kissed shores, showcases a cuisine shaped by nature—think creamy cheeses, crisp apple ciders, moules-frites, and irresistible crêpes, all infused with the flavors of land and sea.
Here the iconic Mont-Saint-Michel rises dramatically from the sea like a vision from a storybook. Known as the “Wonder of the Western World,” this UNESCO World Heritage Site enchants with its gravity-defying abbey perched atop a rocky island.
History lovers will marvel at the Bayeux Tapestry, a 230-foot-long masterpiece of embroidery crafted nearly a thousand years ago. It vividly recounts the Norman conquest of England, bringing ancient battles to life in astonishing detail. This wonderful sight is closed in September 2025 for renovation. But we have a June departure!
Normandy’s wide beaches, serene and peaceful today, still bear poignant reminders of their pivotal role in World War II. The D-Day landing sites of 1944 offer a powerful and thought-provoking connection to Europe’s recent history.
We’ll spend a full day exploring these historic shores. At Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery, we’ll pause to reflect on the courage and the sacrifices of those lost.