Hiking Collection by Nicolas Vergnaud
GR 4 – Crossing the south of France from Atlantic Coast to Provence
10 days
35-53 h/day
1,537km
32,810m
32,590m
Some long-distance footpaths deserve more attention, and such is the case for the GR 4, which runs from Royan on the Atlantic coast to Grasse in Provence. It crosses the southern half of France from west to east over 1,500 kilometres (930 mi), taking in nature parks, and the valleys, peaks and gorges of low and medium mountain ranges. In the midst of all these natural treasures, a multitude of old medieval towns showcases the rich heritage of the region.
This Collection presents the entire route in ten themed sections. After leaving the Atlantic Coast via the Charente marshes, you’ll enter the land of Cognac. In the Limousin region, the terrain becomes progressively more rugged towards the Massif Central, the main mountainous section of the route. Next you’ll cross the Margeride massif, the Ardèche mountains and, just beyond the Rhône valley, Mont Ventoux. After descending the Giant of Provence you’ll enter the sublime Verdon Gorges, which lead you to your destination in the Préalpes d'Azur.
The GR 4 is often mistakenly described as "the Atlantic to the Mediterranean route", when in fact it ends in the Provencal town of Grasse. It is true, however, that you may be tempted to continue to the shores of the Mediterranean, in which case you can take the train to the coast or continue on foot along the GR 51.
The only major town on the route is Limoges. However, I have divided the Collection so that you will always find a means of transport to the beginning and from the end of each section. More information is provided in the descriptions. The same applies to accommodation and refreshments.
Each section takes between one and two weeks to complete. If you wish to undertake the entire GR, you’ll need to allow for between two and five months. Bivouacs are tolerated on the route, except near Mont Ventoux in summer.
As the route is very long, the climates encountered can be very diverse. The route is passable all year round between the Atlantic and the Massif Central. From there it's best to avoid the winter period due to snow in the mountains. You should also be aware that in summer, access to certain parts of the route in Provence may be prohibited due to the risk of fire.
The wide variation in weather conditions between the regions means that you will need to be well equipped, especially if you are leaving for several months at a time. You may need to bring a good insulated jacket and sun cream alongside the traditional pair of hiking boots.
If this is your first long-distance trek, the GR 4 is a wonderful option. It offers a superb variety of terrain without any extreme elevation gain, which can be intimidating for a multi-month adventure. Whether you do the whole thing or just part of it, you won't be disappointed.
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GR 4 from the Atlantic to Provence
1,543km
34,200m
33,990m
Last updated: November 21, 2024
Activities
200km
51:53
1,180m
1,160m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
134km
35:24
1,240m
1,130m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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156km
42:22
2,200m
2,060m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
175km
48:41
3,320m
3,060m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
182km
53:44
5,120m
4,490m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
150km
43:06
3,440m
3,700m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
139km
40:11
2,860m
3,720m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
178km
52:42
4,970m
4,700m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
120km
35:38
3,510m
3,110m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
103km
35:14
4,960m
5,470m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Collection Stats
Activities
10
Distance
1,537 km
Duration
438:55 h
Elevation
32,810 m
32,590 m
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