The cross-country skiing guide in France: where to ski this winter?

The cross-country skiing guide in France: where to ski this winter?

Cross-country skiing is the call of the great outdoors, an escape into pristine landscapes, the rhythm of gliding steps on the snow. a practice where effort and contemplation blend, crossing silent forests and sunny plateaus. 

For those looking to rediscover the mountains differently, here is a guide to the best spots to set off on Nordic trails in France. 

The high plateaus and snowy forests: a total immersion in nature

1. The Jura massif: the Nordic spirit in its purest form

With more than 1,000 km of marked trails, the Jura is a land of Nordic skiing par excellence. The vast expanses of the Haut-Jura offer routes winding through fir forests and panoramic ridges. it notably includes:

• Prémanon – Les Rousses, an emblematic resort where seasoned athletes and long-distance enthusiasts meet.

• La Chapelle-des-Bois, one of the most beautiful cross-country skiing sites in France, with its open valleys and varied routes.

• the Jura ski crossing, an adventure for those who want to cover dozens of kilometers independently.

2. The Vercors: a grandiose and wild setting

A true fortress of nature, the Vercors hosts one of the most beautiful Nordic ski networks in France. it includes:

• Autrans – Méaudre, a benchmark for cross-country skiers, with 200 km of trails and an authentic Nordic atmosphere.

• Font d’Urle – warm warren, a less frequented but wild spot, perfect for total immersion.

3. the Beille plateau: the Scandinavia of the Pyrenees

This plateau perched at 1,800 meters altitude, often compared to the landscapes of the far north, is the largest Nordic area in the Pyrenees. With its 70 km of trails, it offers an ideal terrain for all levels and a breathtaking view of the Pyrenean range.

the alpine resorts: where Nordic meets grandeur

1. The highlights: the exceptional Olympic site

An emblematic resort of the Albertville 1992 Olympic Games, Les Saisies offers 120 km of trails with a panoramic view of Mont Blanc. The site is ideal for skiers seeking a sporty atmosphere in an exceptional setting.

2. Bessans: Nordic excellence in Haute-Maurienne

Nestled at 1,750 meters altitude, Bessans is a popular destination for cross-country skiing. Its exceptional snow cover and 130 km of trails make it an ideal playground for gliding enthusiasts and competitors.

3. Le Grand-Bornand and La Clusaz: the art of combining tradition and performance

These two neighboring resorts offer an excellent Nordic domain with varied routes through forests, clearings, and Alpine panoramas. A perfect spot to combine cross-country skiing and discovery of Savoyard heritage.

Cross-country skiing and immersion: unique places for a unique experience

1. Queyras: a preserved gem

With its 200 km of trails, Queyras offers Nordic skiing in the heart of preserved landscapes. The routes allow exploration of typical villages like Saint-Véran and Ceillac, while gliding through wild and protected nature.

2. La Bresse in the Vosges: authenticity and accessibility

In an enchanting forest setting, the trails of La Bresse offer accessible and family-friendly Nordic skiing, with varied routes between rolling landscapes and dense forests.

Which type of cross-country skiing to choose? Classic or skating?

• Classic skiing, closer to Nordic walking, is ideal for beginners and those seeking a contemplative experience.

• Skating, more dynamic and physically demanding, is for those who love gliding and sustained effort.

How to equip yourself properly?

To fully enjoy cross-country skiing, it is essential to equip yourself with appropriate clothing:

• Light and breathable jackets, providing good insulation while facilitating movement.

• Thermal base layers, to stay warm without overheating.

• Technical gloves and hats, essential for facing the cold.

Clothing designed for mobility and the outdoors, like those offered by La Pièce Paris, are suitable for facing the cold while maintaining great freedom of movement.

Cross-country skiing, an accessible and refreshing adventure, whether you seek physical effort or silent contemplation, cross-country skiing is an invitation to rediscover winter differently. France offers an incredible diversity of Nordic sites, each with its own character and unique panoramas. So, where will you glide this winter?