Long-Distance Footpaths (the GRs) in France - A general road map of France overprinted with the entire network of the Sentiers de Grande Randonnee, the GR routes. Brief text in French, German and English describes classification and waymarking. On the reverse, the whole network is superimposed on the grid for the 1:25,000 topographic survey of France. Published 2006. New edition due May 12.

France Department Maps, in alphabetical order. Scale 1:125,000 or 1:200,000.

IGN Top 25 maps cover areas of particular tourist interest. The maps have an overprint highlighting local footpaths, long-distance GR routes and, where appropriate, ski routes. Other tourist information includes campsites, equestrian or canoeing centres, huts, mountain refuges, etc. Map legend is in French and English. Each TOP 25 map covers an area of approximately 28 x 21 km (17 x 13 miles) and has a suffix ET or OT (east or west)

The rest of France is covered by Serie Bleue maps, which have no overprint. The legend is in French only. Each Serie Bleue map covers an area of approximately 20 x 14 km (12 x 9 miles), with some maps slightly larger. Each has a suffix E or O (East or West)

Both series have similar cartography, with contour interval of 5 metres, except for mountainous areas, where the maps have hill shading and contours at 10-metre intervals. Scale 1:25000

To find the map you want please go to the Homepage and select a regional area.

The Way of St. James: Camino De Santiago - Pyrenees-Santiago-Finesterre - This is a walker's guide to the 778km Pilgrim Road from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in the foothills of the Pyrenees on the French side to Santiago de Compostela in north-western Spain, and finally to the 'end of the earth' at Finisterre on the Galician coast. A companion volume by the same author, "The Way of St James" (Le Puy to the Pyrenees), describes the French section of the route through to the Pyrenees. As well as giving directions for walking the route, the book also provides information on places to visit along the way, the history of the pilgrimage and the availability of practical facilities such as shops, bars, restaurants and accommodation. Unlike existing guides (in any language) this one contains: details of the walker's continuation from Santiago to Finisterre (75km) and a comprehensive listing of St. James' and other pilgrim references along the way (as an Appendix). It also contains a list of suggestions for further reading, a glossary of geographical and other useful terms, and a series of sketch maps covering the entire route to help the user in planning his or her journey. Published June 08

Walking the Hexagon: An Escape Around France on Foot, Terry Cudbird - Why would a man retire from his job and take off on a unique 4,000-mile walk around France? What possessed him to wear out his sixty-year-old hips and knees when he could spend a comfortable retirement at home? In this fascinating book Terry Cudbird reveals the obsession which is long distance walking--the intoxicating freedom to go where you want, the escape from the complications and paraphernalia of everyday life, the unpredictable encounters. His itinerary covered the six sides of the French hexagon. In a year's walking he passed through the Pyrenees, the Languedoc, Provence, the Alps, the Jura, Alsace, Lorraine, Picardy, Normandy, Brittany and Aquitaine. En route he discovered the astonishing variety of France's regions; their culture, history, languages, architecture and food. This book will be of interest to walkers, lovers of France and anyone who has ever dreamt of encountering real adventures not far from home. Published May 12. Available for pre-order

The Way of St. James: Chemin De Saint -Jacques De Compostelle - Le Puy to the Pyrenees, Alison Raju - This is a walker's guide to the 740km Pilgrim Road from Le Puy-en-Velay in central France to the Pyrenees. It is the only original guide to this route in English. A companion volume by the same author, "The Way of St James" (Pyrenees-Santiago-Finisterre), continues the route through Spain from the Pyrenees to Santiago de Compostella (or Finisterre). As well as giving directions for walking the route the book also provides information on places to visit along the way, the history of the pilgrimage and the availability of practical facilities such as shops, bars, restaurants and accommodation. This guide contains an outline of the route along the Cele valley (53km) as one appendix and, unlike existing guides (in any language), a comprehensive listing of St. James and other pilgrim references along the way as another. There is a list of suggestions for further reading and a glossary of geographical and other useful terms. It also contains a series of sketch maps covering the entire route to aid the user in planning his or her journey. Published March 10

Walking the dog in France: Motorway walks for drivers and dogs - RAC Handbook - As pet passports become more and more popular, many Brits now take their pets to holiday cottages in France, as well as on camping trips, caravanning, and motor-home touring in that country. The French motorway network is easy to navigate but, while the driver is concentrating on staying on the 'wrong' side of the road it's not so easy to find a place for Fido to stretch his legs as well! Traditional guide books, with their emphasis on architecture, museums and art galleries, can't help when you want to take a break, see the local sights, enjoy a bite to eat, AND take your dog with you. This invaluable little guide gives you directions to a wealth of interesting dog-friendly places to visit for a short stroll - including castles, extraordinary gardens, outdoor museums, tranquil waterside walks, beaches, and hidden villages and valleys where you can experience traditional French life. Published July 12. Available for pre-order

More general maps on France General Guides and Maps

French Rock, Bill Birkett - Describes 40 crags mainly in the south east of France, but also a selection in other regions. This visual guide has concise descriptions of the climbs, accompanied by photographs with the routes overlaid. Arranged by region, each with an introduction giving some practical advice, on maps, access and accommodation. Published Jan 93. Limited availability.