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The Grande Randonnée (French), Grote Routepaden or Lange-afstand-wandelpaden (Dutch), Grande Rota (Portuguese) or Gran Recorrido (Spanish) is a network of long-distance footpaths in Europe, mostly in France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Spain. The trails in France alone cover approximately 60,000 kilometres (37,000 mi). Trails are blazed with characteristic marks consisting of a white stripe above a red stripe. These appear regularly along the route, especially at places like forks or crossroads.
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The network is maintained in France by the Fédération Française de la Randonnée Pédestre (French Hiking Federation), and in Spain by the Federación Española de Deportes de Montaña y Escalada (Spanish Mountain Sports Federation).
Many GR routes make up part of the longer European walking routes which cross several countries.
Markings
The GR trails are marked by a special system, visible in both directions:
Red and white was chosen as the most visible colour combination in natural surroundings. Waymarks are often painted, but may take the form of metal signs in city centers.