Best Hiking Trails Around the World in Lyon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
1. Vercors Plateau
A massive karst plateau with towering cliffs and deep gorges, offering challenging hikes and stunning views.
- Karst Landscape: Unique limestone formations created by erosion over millennia
- Adventurous Trails: Demanding hikes for experienced adventurers, with steep ascents and narrow paths
- Wildlife Observation: Opportunities to spot rare birds of prey such as the Griffon vulture
2. Four Routes of the Hautes-Routes
A series of long-distance trails that cross the Alps, offering a challenging and rewarding hiking experience.
- Alpine Beauty: Breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and glaciers
- Long Distance Trails: Multi-day hikes, perfect for those seeking a true alpine adventure
- Alpine Wildlife: Encountering chamois and ibex in their natural habitat
3. Mont Pilatus
A steep hike up a towering peak offering panoramic views of the Swiss Alps and Lake Lucerne.
- Panoramic Views: Stunning vistas that stretch for miles, including Lake Lucerne and the surrounding mountains
- Cable Car Alternative: For those who prefer not to hike, a cable car is available to reach the summit
- Summer Alpine Park: A unique opportunity to explore an alpine park during the warmer months
4. Col de la Croix-de-Fer
A high mountain pass with a challenging climb and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
- High Mountain Pass: Crossing the col (pass) at an elevation of 2,067 meters
- Scenic Drive: A famous road trip destination, with sweeping views along the way
- Hiking Trails Galore: Numerous hiking trails leading to nearby peaks and lakes
5. Three Lakes Circuit
A moderate hike around three picturesque alpine lakes, offering tranquil surroundings and stunning views.
- Tranquil Surroundings: Peaceful atmosphere with minimal crowds
- Lake Views: Beautiful, crystal-clear alpine lakes with mountain backdrops
- Natural Wildlife Sanctuary: A protected area for a variety of alpine wildlife
6. Gorges du Tarn
Deep gorges with steep cliffs and narrow paths, offering exhilarating hikes and stunning views of the river below.
- Exhilarating Hikes: Steep trails that require a good level of fitness
- River Views: Panoramic views of the Tarn River as it winds through the gorges
- Grand Canyon-like Landscape: A grand canyon-like landscape, with towering cliffs and narrow paths
7. Grandes Rousses Massif
A massive mountain range offering challenging hikes, stunning views, and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
- Challenging Hikes: Steep and rocky terrain requiring a good level of fitness
- Stunning Views: Panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys
- Wildlife Encounters: Encountering chamois, marmots, and other alpine wildlife in their natural habitat
8. Parc Naturel Régional de Haut-Jura
A vast natural park offering a variety of hiking trails, from easy strolls to challenging treks.
- Variety of Trails: Trails for hikers of all abilities, from novices to experienced adventurers
- Wildlife Sanctuary: A protected area for a variety of wildlife, including bears and wolves
- Alpine Scenery: Stunning alpine scenery, with snow-capped peaks and crystal-clear lakes
9. Cirque de Gavarnie
A dramatic cirque featuring a massive waterfall and steep hiking trails, offering breathtaking views of the Pyrenees.
- Waterfall Wonderland: The massive Gavarnie Waterfall cascading down the cirque
- Challenging Trails: Steep and challenging hiking trails for experienced adventurers
- Pyrenees Scenery: Stunning views of the Pyrenees, with snow-capped peaks and glaciers
10. Mont Aiguille
A challenging hike up a towering peak offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
- Challenging Climb: A steep and challenging ascent to the summit
- Panoramic Views: Breathtaking vistas of the surrounding countryside
- Historic Significance: A historic site, once considered inaccessible by mortal man
11. Hautes Vosges Regional Nature Park
A vast park offering a variety of hiking trails, with opportunities for wildlife spotting and stunning alpine scenery.
- Variety of Trails: Trails for hikers of all abilities, from easy strolls to challenging treks
- Wildlife Sanctuary: A protected area for a variety of wildlife, including bears and wolves
- Alpine Scenery: Stunning alpine scenery, with snow-capped peaks and crystal-clear lakes
12. The Grandes Jorasses
A massive wall of rock offering challenging climbs and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
- Challenging Climbs: Steep and demanding rock climbing routes for experienced climbers
- Stunning Views: Panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains, including Mont Blanc
- Climbing History: A significant site in climbing history, with numerous famous routes
13. Puy de Sancy
The highest peak in the Massif Central offering challenging hikes and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
- Challenging Climb: A steep and challenging ascent to the summit
- Panoramic Views: Breathtaking vistas of the surrounding countryside
- Massif Central Scenery: Stunning views of the Massif Central, with its volcanic peaks and valleys
14. The GR5 Trail
A long-distance hiking trail that traverses the entire length of France, passing through diverse landscapes.
- Long Distance Trails: Multi-day hikes for those seeking a true French adventure
- Diverse Landscapes: A variety of landscapes, from the Alps to the Pyrenees and everything in between
- Rich Cultural History: Passing through villages with rich cultural heritage and historical significance
15. The GR20 Trail
A challenging long-distance trail that traverses Corsica, offering breathtaking views and diverse landscapes.
- Challenging Trails: Steep and demanding terrain for experienced hikers
- Diverse Landscapes: A variety of landscapes, from mountains to coastline and everything in between
- Cultural Immersion: Immersing in the unique culture and history of Corsica