It’s a big year for hiking in Europe – from the planet’s longest coastal path to new nature parks and sweeping Mediterranean trails, there are a whole load of new routes just crying out for us to gander.
Oh, and there’s a new one to add to the list – the Grande Randonnée de Pays, a vast, 350km loop that will straddle the French and Belgian Ardennes, which is set to open later in 2026.
Given its length and the fact its name translates from French as ‘long country hike’, traversing the entirety of this route is set to be one hell of a trek. However, it’s been broken down into more manageable chunks that range in difficulty from beginner-friendly to exhilaratingly challenging, with accommodation situated along the route. The route is designed to be completed in 15 stages of around 23km a day.
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So, what can we expect? Well, a press release says the route will allow walkers to discover ‘a territory of magnificent nature, fascinating stories and unforgettable encounters’, and they’re not wrong.
En route, the path weaves through verdant Ardennes forest, past glinting lakes and with some lovely wildlife en route, including deer. Trekkers will see the French Ardennes town of Sedan and its historic fort, and visit idyllic hamlets like Signy-l’Abbaye and Rocroi, all of which nod to the region’s mythology. Arduinna was the Celtic goddess and protector of the forest, and it’s this legend which has inspired the path.
The region is wonderfully remote and one of the greenest areas of France, but it’s not completely isolated – in fact, this new route overlaps somewhat with GRP Argonne and GRP Ardennes-Meuse.
Sounds heavenly, doesn’t it? The path should officially open in September 2026, but keep an eye on the official website for all the latest information.
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