Hiking trails are marked with clearly defined signs in various shapes and colors, allowing hikers to easily find their way. This system was established in 1947 with the creation of the first Grande Randonnée (GR®) routes, initiated by the Comité national des sentiers de Grande Randonnée, now known as FFRandonnée.

Symbols to guide hikers

Each marker has a precise meaning:

• Two horizontal stripes (only one for PR routes) indicate that you are on the right path.
• An oblique arrow accompanied by these stripes indicates a change of direction, with the arrow showing the way to go.
• A cross formed by two stripes means the path is incorrect and should not be taken.

These indications are universal, regardless of the type of trail.

A distinction by color

To differentiate route types, a color code is used:

• White and red: GR® (Grande Randonnée), multi-day or multi-week routes.
• Yellow and red: GR® de Pays, circuits exploring a specific region in connection with its heritage.
• Yellow: PR (Promenade et Randonnée), for day hikes.

Although this classification is generally followed, some regions still have their own codes for PR trails.

Standardized signage

The markers measure 10 x 2 cm, a standardized size to avoid any confusion with other markings. They are generally spaced 150 meters apart, particularly at intersections, but this distance may vary depending on the terrain and orientation needs. Depending on the surface, they can be painted, self-adhesive, or attached to plates.

Understanding hiking trail signage

Hiking trail junctions are often equipped with directional signs, indicating the main destinations and routes to follow. These signs generally comply with standardized marking codes: GR® trails are identifiable by white and red indications, sometimes accompanied by their number when they intersect with other routes.

These signs also include valuable information such as your current location, altitude (marked at the top of the sign), and estimated distances and walking times to various points of interest.

Varied markings depending on the paths

Although FFRandonnée and its volunteers strive to standardize signage, regional variations still exist. Some trails retain old markings or more atypical signage.

Historic and pilgrimage trails

Some emblematic routes have specific markings, often linked to their history. This is the case for the Stevenson Trail, the Saint-Guilhem Trail, the Via Francigena, or the Urbain V Trail.

The paths leading to Santiago de Compostela have their own signage, but this can vary by region. The European standard provides for a stylized yellow scallop shell on a blue background indicating presence on the correct path. However, some regions use it to indicate direction, sometimes reversing the original meaning. In Spain, it is common for the scallop shell and its rays to indicate the way to follow, whereas in other places, it is the tip of the shell that acts as a directional arrow.

In addition, various symbols such as yellow arrows, ground markings, or stylized pilgrim silhouettes mark these routes. Despite these differences, the risk of getting lost remains low, because in France, these paths often use GR® routes, whose marking is standardized.

Local and European markings

In addition to official markers, some territories have developed their own signage:

• The blue markers of the Friends of Fontainebleau Forest,
• The three red dot marking for secondary trails in the Calanques of Marseille,
• The green rectangle characteristic of the Club Vosgien in the Vosges massif.

You may also come across European markers: signs with an E followed by a number, surrounded by the European flag. These indications are still rare and are mainly found at major intersections of European hiking trails, which largely follow the GR® routes crossing France.

Beware of "false friends" in signage

Not all markings on trails necessarily concern pedestrian hiking. Other types of routes have their own signage:

• Mountain biking and cycling: recognizable by their markers in the shape of circles and triangles,
• Horseback riding: often orange markers, visually similar to those of PR® trails.

There are also forest markings that can be confusing. Some are painted on trees in red and may resemble GR® indications. In particular, the municipal boundary marker, consisting of red and white, is wider than classic markers and has a central red stripe framed by two white stripes.

One last piece of advice before you go 🚴🏻‍♀️

If you can no longer spot the markers corresponding to your route, do not continue at random. Retrace your steps to the last marker you saw. In the absence of visible markings, an IGN map or a GPS will help you find your way safely.