Finding a hike in France may seem straightforward. Many hiking websites and apps let you discover routes, view detailed maps and download GPX tracks.
But this search faces 2 obstacles:
- How do you find simple, reliable tools for route descriptions and maps? Not all tools are equal. Some use official IGN mapping, while others rely on proprietary maps or OpenStreetMap. Similarly, the ability to use maps offline can be essential when hiking in areas without mobile coverage.
- How do you find good hikes suited to your activities? A description may be outdated, poorly document interest or difficulty, describe another season, reflect just one person's experience or be endorsed by many hikers…
Here, RayonRando presents the main websites and apps for finding hiking routes in France, with their key features and benefits.
We also explain how to choose an itinerary and create your own route.
The most-used websites and apps for finding hikes
Visorando
Visorando is among France's most popular platforms for hiking routes, offering a large database across all regions with detailed information and step-by-step descriptions.
Mapping used
- OpenStreetMap by default
- IGN maps available with a subscription
Offline use
- GPX tracks can be downloaded
- IGN maps available to download for offline use with a subscription
Visorando is particularly valued for its detailed descriptions and variety of routes. Popular route guides receive reviews and comments that sometimes provide precise additional information, helping you understand their appeal and difficulties.
At RayonRando, we find it useful for discovering ideas and planning hikes before departure.
VisoRando
AllTrails
AllTrails is an international platform offering thousands of routes worldwide.
It is mainly used to quickly find hiking ideas in a region.
Mapping used
- proprietary maps based on OpenStreetMap
Offline use
- maps and routes can be downloaded with a premium subscription
AllTrails is a good source of inspiration, but description quality varies between routes. In France, you may prefer Visorando, but at RayonRando we consider it an essential app for hiking abroad. The numerous reviews on popular routes are very useful when choosing a walk.
AllTrails
Komoot
Komoot is a fairly popular app for planning outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling and trail running. It emphasises route planning and GPS navigation.
Mapping used
- maps mainly based on OpenStreetMap
Offline use
- download a region's maps for offline use
- GPS navigation without reception once the region is downloaded.
Komoot is effective for planning a route and following it on the ground. However, we find this app less comprehensive than the previous 2 for finding route descriptions and reviews when looking for hikes to undertake.
Komoot
CartesIGN
IGNrando is the official app developed by France's National Institute of Geographic and Forest Information. Completely free, it provides direct access to IGN maps, which remain the benchmark for accurate, reliable hiking mapping in France.
Mapping used
- official IGN maps, including the renowned 1/25000 IGN maps, which provide a precise view of relief and terrain features.
These maps show:
- paths and tracks
- contour lines
- relief and terrain features.
Offline use:
- You can record, import or export a route. Its 1/25,000 map is then available offline, although only the area around the saved route remains sharp and detailed; tiles covering the entire surrounding area are not saved.
- You can also simply view your intended area online: it remains viewable offline in the field until you reconnect.
- some IGN maps may be downloadable for offline use, but not the 1/25,000 tiles.
At RayonRando, we love this accurate, free tool. It is particularly useful for planning a route or analysing the terrain before a hike. On the ground, it lets you check in seconds exactly where you are and make sure you take the right turning. You can activate GPS briefly to avoid draining the battery.
CartesIGN
iPhiGénie
iPhiGénie is popular with experienced hikers.
It provides access to various topographic maps and precise GPS navigation.
Mapping used
- IGN maps available by subscription
- other topographic maps available.
Offline use
- maps downloadable for offline use
- full GPX track management
iPhiGénie is often used for navigation in the field and detailed route planning. Its major advantage is using IGN 1/25000 base maps.
iPhiGénie
Whympr
Whympr focuses on mountains and outdoor activities.
It brings together route, weather and mountain conditions information.
Mapping used
- IGN maps available in the app
Offline use
- maps downloadable for offline use (subscription)
- import and follow GPX tracks
Whympr is mainly used for mountain activities: Alpine hiking, ski touring and mountaineering. We have not tested it.
Whympr
Beyond apps, which reliable sources help find and prepare hikes?
Natural park and tourist office websites
Many areas also offer their own routes.
You can consult:
- regional natural park websites
- tourist offices
- sometimes, departmental or municipal websites.
These often provide local hiking descriptions, sometimes downloadable maps and natural heritage information.
The suggested routes are generally well suited to the area and well maintained.
At RayonRando, we also recommend going beyond the information on these websites and contacting natural parks and tourist offices directly by phone, email or in person: this provides truly up-to-date information on trail conditions, weather, accommodation arrangements and alternatives if needed.
