Spring in the great outdoors: 10 walks not to be missed

IN BRIEF

Spring holidays: zone B from April 5, zone C from April 12, zone A from April 19.
Mountain destination: skiing or hiking in nature.
10 walks to discover in the Alps, Jura, and Massif Central.
Ideal for enjoying the scenery before the summer heat.
Suggestions include: Cadières de Brandis, Blanc-Martel Trail, Cirque de Gens.
Prepare appropriate shoes, water, a hat, and a camera.
Hiking from 7 km to 60 km depending on the routes.

With the arrival of spring, it’s the perfect time to escape into nature and enjoy the enchanting landscapes that awaken. Whether you’re a hiking enthusiast or simply looking for a family outing, we offer a selection of ten exceptional walks through the Alps, Jura, and Massif Central. Get your good shoes and backpack ready, and set off to explore these beautiful trails.

The Cadières de Brandis (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence)

Overlooking the Verdon, the Cadières de Brandis reveal a spectacular backdrop of cliffs sculpted by erosion, rising to nearly 1,500 meters in altitude. Starting from the col des Lèques, an 8 km loop with an elevation gain of 400 meters leads you to these impressive rock formations. The trail crosses forests and rocky areas, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the Verdon Valley. In spring, the coolness of the underbrush and the magnificent panorama make it an unmissable hike. Don’t forget your water, hat, and camera to capture these wild landscapes.

The Gorges du Verdon: the Blanc-Martel Trail (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence)

The Blanc-Martel Trail is an iconic hike in the Gorges du Verdon. Stretching 15 km, this route connects the chalet of la Maline to Point Sublime, plunging you into the heart of the largest canyon in Europe. Add to that stairs, tunnels, dizzying viewpoints, and passages along the water, and you have a spectacular adventure. Prepare yourself for 5 to 7 hours of hiking with an elevation gain of about 600 meters. Make sure you have good shoes and a flashlight for the tunnels, and enjoy breathtaking views of the limestone cliffs and turquoise waters of the Verdon.

The Cirque de Gens (Ardèche)

Located near Ruoms in Ardèche, the Cirque de Gens offers a 7 km hike with exceptional views of the Ardèche gorges. This route, lasting about 2 hours and 15 minutes, features a positive elevation gain of 164 meters and starts from the Ruoms tourist office. Using the Via Ardèche greenway, you will descend towards the river, discovering limestone cliffs shaped by centuries of erosion. The elevated passages and steep sections make this hike not recommended for young children and those prone to vertigo. Remember to bring hiking shoes, at least 1.5 liters of water, and sun protection.

The Tanargue (Ardèche)

The Tanargue massif, nicknamed the “Mountain of Thunder,” is a true playground for hikers, offering plunging views over seven departments. It peaks at Grand Tanargue at 1,511 meters above sea level. The GR® de Pays Tour du Tanargue offers a 60 km route over 4 days, starting from Largentière and crossing ridges over 1,000 meters high. This hike immerses you in a wild territory rich in biodiversity, where local legends related to frequent storms intertwine with the beauty of the landscapes.

The Himalayan Footbridges of Lake Monteynard (Isère)

South of Grenoble, Lake Monteynard offers a hike between water and mountains, punctuated by two Himalayan footbridges suspended above the Drac and Ébron rivers. Hanging between 45 and 85 m high, these footbridges represent a looping course of 13 km with an elevation gain of 400 meters, accessible in about 4 hours and 30 minutes. You can start this adventure by boat from Treffort to Mayres-Savel, adding a playful touch to your walk. This activity is ideal in spring, away from summer crowds. Don’t forget your good shoes, water, and sun protection, especially if you’re traveling with a pet.

The Pierre Percée (Isère)

Perched at 1,220 meters above sea level, the Pierre Percée is a fascinating natural arch 3 meters high, sculpted by erosion. Listed among the seven wonders of Dauphiné, it overlooks the Matheysine plateau and is accessible via family-friendly trails. From Pierre-Châtel, a short 2 km climb leads to this natural curiosity, with a 6 km loop starting from La Motte-d’Aveillans. The shaded forests and peaceful ambiance give this site a certain charm, ideal for a spring hike.

The Hérisson Waterfalls (Jura)

At the gates of the Haut-Jura Regional Natural Park, the Hérisson Waterfalls provide an ideal setting for a family outing. The trail alongside the Hérisson stream offers a refreshing discovery of seven waterfalls, accessible to all types of hikers. With a total length of 7.4 km round trip and an elevation gain of about 255 meters, it requires around 3 hours of walking. For a shorter stroll, you can focus on the upper part to admire the first two waterfalls in less than 1 hour and 30 minutes. Appropriate shoes and clothing are recommended to fully enjoy this forest walk.

The Himalayan Footbridge of the Lignon Gorges (Haute-Loire)

Inaugurated in April 2022, the Himalayan footbridge of the Lignon gorges is the longest in France, reaching 268 meters in length and 78 meters in height. It connects the towns of Saint-Maurice-de-Lignon and Grazac, offering spectacular views over the gorges. Accessible via hiking trails suitable for various levels, this footbridge allows for the discovery of varied landscapes between forests and waterways. Since its opening, it has attracted many visitors in search of thrills and exceptional panoramas.

The Chamber of the Turk (Vaucluse)

Nestled in the Dentelles de Montmirail, near Gigondas, The Chamber of the Turk is a natural cavity offering stunning views of Mont Ventoux. This hike of about 7 km features a positive elevation gain of 350 meters, starting from the Col du Cayron. The trail passes through Mediterranean vegetation, leading to technical passages. Accessing The Chamber of the Turk requires climbing with hands, so it’s important to wear suitable shoes and stay vigilant during your excursion.

The Provençal Colorado in the Luberon (Vaucluse)

The Provençal Colorado, located in Rustrel, is an open-air ochre quarry offering landscapes reminiscent of the Wild West. With its cliffs and fairy chimneys in shades ranging from pale yellow to red, this site offers two marked trails: the Sahara Trail, ideal for families, and the Viewpoints Trail, which reveals exceptional panoramas. Access is paid, but it allows for an immersive experience in the heart of Provence. Don’t forget to wear appropriate clothing, as the ochre pigments can stain, and make sure to bring water, especially in the summer.