HexaTrek is a 3034 km hiking trail, connecting 14 of the most beautiful nationals parks and crossing France from the Vosges to the Pyrenees.
The path follows the highest mountain regions of our country, often nicknamed "l'Hexagone" for its hexagonal shape, joining together some of the most emblematic summits, natural wonders and wildest places.
47 Great Hiking GR® trails have been brought together in a single path to create this thru hike.
Stopping off in the most picturesque villages, HexaTrek is a journey into wilderness, tradition, history and french culture.
FRANCE'S LONG DISTANCE TRAIL
Leaving for several months to cross France requires preparation!
Find our 3 most useful articles to help you organize.
BEFORE YOU START
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Once a month, we will share important news, tutorials to better prepare yourself and articles dedicated to hiking.
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Every day a landscape
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The news of the trail
Already more than 3000 Hexatrekkers have joined us, we regularly answer questions and organize audio conferences to help hikers prepare.
Discussion Group
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ARTICLES ABOUT HEXATREK
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PARTNERS & SPONSORS
Immerse yourself in the heart of the trail, this documentary film invites you to discover the HexaTrek, an extraordinary long hike in the heart of the mountains, 3000km to connect the most beautiful natural parks in France.
For several months, we went to meet these hikers who cross France on foot to immortalize their stories and their adventures on the Trail.
HEXATREK
SUMMITS & STORIES
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What's the best season to hike the HexaTrek?In the north-south direction, we recommend starting after May 15 and before July 1. Snow accumulations in the Alps are still very high until early July. Leaving before June 1 exposes you to snow difficulties as soon as you arrive in the Alps. In the South-North direction, the best departure time is between June 1 and July 15. ➡️ Read our full article
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NOBO or SOBO ?Heading north-south (SOBO): With a gradual start in the Vosges mountains, hikers will have time to build up their physical fitness and arrive in the Alps well-prepared, once the passes have been freed of their winter snow. Bonus: magnificent sunsets over the Pyrenees, and a more symbolic arrival at the Atlantic Ocean! -Heading south-north (NOBO): Starting from the Pyrenees, you'll need to be in better physical shape at the start. After a few years' experience, we increasingly recommend this direction to avoid snow problems in the Alps. By the end of your hike, the Vosges will never be so snow-covered as to block your way, so you can go at your own pace. With a departure in June, you'll cross directly into the Pyrenees in June and the Alps in September, two great periods outside the school vacations to enjoy the best of both ranges without the tourists and full refuges.
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How long does it take to thru-hike the HexaTrekAt a rate of 25km per day, with one rest day per week, the trek will take an average of 120 days to complete the entire thru-hike. Feedback from previous years indicates a duration of between 90 and 150 days. For those who don't have the time to do the whole trek in one go, we've divided the trek into 6 sections, so that it can be achieved in several stages over several seasons. 25km per day is an average, but some sections will be much more physical than others. Remember, the HexaTrek represents some 139,000m of cumulative ascent; 15 times Mount Everest! ➡️ Read more information about the trail
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Is it possible to CAMP anywhere on the HexaTrekOver a distance of more than 3,000km, you'll cross some of France's most beautiful mountainous regions. 74% of the HexaTrek is in areas where bivouacs are permitted. To find out where these are, you'll need to pay close attention to the signs on the trail, or you can download the official HexaTrek mobile app, which lists all areas where bivouacking is prohibited. ➡️ See our article about wild camp
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What is the average budget to complete the entire HexaTrek?This answer varies widely according to hiker profile. 10 € per day: Almost exclusively bivouacs, less than one night in a refuge per month and one restaurant per week. Your only expenses are your supplies and any breakages. 25 € per day: This is the average, i.e. €3,000 for 120 days. This includes 1 refuge per week, several midday or evening meals in the refuges and a few small pleasures during your 4-month walk. + 40 € per day: You regularly stay in half-board accommodation, sleep in refuges very often and buy quality groceries, freeze-dried food, sometimes sleep in hotels or treat yourself to other, more expensive pleasures.
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How to organize your hike, resupply, water points...The HexaTrek is a long-distance trek that can't really be organized in advance. It's hard to book a hut several weeks in advance, or deal with the unexpected on such a long trek. Along the way, you'll find regular water points, and the distances between 2 ressuply point are never more than 5 days of food carry. In the HexaTrek mobile app, you'll find all the water points, refuges, resupplies and other information you need to organize your day-to-day activities.
