The South-West of France is a magnificent region offering a multitude of breathtaking landscapes, from the Atlantic coast to the majestic peaks of the Pyrenees. It’s also an ideal destination for families wishing to venture out into nature and discover the many hiking accessible to all levels. At Evazio, a Bordeaux-based travel agency, we’ve selected for you the TOP 10 best family hikes in the South-West, Occitania and Nouvelle-Aquitaine regions.
Easy level
1. Sentier du Littoral
Duration: 2h
Departure: Bidart
The Coastal Path, located on the Basque coast, is an easy hike offering spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean. You can walk along the cliffs, admiring the waves breaking on the rocks. This hike is perfect for families with children of all ages. Play areas are available along the way, and there are also several beaches where you can stop for a refreshing swim. Recommended equipment: hat, sunscreen, swimsuit, water.
Nearby attractions: Biarritz, Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
2. Lac de Gaube
Duration: 2h30
Start: Pont d’Espagne, Cauterets
Lac de Gaube is a mountain lake located in the Hautes-Pyrénées, in the heart of the Pyrenees National Park. You can reach the lake by following a well-marked path through a forest of hooked pines. This is an ideal hike for families with young children, as the trail is relatively flat and easy to walk. Recommended equipment: warm clothing, water, snacks.
Nearby attractions: Cauterets, Pyrenees National Park.
3. Cirque de Navacelles
Duration: 3h
Departure: Blandas
The Cirque de Navacelles is a natural site listed as a UNESCO World Heritage SiteWorld Heritage Site, located in the Hérault department. It’s a spectacular canyon formed by the river Vis, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. This hike is perfect for families with older children who can walk on rougher terrain. The trail offers panoramic views of the canyon and passes through picturesque villages. Recommended equipment: hiking boots, water, camera. Nearby attractions: Grotte des Demoiselles, Montpellier.
4. The Grésigne Forest
Duration: 3h
Start: Puycelsi
The Grésigne forest is the largest oak forest in France, located in the Tarn département. This hike crosses the forest, passing through shady paths and flower-filled meadows. It’s an ideal hike for families with children who want to discover the flora and fauna of the region. Recommended equipment: binoculars for birdwatching, water, snacks. Nearby attractions: Château de Penne, Cordes-sur-Ciel.
5. Nordic walking around the Bay of Arcachon
Duration: Variable
Departure: Arcachon
The Bassin d’Arcachon, the only one of its kind, is an inland sea with an opening to the ocean, allowing the water to be renewed twice a day with the tide. It’s been the kingdom of the oyster since the middle of the last century, and its 84 km coastline surrounded by pine trees makes it an original and privileged place. Evazio suggests a Nordic walking tour which will enable you to admire not only the oyster basins, but also a variety of landscapes: the wild ocean to the west, the Bordeaux vineyards to the north and east, and the Landes forest to the south.
Your route will take you along long beaches, through small ports with colorful huts, through bird sanctuaries and pine forests. You’ll discover a mosaic of landscapes and atmospheres: the Banc d’Arguin nature reserve, tumultuous wave rolls facing the ocean, oyster ports, colorful fishermen’s huts, the fascinating Dune du Pilat, the Gascony moors, endless beaches, and the town of Arcachon.
The diversity of the basin offers landscapes ideal for Nordic walking, created by the constant confrontation between ocean, wind, sand, freshwater and saltwater. These remarkable conditions have given rise to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including some 300 species of breeding and migratory birds. What’s more, the rich and diverse architecture of Arcachon’s winter town bears witness to the 19th-century era when sea bathing made Arcachon a prestigious and renowned destination.
Best season: Spring and Autumn to avoid the crowds.
Recommended equipment: Nordic walking shoes, Nordic walking poles, water, binoculars for birdwatching.
Fauna and flora: 300 species of breeding and migratory birds, maritime pine, oysters.
Nearby attractions: Arcachon town, Banc d’Arguin nature reserve, Dune du Pilat.
Dining: Arcachon offers a variety of restaurants, many serving fresh seafood.
6. The Cathar Trail
Duration: Variable
Departure: Port-La-Nouvelle
The Sentier Cathare is a long-distance hiking trail through the Cathar castles of Aude and Ariège. It’s a more demanding hike, suitable for families with older children who are used to hiking. You can choose to do shorter sections of the trail, depending on your fitness level. Recommended equipment: hiking boots, water, food. Nearby attractions: Castles of Quéribus and Peyrepertuse.
7. Néouvielle Nature Reserve
Duration: 4h
Start: Lac d’Aubert
The Néouvielle Nature Reserve is a protected area in the Hautes-Pyrénées. This hike takes you through forests of hooked pine, mountain lakes and flowery meadows. This is an intermediate-level hike, suitable for families with children accustomed to mountain walking. Recommended equipment: warm clothing, water, snacks. Nearby attractions: Saint-Lary-Soulan, Parc National des Pyrénées.
8. Pic du Midi d’Ossau
Duration: 5h
Start: Lac de Bious-Artigues
The Pic du Midi d’Ossau is one of the most emblematic peaks in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques. This hike will take you up to the Col d’Ayous, where you’ll have a breathtaking view of the peak. This is an intermediate-level hike, suitable for families with older children accustomed to mountain hiking. Recommended equipment: hiking boots, water, camera. Nearby attractions: Laruns, Gourette ski resort.
9. Gorges du Tarn
Duration: 4h
Departure: Sainte-Enimie
The Gorges du Tarn are a spectacular canyon formed by the river Tarn, located in the Lozère département. This hike takes you along limestone cliffs, past picturesque villages and pebble beaches. This is an intermediate-level hike, suitable for families with children accustomed to walking on uneven terrain. Recommended equipment: hiking boots, water, swimsuit. Nearby attractions: Mende, Cévennes National Park.
10. Hiking in the Médoc
Duration: 3 days
Departure: Pauillac, Vertheuil, Margaux
The Médoc, renowned for its prestigious wines, is also a region of exceptional natural beauty. This three-day hike will take you through a variety of landscapes: paths through woods, flat vineyards along rivers and streams, and vineyards offering an exceptional natural setting.
On the first day, departing from Pauillac, you’ll discover Châteaux Lafite Rothschild and Mouton Rothschild, before passing Château Pedesclaux and its ultra-modern stone and glass architecture. On the second day, departing from Vertheuil, you’ll cross the Gallo-Roman site, in a peaceful setting of wild grass, surrounded by pine forests with the maritime fragrances typical of this peninsula. On the last day, departing from Margaux, you’ll return to the vineyards with the famous Château Margaux, Château Kirwan and its rose garden, and Château Giscours, a vast estate surrounded by marshes and horse breeding.
It’s an unforgettable experience that alternates between quiet roads with grassy sides, paths, forest tracks and vineyard lanes. Take your time and enjoy this man-made landscape.
Recommended equipment: hiking boots, water, camera.
Nearby attractions: Châteaux Lafite Rothschild, Mouton Rothschild, Pedesclaux, Margaux, Kirwan, Giscours.
Safety Tips
Don’t forget to check the weather forecast before setting off on your hike, and to inform someone of your itinerary. Always carry sufficient water, food, warm clothing and a GPS-enabled cell phone.
Conclusion
Southwest France is an ideal region for families who want to discover nature and enjoy hiking. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, you’re sure to find a hike to suit you in our selection. So pack your hiking boots and set off on your adventure!
Book your next adventure with Evazio!
