Nouvelle Aquitaine is France's largest region, stretching from the Atlantic coast and Pyrenees mountains in the south to the Loire Valley in the north. It encompasses world-renowned wine regions like Bordeaux and Saint-Émilion, the surf capital of Biarritz, prehistoric wonders at Lascaux, and the dramatic Dune du Pilat. With diverse landscapes, rich gastronomy, and centuries of history, Nouvelle Aquitaine offers an unrivaled travel experience in southwestern France.
Top trails
Routes worth lacing up your boots for.
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1
Pic du Midi d'Ossau Circuit
The classic Béarn mountain circuit around the iconic Pic du Midi d'Ossau (2,884m)—one of the most beautiful and challenging day hikes in the Pyrenees. The route passes the Lac de Peyreget and Lac Bersau with extraordinary views of the twin-peaked summit throughout.
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2
Gorges de Kakuetta Trail
A spectacular slot canyon walk through the Kakuetta gorge, where a narrow path hugs the stream bed between towering limestone walls draped in ferns and mosses. The trail ends at a dramatic 20m waterfall and natural grotto. Some river crossings on stepping stones.
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3
GR10 - Vallée d'Aspe Section
The GR10 long-distance trail crosses the French Pyrenees from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. The Basque and Béarn section through the Vallée d'Aspe offers wild mountain scenery, Pyrenean brown bear habitat, and traditional pastoral villages.
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4
Chemin de la Corniche Basque
A spectacular coastal walk along the clifftop Corniche Basque between Hendaye and Saint-Jean-de-Luz, with dramatic views over the Bay of Biscay, Spanish coastline, and picturesque fishing villages. The path passes through Ciboure and Socoa.
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5
Chemin d'Henri IV – Cirque de Lescun
A magnificent mountain hike into the Cirque de Lescun—one of the finest natural amphitheatres in the Pyrenees, ringed by dramatic limestone peaks. The pretty village of Lescun at 900m is a perfect base.
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6
Vézère Valley Prehistoric Path
A gentle walk through the UNESCO World Heritage Vézère Valley past prehistoric cave sites—Font-de-Gaume, Combarelles, and Abri du Cap Blanc—along the river bank with dramatic limestone cliffs. Ideal for combining with cave visits.
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7
Sentier du Littoral, Cap Ferret
A beautiful coastal path through pine forest along the Cap Ferret peninsula between the Bay of Arcachon and the Atlantic, passing wild beaches, oyster cabins, and the lighthouse. A perfect half-day walk with excellent cycling alternatives.
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8
Gorges du Tarn (via Millau – day trip from northeast NA)
The dramatic limestone gorges of the Tarn and Aveyron river valleys are accessible from the Corrèze area of Nouvelle Aquitaine and offer spectacular canyon walking through a wild and ancient landscape.
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9
Sentier des Châteaux, Dordogne
A riverside walk along the Dordogne from the cliff-top castle of Beynac to the equally spectacular village of La Roque-Gageac, passing through the golden Dordogne valley with views of multiple medieval châteaux.
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10
Sentier du Rhun, Basque Country
The ascent of La Rhune (905m)—the sacred mountain of the Basque people—on foot from Sare village rewards hikers with a 360° panorama over the Basque coast, the Spanish Pyrenees, and the Atlantic Ocean. A rack railway also serves the summit.
Trail difficulty levels
Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.
Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.
Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.
Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.
Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.
When to hike
Seasonal conditions in Nouvelle Aquitaine.
- Spring
- April-June: wildflowers, mild temperatures, ideal for Dordogne valley walks; snow still possible above 1500m in Pyrenees
- Summer
- June-September: best conditions for Pyrenees mountain hikes; coastal paths beautiful; start early to avoid heat
- Fall
- September-November: excellent temperatures for hiking; harvest colors; quieter trails
- Winter
- December-March: low-altitude Dordogne walks possible; Pyrenees require full mountaineering equipment above 1500m
Local hazards
What to watch out for on the trail.
Hazard: Atlantic weather changes rapidly on the Pyrenees—always carry waterproofs even on clear days
Hazard: Pyrenean brown bears are present in the western Pyrenees—make noise on trails and carry bear spray if venturing deep into the mountains
Hazard: Wild boar (sangliers) are common in Dordogne and Landes forests—avoid disturbing them, especially mothers with young
Hazard: Atlantic coastal paths can have unstable cliff edges—keep to marked paths and away from eroded cliff tops
Hazard: Lyme disease-carrying ticks are present in Landes forest and Dordogne woodland—wear long sleeves and check after walks
Hazard: Summer heat in the Dordogne can be extreme—start hikes early and carry plenty of water