Overview
The routes shown on Oukonjou are published by national and regional parks and by départements (French county councils) using Geotrek, open-source software first developed for the Écrins and Mercantour national parks. Oukonjou only shows the starting point. The link takes you to the route's official page: distance, duration, elevation gain, difficulty, a step-by-step description and often a GPS track to download.
On the ground in France, the French hiking federation (FFRandonnée) uses a colour code: white and red for long-distance trails (GR), yellow and red for regional trails (GR de Pays), and yellow for day walks (PR). Some regions still use other colours for day walks. Other marks show that the path continues, that it changes direction or that you are going the wrong way. Mountain bike circuits have their own waymarking, often with one colour per level: green, blue, red, black.
To choose, look at the distance, elevation gain and estimated time, and plan around the least experienced person in the group. The FFRandonnée rates difficulty on three criteria: effort, technical difficulty and risk. For a shorter outing with exercises, see fitness trails, and for a treasure hunt with a map, orienteering courses.
Where to find trailheads
25 trailheads listed in 16 towns.
By country
- Trailheads in France 16
- Trailheads in Andorra 4
- Trailheads in Switzerland 3
- Trailheads in Belgium 1
- Trailheads in Luxembourg 1
Best-equipped towns
- Grenoble 3
- Marseille 2
- Nice 2
- Ajaccio 2
- Annecy 2
- Lugano 2
- Clermont-Ferrand 2
- Encamp 2
- Brest 1
- Fort-de-France 1
- Bern 1
- Saint-Étienne 1
- Namur 1
- Luxembourg City 1
- Andorra la Vella 1
- Escaldes-Engordany 1
Who it's for
Rules of use
Trails are shared by walkers, runners, mountain bikers, horse riders, livestock and local people. These rules help everyone get along and protect the paths.
- Stay on the waymarked paths and do not cut corners on zigzags: it damages plants and erodes the ground.
- Close any gates and fences you open behind you.
- On a mountain bike, slow down when you approach walkers, let them know you are there and give way.
- When running, call out in a normal voice before you overtake a walker.
- Follow the rules of protected areas: dogs, bikes, camping and fires are often restricted there.
- Give livestock a wide berth and keep away from guarding dogs.
- Respect private property and any farming or forestry work in progress.
- Do not light fires or throw anything away, not even a cigarette end.
Safety and gear
- Pick a route that suits the least fit person in the group, checking distance, elevation gain, duration and difficulty on the official page.
- Check the weather before you leave and turn back if storms are forecast, especially in the mountains.
- Carry enough water and food: there may be nowhere to fill up along the way.
- Check the sunset time, set off early and keep a head torch in your bag.
- Tell someone your route and download the map or track before you go: there is often no signal.
- If you lose the waymarks, go back to the last one you saw rather than pressing on at random.
- In an accident, call 112.
Regulations
FFRandonnée routes are waymarked in white and red for GR trails, yellow and red for GR de Pays and yellow for PR day walks. Standard marks show that the path continues, changes direction or that you are going the wrong way.
The FFRandonnée rates its walks on three criteria: effort, technical difficulty and risk. Some of its guidebooks show all three next to the route description.
The French cycling federation (FFC) and the French cycle touring federation (FFCT) have approved a shared difficulty grid for mountain bike routes, in four colours: green, blue, red and black. It takes account of distance, elevation gain, type of track and technical difficulty.
The core area of a national park has its own rules. In the Écrins National Park, for example, dogs are banned even on a lead, mountain bikes are only allowed where signposted, fires and drones are prohibited, and overnight bivouacs are only tolerated from 7 pm to 9 am, under conditions.
In Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Andorra and Monaco, waymarking and access rules differ. Follow the official route page and the signs at the trailhead.
112 is free to call in every European Union country, from a landline or a mobile. It puts you through to the emergency services, including mountain rescue.
European standards are voluntary, but they are the reference when an accident happens. The rules posted on site always come first.
Etiquette
- Take all your rubbish home, including fruit peel and tissues.
- Leave what you find: flowers, stones and fossils stay where they are.
- Watch wildlife from a distance and quietly, without following or feeding it.
- Park without blocking farm gates, forest tracks or access for emergency services.
- Say hello to the people you meet and walk in single file on narrow paths.
- Keep your music in your headphones, for other people and for the animals.
Glossary
- GR
- A long-distance trail (grande randonnée), waymarked in white and red, for walks of several days or weeks.
- GR de Pays
- A regional route waymarked in yellow and red, looping around or crossing a particular area.
- PR
- A day walk (promenade et randonnée), usually waymarked in yellow, from a few hours to a full day.
- Waymarking
- Paint marks or small plaques on trees, rocks or posts that guide walkers along the route.
- Elevation gain
- The total climbing on a route, in metres. It often weighs more than distance in how hard a route feels.
- Loop
- A route that brings you back to where you started, handy if you arrive by car or public transport.
- GPS track
- A file of the route's line, loaded into a phone or watch so you can follow your position.
- Topoguide
- A guidebook describing one or more routes, with a map, duration, difficulty and points of interest.
France's first long-distance trail, the GR 3, opened on 31 August 1947 in Orléans, with a first 28 km stretch along the Loire.
What to bring
- Walking or trail shoes
- Backpack with water and snacks
- Waterproof jacket and a warm layer
- Charged phone with an offline map or track
- Head torch
FAQ
Are the routes free?
Yes, waymarked trails are free to use. Parking at the start may be charged at some very busy sites.
Where can I find the route line and details?
On the official page linked from each Oukonjou listing. It gives the distance, duration, difficulty, a description and often a GPS track to download.
What do the waymark colours mean?
In France, white and red for GR trails, yellow and red for GR de Pays, and yellow for PR day walks. Mountain bike circuits have their own waymarking, often with one colour per difficulty level.
Can I walk with my dog?
Often yes, on a lead when required and near livestock. But some protected areas ban dogs, such as the core of several national parks. Check the official page before you go.
What if I lose the waymarks?
Retrace your steps to the last mark you saw and look for the right turning. A map or track downloaded before you left helps a lot. If you are in real difficulty, call 112.
Can I run or ride on every route?
Running is generally fine wherever you can walk. Mountain bikes are not allowed everywhere: some paths are closed to them, notably in the core of national parks. The official page shows which activities each route is meant for.