Route guidebooks: a reliable source for planning a waymarked FFR route
Guidebooks from the French Hiking Federation remain a reference for many walkers.
They offer:
- selected, checked routes
- detailed descriptions
- maps and practical information.
They are particularly useful for planning an “official” route, GR long-distance trails, and particularly multi-day hikes.
Can you create your own hiking route?
The tools above, as well as paper IGN maps (see below), also allow you to create a personalised route: plot a route on an IGN map, modify an existing route and export a GPX track.
At RayonRando, we recommend doing this only with genuine independent hiking experience. That means reading and interpreting maps for preparation, but also understanding the landscape in the field to locate yourself and avoid mistakes.
Before departure, check:
- Waymarking: absent waymarks or only cairns make navigation trickier and may slow progress. Account for this when deciding hike or stage length.
- Distance and elevation change, providing an initial estimate of difficulty and duration.
- Potential difficulties. Identifying a cable-protected section, scree or boulder field lets you reassess effort and duration.
- And, of course, usual weather-related precautions.
Only when you master these aspects should you consider building your own route.
Do you still need a paper IGN map for hiking?
Yes, for:
- Planning your own route at home. A 1/25,000 IGN map offers a broad, detailed view of the whole area, while even a fairly large screen gives a narrower view: zoom out and you lose detail.
- Confirming you are on the correct route in the field. Sometimes a phone's GPS screen is too small for certainty.
- Changing route if an unexpected problem invalidates the original plan: weather, damaged terrain, fatigue or injury. Here too, a smartphone screen gives too narrow a terrain view.
Often, however, the IGN map becomes secondary:
- On day hikes along busy, well-waymarked paths, increasingly with junction signs, a route description or app may suffice.
Occasional GPS use instantly confirms you are on the path without unfolding and refolding a map.
How to choose a reliable hiking route?
When finding a hike online, a few checks are useful.
Points to check:
- Distance and elevation change are basic information linked to expected duration.
- Terrain difficulty. If information is missing, take time to study the map and seek more details.
- Review number and dates. An old description with few recent reviews may no longer be valid.
- Whether the plotted track makes sense on the map
- Source reliability.
Cross-checking several tools and reading several route descriptions often helps you prepare a hike better and avoid unpleasant surprises.
Conclusion
Useful sources for hiking route ideas in France include specialist websites and apps, IGN maps, institutional websites such as parks, tourist offices and municipalities, and walking guidebooks.
For hikes in France, at RayonRando we find websites and apps using IGN 1/25000 base maps the most practical and reliable. Others rely on OpenStreetMap and are also useful, particularly abroad and for cross-border hikes. With IGN, planning a route crossing from the French to the Spanish Pyrenees is rather awkward, as you need another base map once over the border.
Depending on the tool, you may also be able to download maps and GPX tracks for offline use, which can be essential in the mountains or areas with poor mobile coverage.
We particularly recommend CartesIGN, Visorando and Alltrails. However, comparing several sources often remains the best way to plan a reliable hike suited to your ability.
FAQ
Which hiking apps use IGN maps?
Several apps let you use IGN maps, which remain the mapping benchmark for hiking in France. One is Cartes IGN, a completely free app developed by France's National Institute of Geographic and Forest Information. Other apps such as iPhiGénie, Visorando and Whympr also offer access to IGN maps, generally by subscription. Hikers greatly value these maps for their many useful terrain details: paths, contour lines, relief, forests and notable features.
Can you use IGN maps offline?
Yes, several apps let you download IGN maps for offline viewing. These include Cartes IGN (routes, but not complete map tiles) and iPhiGénie (complete tiles by subscription). Apps such as Visorando and Whympr also offer this feature with a subscription. Once maps are downloaded to your smartphone, you can follow a GPS route, examine relief or check your position without a mobile connection. This is particularly useful in the mountains or remote areas.
Where can you find hiking GPX tracks?
Hiking GPX tracks can be downloaded from several specialist websites and apps. Platforms such as Visorando, Komoot and AllTrails offer thousands of routes with downloadable GPX files. These files can then be imported into a GPS app or navigation device. They let you follow a route accurately on the ground and avoid navigation errors.
Do you have to use IGN maps for hiking?
IGN maps are not compulsory, but remain the benchmark for hiking in France. They provide very detailed mapping with paths, contour lines, relief and numerous terrain features. Some apps instead use maps based on OpenStreetMap, such as Komoot or AllTrails. These maps can be sufficient for following a simple route, but IGN maps often remain more accurate for analysing terrain and planning a hike.