Trekking in France With a Private Nature Guide

..Nature and Discovery

Nature lovers

Discover a French region in a new way

There is nothing more revitalizing and energizing than a hike or trek in the middle of breathtaking wilderness with a local nature guide. Whichever French destination you choose, we will organize amazing and magical walks that will take your breath away. Return to simplicity and authenticity by embarking on an adventure in the great outdoors. Hiking in France is truly inspiring: your senses will be awakened at every turn as you explore the country’s varied landscapes and memorable views. Whether you are climbing a challenging mountain or following a gentle nature trail, you’ll enjoy fresh air, take in breathtaking panoramas and observe colourful flora and fauna. In the company of your naturalist guide, you will discover a multitude of unsuspected riches. You will appreciate France’s varied natural wonders, whether on the coast or inland.

Starting to think that a trekking getaway in France might be ideal? Or perhaps you’d like to incorporate hikes and nature walks into a longer luxury tour of the country? Take a look at some of our suggestions below to get inspired– then get in touch with us! 

Would you be tempted by some other experiences inspired by Mother Nature? A balloon flight, a cruise on a barge, a bike tour? Make sure to have a look at our other suggestions related to France off the beaten path. Would you be interested in a more historical and cultural dimension? Would you also like to experiment some of our epicurian tours? just have a look of what we could offer you as well. Your personalised tour can be designed around your interests.

Marie Tesson in vineyard founder of Exclusive France Tours

Marie Tesson

Founder

Forever in search of something new, I love wandering through France to uncover hidden treasures. Epicurian by nature, I am enthralled by culture in every form, wine (with a special affinity for those from Bourgogne and Rhone valley), gastronomy and anything out of the ordinary.

Some suggestions for hiking in France with a nature guide...

Sauntering along the Loire with a local guide

When: Spring; summer

For who: Nature lovers; budding ornithologists

Why: Share some precious moments with the wild birds of the Loire

Description: Even if this isn’t a walk in the strict sense, it’s an experience so connected with Nature that it nevertheless belongs in this section. Why not embark on a traditional boat cruise on the Loire river, the last wild river in France? Give in to peace, relaxation and commune with nature. The Loire is home to at least 240 species of birds: hawks, terns, gulls, sparrowhawks, kingfishers and even eagles. With our local guide and a good pair of binoculars, you will observe these and other species as they groom themselves, tend to their young or fish in the river. Faced with so many wonders, you will have the feeling of living a special moment as you connect with wild creatures.

Request a Booking

Wandering through the heart of vineyards

When: Spring; summer; autumn

For who: Wine and vineyard lovers.

Why: Stroll in the vineyards; understand the concept of the French “terroir”; add an active and invigorating activity to your bespoke wine tour

Description: Immerse yourself in a sea of vines, omnipresent in Burgundy. Discover the mythical plots and terroirs that produce some of the wines that you’ve long dreamed of tasting: Romanée Conti, Vougeot, Grands Echezeaux, or Amoureuses. With the help of your expert guide, you will gain a much better understanding of the complexity of these renowned wines, as well as their unique terroirs. You’ll also meet with local winemakers and learn some of the secrets of the region’s sentries-long traditions. We dare you not to fall in love with the beauty of Burgundian landcapes and vines!

Marvelling at the ochre soils in Provence

When: Spring; summer; autumn; winter

For who: Nature and Provence lovers

Why: Discover some wonderful and warm landscapes

Description: One of the magical aspects of hiking in France? The breathtaking landscapes you’ll inevitably cross. Provence, known for its striking lavender fields, is also stunning for its deep ochre-coloured soils. Let yourself be seduced by the warm and wild beauty of the Luberon’s distinctive landscapes. Contemplate the majestic Cedar Forest, the surprising ochres of the provencal colorado or the impressive geological formations that can be seen at Forcalquier’s “mourres”. Your local guide will lead you onto the most beautiful paths and trails of his native region, proud to reveal their secret corners and enchanting vistas.

Visit of an oyster farm - Cap Ferret

When: All year

For whom: Gourmands; oyster lovers

Why: Taste some of the best oysters in France

Description: Arcachon Bay is a popular spot for lovers of wild nature, but also oyster lovers. The oysters from Cap Ferret are among the most famous in the world. You can visit oyster beds, which are passed down from generation to generation. Moreover, you will often be greeted by the oyster farmer’s wife who will offer you a small tasting. In the evening, embark on a pinnacle ride to admire the sunset over the dune of Pilat… enchantment guaranteed.