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What is the difficulty level of the trail?The entire HexaTrek is a made only of Hiking Trail. This is a challenging route, reaching many peaks close to 3000m elevation. Demanding physically and mentally condition, the Alps and Pyrenean stages include a lot of elevation gain. They also include some tricky passages, but no mountaineering skills are required during the summer season. If you set off outside the recommended periods, special equipment such as crampons or ice-axe may be required. The HexaTrek also includes alternatives paths, more demanding routes in the high mountains. A full list of the 11 alternative routes can be found on the mobile app, along with all the points of interest indicating where the difficult sections are. Good physical preparation is recommended, but long-distance hiking is an endurance activity accessible to all.
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What is the HexaTrek Association?he HexaTrek association is a registered non-profit organization under the French law of 1901. It was founded in 2021 to serve as an administrative structure, with the aim of developing and promoting this new trail in France and around the world. The project is run by a team of passionate volunteers, if you'd like to support us, join the HexaTrek community, enjoy benefits or participate in the life of the association, you can become a member. ➡️ Become a Member or Make a Donation
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Is it possible to hike with a dog ?It is not always easy to know the regulations limiting access to dogs. Between reserve and heart of national park, the official HexaTrek route is only 80% passable with your dog. We have published a complete guide to preparing for the hexatrek with your dog, the route we recommend as well as feedback from the first person to have hiked this trail accompanied by the now legendary dog : Thrall! ➡️ See the article in the Complete Guide
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How to become a partner or contribute to the project?Hexatrek is a non-profit association dedicated to creating the French hiking trail. Crossing France through its mountains, culture and wilderness, your donation will enable us to continue to grow Hexatrek, improve our infrastructure and maintain the trail. As an association, your donation will be eligible for tax deduction, and your generosity will help us build the trail's future. Your donation will also enable you to become a member of our association. ➡️ Open the Partnership page
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I have other questions...If you have any further questions, we invite you to join our DISCORD channel. thousand hikers have joined us on this forum, and we regularly answer any questions people may have. ➡️ Join us on discord
HexaTrek Association
With your membership fee, you allow the HexaTrek Association to continue its adventure while developing the trail for future hikers.
Join the HexaTrek Association, receive invitations to organized events, benefit from advantages offered by the association and participate in the HexaTrek community.
Your donations are eligible for tax receipts allowing you to deduct 66% of the amount paid from your taxable income.
SHARE YOUR ACTIVITIES
Would you like to share your hiking days on Strava?
Join the HexaTrek Club, share your activities and find the journey of other hikers
Vosges - Doubs - Jura
Etape 1 - Le Grand Est
Rencontrez les paysages féeriques du Grand-Est.
Entre forêts verdoyantes et cascades d’eau cristalline, à travers les trésors cachés de l’est français.
Distance
670 km
Dénivelé +
21.200 m
20 à 35 J
Durée
Savoie - Beaufortain - Vanoise
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Etape 2 - Alpes du Nord
Une traversée au cœur des plus beaux paysages de montagne, au centre de la mythique chaine des Alpes.
Distance
382 km
Dénivelé +
22.500 m
15 à 30 J
Durée
Ecrins - Belledonne - Vercors
Etape 3 - Hautes Alpes
Les Hautes-Alpes sont un paradis pour les randonneurs qui s’y aventurent. Des espaces naturels sublimes à chaque virage de l'étape.
Distance
497 km
Dénivelé +
26.800 m
20 à 35 J
Durée
Cévennes - Tarn - Languedoc
Etape 4 - Gorges & Causses
Ici, les gorges ont façonné les paysages au fil du temps et de l’eau. Créant de hauts plateaux entre les jonctions de ces rivières, ces reliefs offrent aux randonneurs de l’HexaTrek d’incroyables points de vue.
Distance
514 km
Dénivelé +
14.300 m
15 à 25 J
Durée
Corbière - Catalogne - Ariége
Etape 5 - Pyrénées Est
L’itinéraire de cette étape traverse continuellement les frontières, entre la France, l’Andorre et L’Espagne. Vous resterez au cœur du massif pyrénéen, au plus proche des sommets.
