Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| partir en randonnée | |
| randonner | /ʁɑ̃.dɔ.ne/ |
The verb forms are used to describe taking a long walk for pleasure or exercise. You can use partir en randonnée to express the specific act of going hiking. The single verb randonner is used to focus on the activity of hiking itself, and the very common phrase faire de la randonnée is used in general conversation to talk about hiking as a hobby. The noun randonnée refers to a long walk. Note that in other contexts, words like hausse or augmentation are used to describe a 'hike' meaning an abrupt increase, such as a price hike.
Which one should you use?
While partir en randonnée emphasizes the act of setting out on a hike, the single verb randonner focuses more on the activity of hiking itself.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, Canada, you might hear promenade pédestre or the shortened rando instead of randonnée pédestre.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun randonnée is feminine. For example, if you want to say a 'long hike', you would use the feminine adjective form longue randonnée.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use randonnée to mean a 'random' event. In French, this word specifically refers to a hike or a trek.
Did you know?
- The word randonnée is etymologically linked to the idea of running or rushing, as it comes from the Old French word randon meaning speed or headlong movement.
- French hikers rely on a system of colored markers painted on trees and rocks called balisage to navigate trails.
- In French culture, a randonnée is often strictly distinguished from a promenade, which is a shorter, more casual stroll.
Examples in context
- J'aime randonner en montagne.I like to hike in the mountains.This sentence shows how to use randonner to talk about hiking in the mountains.Tatoeba #11228326 by lbdx, translation #3786627 by MikeV
- Nous sommes impatients de partir en randonnée la semaine prochaine.We are looking forward to going on a hike next week.This sentence shows how to use partir en randonnée to express looking forward to a future trip.Tatoeba #3428147 by Micsmithel, translation #263316 by CK
- Profitons des vacances pour aller randonner.Let's take advantage of the vacation to go on a hike.This sentence shows how to use randonner when suggesting an activity during a vacation.Tatoeba #885701 by Corvus, translation #19787 by AlanF_US
- J'ai l'intention de faire une randonnée demain matin.I plan to go hiking tomorrow morning.
- Nous avons profité de la belle journée pour faire une marche en plein air.We took advantage of the beautiful day to go on a hike.
- On devrait faire une petite balade en forêt ce weekend.We should go for a short hike in the forest this weekend.
- Tu veux aller faire une promenade en montagne cet après-midi ?Do you want to go for a hike in the mountains this afternoon?
- J'ai l'habitude de pratiquer la randonnée pédestre dans les Alpes.I'm used to hiking in the Alps.
- Ce sommet est idéal pour une petite grimpette avec une vue imprenable.This peak is perfect for a short hike with a breathtaking view.
- Je pars en randonnée demainI'm going hiking tomorrow
- Pouvez-vous me suggérer les meilleurs sentiers pédestres de la région ?Can you suggest the best hiking trails in the area?
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Nathan are planning their weekend activities.
- LéaOn pourrait partir en randonnée ce samedi.We could go for a hike this Saturday.
- NathanC'est une excellente idée, Léa.That is an excellent idea, Léa.
- LéaTu veux partir en randonnée en forêt ?Do you want to go hiking in the forest?
- NathanOui, j'aimerais beaucoup faire ça.Yes, I would really like to do that.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hike” translations and entries randonner, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries en, partir, randonner, randonnée, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
