Discover Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur through our best hikes

"Solid trail option in the Hautes-Alpes region with good wildlife viewing opportunities. The 500m elevation provides a proper workout without being overwhelming. Just be prepared for the additional costs as both parking and trail access require payment, which isn't always clearly advertised beforehand."

"Nous avons pris le bus depuis l'Auberge du Point Sublime (point d'arrivée) jusqu'au départ (6€ par personne). Arrivés au parking à 8h15 un mercredi d'août, nous avons eu la dernière place. Il y avait des gens qui attendaient le bus de 8h15 mais il s'est rempli rapidement. Nous avons pris celui de 8h45 avec seulement quelques places restantes. Je recommande d'arriver vers 7h45 et de prendre le bus plus tôt pour profiter de la fraîcheur matinale sur ce sentier exigeant."

"We got the bus from Auberge du point sublime (end point) and took the bus to the start (€6pp). We got to the parking at 8:15 on Wednesday 7th August and got the last spot. There were people waiting for the 8:15 bus but that filled up quickly and we got the 8:45 bus and there were just a few seats left. Recommend getting to the parking around 7:45 and getting on the earlier bus for the cooler weather for the walk. The shuttle service is essential since parking isn't free at both ends."

"Amazing. A gentle mix between Zion national park, Scotland yet with sun and a touch of Yosemite. The Queyras perfectly blends dramatic red rock formations reminiscent of Utah's canyons with the rugged highland beauty of Scotland, all bathed in Mediterranean sunshine. The granite spires and deep valleys create a unique alpine environment that feels both familiar and wonderfully exotic to international visitors."

"A 6-day hike around the Queyras is just awe-inspiring as physically demanding. You have to earn the beautiful sites, but they are worth it. The landscape changes often and will continuously leave you wanting to discover more. The paths are well labeled and the places to sleep for the night (in tent or not if necessary) are quite frequent. You aren't allowed to camp within 1-hour walk of towns, villages etc. and I recommend bringing along water filters. Moderately crowded makes for a great escape in the wild during the summer."

"Beautiful hike with so much to offer!!! We hiked in April so it was a bit cold and overcast but I can imagine the flora and fauna would be amazing in the summer time! The hike has a series of steps as well as a few tunnels to be aware of. It is easier to complete traversing from La Maline and ending at Sublime Point and in a lot of ways this direction leaves the best for last! The 600m descent makes this direction more manageable on the knees."

"Randonnée magnifique avec tant de choses à offrir ! Nous avons randonné en avril, il faisait un peu froid et couvert mais j'imagine que la flore et la faune seraient encore plus extraordinaires en été ! Le sentier comprend une série d'escaliers ainsi que quelques tunnels à prévoir. Il est plus facile de traverser en partant de La Maline pour finir au Point Sublime, et de bien des façons cette direction garde le meilleur pour la fin ! Les 600m de dénivelé se font progressivement."

"Decent hike but be prepared for the costs and restrictions. The trail itself is beautiful with good moderate difficulty over 6.4km, but parking isn't free and dogs aren't allowed. The 600m elevation gain provides nice workout and the waterfall is pretty. Just factor in the entry fees when planning your visit to this Var region attraction."

"Extraordinaire ! Le Queyras offre un mélange subtil entre l'ambiance de Zion National Park et l'Écosse, mais avec du soleil et une touche de Yosemite. Les gorges du Guil rappellent les canyons américains, tandis que les alpages évoquent les Highlands écossais. Les formations rocheuses et les pics acérés complètent ce tableau unique dans les Alpes françaises."

"Magnifique randonnée le long des gorges et de la rivière du Verdon. Excellent moyen de découvrir la rivière turquoise, d'apprécier la flore et la faune magnifiques, tout en admirant les vues spectaculaires des gorges. Si vous êtes en forme ou habituée aux randonnées, c'est assez tranquille malgré les 600m de dénivelé. Nous nous sommes garés au Sublime et avons fait du stop jusqu'au départ. Commencé à 16h00, terminé à 19h00, trois heures avec arrêts photos. L'après-midi était parfait car nous étions à l'ombre la plupart du temps !"

"Beautiful hike along the gorge and river. Great way to see the turquoise river, enjoy the gorgeous flora and fauna, while taking in the dramatic views of the gorge. If you're in shape or hike a lot this is quite a mellow hike, we parked at Sublime and hitchhiked to the start. We started the hike at 16:00 and finished at 19:00, three hours with stops for photos and water. It was great doing it in the afternoon because we were covered by shade for most of the hike! The 600m elevation provides excellent workout."

"Magnifique promenade le long du littoral rocheux. L'eau est très claire et plusieurs endroits permettent de se détendre et nager. Comptez environ 1h30 pour le parcours complet, mais c'est globalement une marche facile avec quelques montées et descentes sur les 150 mètres de dénivelé. Pensez à apporter de l'eau lors des chaudes journées d'été ! L'accès depuis Nice vaut le détour."

"Beautiful hike from Antonaves following the ridge paths and exploring the avens (natural sinkholes). The return journey through the gorges is quite exhausting and difficult, especially with the 300m elevation changes throughout the route. This challenging trek requires good fitness levels and proper preparation. The contrast between the airy ridge walk and the enclosed gorge section provides diverse scenery, but be prepared for a demanding day out in the Hautes-Alpes terrain."

"The Gorges de la Siagne offers a spectacular canyon experience with dramatic limestone cliffs and crystal-clear pools. The 300m elevation gain provides a good workout while leading to breathtaking viewpoints. Note that access requires an entrance fee and parking isn't free, so plan accordingly. The rocky terrain can be challenging in places, making proper hiking boots essential for safety."

"The Sentier Des Marmottes offers a challenging workout with its 500m elevation gain. While the paid access might deter some hikers, the trail provides excellent opportunities to spot marmots in their natural habitat. The steep sections require good fitness levels, but the alpine scenery in the Hautes-Alpes region makes it worthwhile. Note that dogs aren't allowed, which helps preserve the wildlife. Plan for parking fees as well."

"Great camping spot near the pond with beautiful views of the surrounding Var countryside. The facilities are well-maintained and the location offers easy access to several hiking trails in the area. Perfect for families looking for a peaceful retreat, though note that pets aren't allowed and there are entrance fees to consider."