When it comes to hiking in France, most people immediately think of the Alps or the Pyrenees. But tucked away in the verdant hills, coastal cliffs, and rural hamlets of Northern France lie a collection of hidden hiking gems waiting to be discovered. These off-the-beaten-path trails offer a quiet, authentic experience — one that most tourists never get to see. Best of all, these trails are cherished by locals who’ve passed down their knowledge from generation to generation.

If you’re an adventurous soul looking for scenic solitude and cultural depth, it’s time to lace up your hiking boots. Let’s explore the hidden hiking gems of Northern France that only locals know about.

Why Hike in Northern France?

Northern France is often overshadowed by its southern counterpart when it comes to outdoor adventures. However, this region boasts a surprising diversity of landscapes: rolling pastures, chalk cliffs, windswept beaches, ancient forests, and medieval villages. The cooler climate makes for ideal hiking conditions in spring, summer, and early autumn. Plus, the relative lack of tourist crowds means you can truly connect with nature — and the local culture.

1. Les Deux-Caps Coastal Trail (Pas-de-Calais)

A Cliffside Adventure with English Channel Views

The Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Gris-Nez (The Two Capes) form one of the most breathtaking yet lesser-known coastal trails in France. While the cliffs are popular with day-trippers, very few venture beyond the viewpoints. The trail linking the two capes is a hidden treasure trove of dramatic scenery, WWII history, and windswept peace.

Trail Highlights:

• Panoramic views of the English coastline on clear days
• German bunkers and wartime relics hidden among the dunes
• Chalky cliffs teeming with seabirds and wildflowers

Insider Tip: Start your hike early in the morning to catch the golden hour glow on the cliffs, and avoid strong afternoon winds.

2. La Forêt de Saint-Amand (Nord)

A Peaceful Escape in a Historic Forest

Located near the Belgian border, Saint-Amand Forest is a quiet, leafy haven rarely featured in guidebooks. Known mainly by locals, this forest offers a network of interconnected trails winding through centuries-old oaks, hidden chapels, and moss-covered ruins.

Trail Highlights:

• The Hermitage of Saint-Amand
• Seasonal mushroom foraging in autumn
• Wild boars and deer sightings at dawn or dusk

Insider Tip: Bring a map or GPS, as the unmarked paths can be confusing but rewarding for experienced hikers.

3. Le Sentier des Douaniers in Normandy (Non-Touristy Sections)

The Smuggler’s Trail Beyond the Crowds

While parts of the GR34 — known as the “Sentier des Douaniers” or Customs Officers’ Path — are crowded near major Normandy beaches, several lesser-known stretches are virtually empty. Head west from Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue toward Barfleur for peaceful, rugged paths along granite cliffs and tidal inlets.

Trail Highlights:

• Remote coves and natural tidal pools
• Historical lighthouses and maritime relics
• Fresh oyster stalls along the way

Insider Tip: Pack a swimsuit and towel — some hidden beaches are perfect for a spontaneous dip.

4. Parc Naturel Régional de l’Avesnois (Hauts-de-France)

A Bucolic Wonderland of Meadows and Mills

The Avesnois Regional Nature Park is often dubbed “the Little Switzerland of Northern France” — a title it wears with pride. With undulating hills, orchards, and stone farmhouses, it offers dozens of trails that wind through sleepy villages and unspoiled farmland.

Trail Highlights:

• Hiking to the ruined Château de Trélon
• Apple and pear orchards in bloom (spring) or ripe (fall)
• Old water mills still in operation

Insider Tip: Try the local cheese, Maroilles, after your hike — it’s famously pungent and pairs well with regional cider.

5. La Vallée de la Scie (Seine-Maritime)

Norman Charm Without the Tourists

The Scie Valley cuts through a lesser-traveled part of Normandy, offering trails through rolling farmland, charming hamlets, and quiet riverbanks. It’s an ideal hike for those looking to experience authentic Norman countryside away from Mont-Saint-Michel’s crowds.

Trail Highlights:

• Medieval churches and hidden abbeys
• Apple orchards and half-timbered cottages
• Scenic picnic spots near the river

Insider Tip: Visit during spring when the fields are blanketed in yellow rapeseed flowers for unforgettable views.

6. The Mont Cassel Trails (Flanders Region)

A Panoramic Hill with Flemish Heritage

Mont Cassel is the highest point in French Flanders, and while the town of Cassel draws occasional tourists, the surrounding trails remain blissfully quiet. Hike up through wooded slopes to be rewarded with sweeping views of the North Sea and even into Belgium.

Trail Highlights:

• Flemish windmills and cobbled paths
• Remnants of Roman and Napoleonic roads
• Seasonal tulip fields in nearby farms

Insider Tip: End your hike with a Belgian beer at one of Cassel’s historic taverns — locals say they’re better than any Parisian café.

7. La Vallée de la Bresle (Picardy Borderlands)

Glass-Blowing Villages and Hidden Lakes

Straddling Normandy and Picardy, the Bresle Valley is dotted with peaceful trails, lakes, and old-world villages known for glass-making. This trail network is mostly flat, making it ideal for relaxed walks or family outings.

Trail Highlights:

• Mirror-like lakes reflecting dense woodlands
• Glass museums and artisan workshops
• Beavers and waterfowl along the river

Insider Tip: Check for local glassblowing demonstrations in Blangy-sur-Bresle after your hike.

8. Hesdin Forest Trails (Pas-de-Calais)

Underrated Wilderness with Royal Ties

Once a royal hunting ground, the Forêt d’Hesdin is now a quiet forest full of mystery and magic. Locals treasure this woodland for its winding trails, clearings, and rare bird species.

Trail Highlights:

• Ancient oaks and winding brooks
• Peaceful glades perfect for forest bathing
• WWI and WWII memorial stones hidden deep in the woods

Insider Tip: Bring binoculars — this forest is a birdwatcher’s paradise in spring and fall.

Essential Tips for Hiking in Northern France

Before you set out to explore these secret trails, here are a few local-approved tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable hike:

1. Respect Private Property

Many trails pass near or through farmland. Always stay on marked paths and close gates behind you.

2. Check Local Weather Forecasts

Northern France weather can be unpredictable, with sudden fog or showers. Pack a rainproof jacket even in summer.

3. Avoid Hunting Season Trails

Autumn is prime hunting season. Stick to clearly marked public trails and consider wearing bright clothing for visibility.

4. Bring a Picnic

Cafés and restaurants are sparse along these remote trails. A baguette, local cheese, and fresh fruit make for a perfect trailside lunch.

5. Download Offline Maps

Cell service can be spotty in rural areas. Apps like AllTrails or Komoot with offline functionality are invaluable.

Embrace the Authentic Side of France

If you’re tired of overcrowded destinations and yearn for a more intimate, nature-focused adventure, Northern France’s hidden hiking gems offer exactly that. These trails not only reveal the country’s natural beauty but also open a door to its lesser-seen cultural richness — a blend of Flemish, Norman, and Picard influences shaped by centuries of history.

Whether you’re meandering along windswept cliffs or weaving through pastoral fields, these under-the-radar trails provide the kind of soul-refreshing escape only locals usually get to enjoy. Now, you’re in on the secret.

So, the next time you’re planning a hiking trip in France, skip the tourist maps — and let the locals lead the way.