Dune de Pilat escapade – Aquitaine

When: Spring; summer; autumn

For who: Lovers of coastal landscapes and anyone in search of the great outdoors

Why: Be astonished by the beauty of the landscapes

Description: During your stay in Bordeaux and after exploring’ the region’s many wonderful vineyards, wine lovers can get away for some fresh sea air only 1 hour away from the city. The Arcachon Basin is stupefying for its natural landscapes: explore the famous Dune du Pilat, one of Europe’s tallest sand dunes; wander through oyster villages and farms aboard a pinasse with your local guide; observe the hundreds of birds that populate the basin. To end your day the French way, why not enjoy an aperitif as you admire the pinks, oranges and mauves of the sunset over the water? These magical moments will remain for ever in your memory.

Custom walking tours between ocean & wild nature – Brittany

When: Spring; summer; autumn

For who: Those who don’t mind outdoor activities when there’s a bit of rain

Why: Breathe in the invigorating sea breezes. Fall in love with the beauty of the natural landscapes, in dramatic shades of pink, grey and blue. Spot wildlife, from seabirds to seals.

Description: Discover Brittany through a bespoke walking tour along the marvellous seashore. From the Emerald Coast to the bay of Mont Saint Michel and the Pink Granite coast, let yourself be carried away by the beauty of the landscapes. From the Grouin Point to Cancale, you will explore the north coast of Brittany in the finest detail, taking advantage of opportunities for wildlife-spotting along the way. At your arrival at Cancale, why not give in to the temptation indulging in oysters– the city’s speciality– and tasting a nice glass of white wine from the Loire Valley.

Trekking through the Pyrenees

When: Spring; summer; autumn

For who: Nature and hiking lovers

Why: Discover some beautiful painted churches and revel in the mountainous landscapes

Description: Escape for a day to the magnificent region of Luchon, dubbed “the Queen of the Pyrenees”. The mythical Col de Peyresourde– made famous by the Tour de France bike race that winds through it– offers intrepid hikers both joy and wonder: enjoy waterfalls, verdant plains, stunning peaks, picturesque villages, and magnificently painted churches.

Wandering through the heart of Basque country

When: Spring; summer; autumn

For who: Basque country and nature enthusiasts

Why: Discover this magnificent region in an authentic and refreshing way

Description: Discover the breathtaking Pays Basque in a different way: walk along the shores of the Marion and Mouriscot Lakes on horseback or on foot with a nature guide. You’ll get to explore the rich flora and fauna of these verdant areas and experience all the beauty of Basque country.

I want to organize my own private or corporate event

they trust us

Our awesome clients!

client reviews

Used in the proposal of Mont-Michel. Marie-San from exclusive France tours has been very kind from her first contact, she was flexible on the schedule and the budget to best meet my requirements. In the preparation phase, we were able to communicate with you immediately by phone and email despite the 7-hour time difference. Mrs. Christèle, our guide, and the photographer Mrs Pauline were also professional and very kind, and I was able to make a proposal that was very satisfying as a result. If you would like to succeed in the proposal during a trip in France, we recommend exclusive France tours.
Hiroki I.
Romantic proposal with the Mont Saint Michel as the background...
What a trip! The honeymoon was wonderful, and planned incredibly well, we can’t think of anything wrong. The detail on the itinerary was perfect and the guides were outstanding. Everyone was very knowledgeable and easy going. The special tours and lunches were just that, very special. Lots of memories to keep! Thank you again for helping me plan a successful honeymoon. I look forward to the next trip. We will contact you for any France trips in the future. Thanks!
Davis F.
3 weeks Honeymoon throughout France and Switzerland
Marie Tesson listens, internalizes what she’s heard, crafts well-thought out itineraries, isn’t afraid to suggest alternatives, and communicates earnestly with her clients. For our ‘Tour de France’, she has consistently gone beyond my expectations and I rate her new baby, Exclusive France Tours, a 10 out of 10.
Jaime D.R.
3 weeks extensive private tour across France

avis de clients

I want to thank you for your love and support in making it possible for us to have the most amazing proposal day. Thank you for helping me in making this a very special and memorable day in our life. Everything went very well and we are extremely happy!

We are now celebrating in the French Riviera and reminiscing how prefect everything was!
Dear Marie and Emeline, Thank you both for all of your help with this itinerary you have both been amazing we cannot believe how we have been able to organise everything that G. requested at such short notice. Your team has been amazing. I will certainly advise our lifestyle team to use your company for any future requests. We appreciate all of your help. As Julia said we can’t wait to see pictures and hear from G. how it all went!
Highly recommend. I am not easily impressed, but Marie managed the impossible throughout our entire Champagne experience. She was able to secure private and exclusive access to prestigious houses, which is a privilege reserved only for major distributors and celebrities. Each visit was unique, exclusive, educational and delicious. Looking forward to working with her to explore the rest of France.
letters photo blog

Stay up to date