Distance
532 km
Dénivelé +
30.600 m
25 à 35 J
Durée
DISCOVER 6 STAGES OF THE TRAIL
Whether you are going for the big adventure, or just a section of the HexaTrek, discover each stages in more detail
Vosges - Doubs - Jura
Stage 1 - The Great East
Discover the mystical landscapes of the Grand Est.
Between green forests and crystal clear waterfalls through the hidden treasures of Eastern France.
Distance
670 km
Elevation
21.200 m
20 à 35 J
Time
Savoie - Beaufortain - Vanoise
Stage 2 - Northern Alps
Throughout the heart of the most beautiful mountain landscapes, hike and enjoy the beautiful vistas in the center of the exceptional Alps.
Distance
382 km
Elevation
22.500 m
15 à 30 J
Time
Ecrins - Belledonne - Vercors
Stage 3 - Southern Alps
The Hautes-Alpes are a paradise for hikers who venture there. You will encounter magnificent natural areas at every corner.
Distance
497 km
Elevation
26.800 m
20 à 35 J
Time
Cévennes - Tarn - Languedoc
Stage 4 - Gorges & Causses
Here, time and water have shaped the landscape and dug deep gorges. Creating high plateaux between the junctions of these rivers, this contrast offer HexaTrek hikers incredible views.
Distance
514 km
Elevation
14.300 m
15 à 25 J
Time
Corbière - Catalogne - Ariége
Stage 5 - East Pyrenees
The itinerary of this stage crosses the borders continuously, between France, Andorra and Spain. You will remain in the heart of the Pyrenean range, close to the summits.
Distance
532 km
Elevation
30.600 m
25 à 35 J
Time
THE MOBILE APP
Find all the points of interest, bivouac areas, refuges and all the places essential to your autonomy
The official application of the trail, finally available!
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All maps are available offline
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Find all the bivouac areas, unguarded shelters and huts along the trail and know where to spend the night.
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Don't miss any of the unmissable points of interest, natural wonders and the most beautiful villages in France
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Identify water and resupply points to guarantee your autonomy
MOBILE APP
YOUR GUIDE ON THE TRAIL
Whether you are leaving for the great adventure, or simply a section of the Hexatrek, discover the most beautiful landscapes of the trail in pictures
OUR LATEST ARTICLES
Le Club Vosgien, un partenaire d’exception
Que cela soit un simple banc, une table de pique-nique, un abri ou encore un châlet-refuge, vous croiserez de nombreux aménagements entretenus par le Club Vosgien et leur bénévoles. À travers leurs sentiers et leurs balisages d’une qualité unique en France, vous découvrirez le massif des Vosges et leur richesse historique, culturelle ainsi que leur biodiversité remarquable.
HexaTrek
HexaTrek - La randonnée longue distance de France
Alors que les Etats-Unis ont le Pacific Crest Trail, que la Nouvelle-Zélande a le Te Araroa, il etait grand temps de donner à la France un parcours qui mette en valeur toute la beauté et la diversité de ses paysages ! Une équipe d’authentiques passionnés lancent l’HexaTrek en 2022 : 3 034 km de sentiers à travers les montagnes !
A la une
Top 10 Thru-Hike au monde
Les sentiers de longue randonnée inspirent des récits contradictoires de solitude et de camaraderie, de lits de rivière déserts et de plateaux de montagne, de plaisir et de douleur.
L'idée de parcourir des milliers de kilomètres à pied est elle-même à peine croyable. C'est peut-être ce qui rend ces aventures si mémorables.
HexaTrek
Club Vosgien is partner of the HexaTrek
Whether it's a simple bench, a picnic table, a shelter or even a refuge shawl, you will come across many facilities maintained by the Club Vosgien and their volunteers. Through their trails and their markings of a unique quality in France, you will discover the Vosges mountains and their historical and cultural wealth as well as their remarkable biodiversity.
HexaTrek
Hexatrek - The French thru hiking trail
United States has the Pacific Crest Trail, New Zealand has the Te Araroa, it was time to give France a trail that would hike all the beauty and diversity of its landscapes! A team of true enthusiasts are launching the HexaTrek in 2022: 3,000 km of trails through the mountains!
Breaking News
Top 10 Thru-Hike in the world
Long-distance trails inspire conflicting tales of solitude and camaraderie, of deserted riverbeds and mountain plateaus, of pleasure and pain.
The idea of walking thousands of miles is itself hardly believable. Perhaps that is what makes these adventures so memorable.