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Wissembourg , France May – October 2026
Source: https://www.hexatrek.com/en
Rather than travelling the world in search of ever more distant adventures, why not try a different kind of journey by setting off on a long and magnificent hike across France?
HexaTrek, France’s premier long-distance hiking trail (thru-hike).
Key Details about the HexaTrek:
- What it is: A 3,034-kilometer long-distance trail created for hikers and backpackers (similar to the Pacific Crest Trail or Appalachian Trail in the US).
- The Route: It crosses France diagonally—starting in Wissembourg (Vosges region, near the German border) and ending in Hendaye (Basque Country, on the Atlantic coast).
- Highlights:
- Traverses 6 major mountain ranges (Vosges, Jura, Alps, Vercors, Massif Central, Pyrenees).
- Passes through 14 natural and national parks.
- Involves over 146,000 meters of cumulative elevation gain (equivalent to climbing Mount Everest about 16 times!).
- Duration: It typically takes thru-hikers between 3 to 5 months to complete the entire trek.
Here are the official links and social media channels for the HexaTrek:
- Official Website: hexatrek.com
- Instagram: @hexatrek
- Facebook: HexaTrek Official Facebook Page
A TRAIL UNLIKE ANY OTHER IN FRANCE
The HexaTrek is a 3,034 km trail linking 14 of the country’s most beautiful nature parks and crossing France from the Vosges to the Pyrenees.
Winding along mountain ridges, passing through the most beautiful valleys and stopping off in the most picturesque villages, the HexaTrek features 500 points of interest, including must-see attractions and natural wonders along the route.
The six stages of the HexaTrek will take you through the most beautiful parks in France.
Because the HexaTrek is a continuous, self-paced thru-hike rather than a timed single-day race, the “program” consists of 6 distinct trail stages spanning 3,034 km across France.
Most hikers complete the trek between May and October, taking roughly 3 to 5 months in total.
🗺️ The 6 Official HexaTrek Stages
| Stage | Name & Region | Distance | Elevation Gain | Estimated Duration | Highlights |
| Stage 1 | The Great East (Vosges & Jura) | ~670 km | +21,200 m | 20–35 days | Forest paths, rolling hills, castles, and lakes. Great warm-up section. |
| Stage 2 | Northern Alps (Savoie & Mont Blanc) | ~382 km | +22,500 m | 15–30 days | Alpine landscapes, Mont Blanc views, high passes, and marmots. |
| Stage 3 | Southern Alps (Écrins & Vercors) | ~497 km | +26,800 m | 20–35 days | High altitude, rugged wilderness, steep climbs, and remote terrain. |
| Stage 4 | Gorges & Causses (Cévennes & Tarn) | ~514 km | +14,300 m | 15–25 days | Deep river canyons, limestone plateaus, and warmer temperatures. |
| Stage 5 | East Pyrenees (Ariège & Andorra) | ~532 km | +30,600 m | 25–35 days | Border ridges, volcanic landscapes, and high mountain passes. |
| Stage 6 | West Pyrenees (Béarn & Basque Country) | ~437 km | +22,600 m | 20–30 days | Cirque de Gavarnie, lush green hills, and finishing at the Atlantic coast in Hendaye. |
🗓️ Standard Season Timeline
- Southbound (SOBO)(Wissembourg $\rightarrow$ Hendaye):
- Start Window: mid-May to early July (to allow snow in the Alps to melt).
- Finish Window: September to late October.
- Northbound (NOBO)(Hendaye $\rightarrow$ Wissembourg):
- Start Window: June 1 to mid-July.
- Finish Window: late September to October.
