You're setting off on a wild trek in complete autonomy or a three-day hike in a remote corner of nature far from all civilisation. And you're tempted by bivouacking. This experience in the heart of nature is not always easy to undertake, however, being notably regulated, not being able to be practised just anywhere and requiring specific equipment. To avoid problems and mishaps and above all to make this moment of bucolic rest a success, we advise you to follow a few rules. Here's everything you need to know about bivouacking.
What to remember:
What to remember:
- Bivouacking is practised in the heart of nature and consists of setting up a rudimentary, temporary and lightweight camp.
- It's a regulated practice and it's not possible to pitch your tent just anywhere in France.
- It's inadvisable to set off bivouacking on a whim and it's better to take equipment such as a sleeping bag, a mat, a tent and a stove.
- Choosing your pitch for the night is not insignificant and it's essential to pitch your tent before nightfall.
- France has 11 national parks and 58 regional nature parks for bivouacking in the best conditions.
- Bivouacking allows you to reconnect with nature, and it's important to respect it so that other lovers of the great outdoors can enjoy it too.
What is bivouacking?
Definition of bivouacking
Before setting off on your adventure, you need to start by understanding what bivouacking is. It's a rudimentary, temporary and lightweight camp. It's practised through natural environments, often during leisure activities such as hiking, trekking, mountaineering or cycling. The principle is based on setting up camp at sunset and leaving again the next day. Hikers generally prefer to sleep in a lightweight tent, a hammock or to do bivouacking without a tent, under the stars. Unlike traditional camping, bivouacking is characterised by its more minimalist and mobile side. Equipment and gear are thus restricted in order to take only what's needed to sleep in good conditions. Setting off bivouacking is the ideal opportunity to live an immersive experience in nature. It's a good way to take a break from your daily routine to reconnect with both nature and your loved ones. This activity allows you to experience strong emotions and above all to enjoy the present moment. Practising it autonomously and in a natural environment allows you to return to simple moments. You'll thus have to meet your needs in basic conditions, whilst enjoying magnificent landscapes and a wonderful experience. The advantage of bivouacking is also that it's accessible to everyone. Experienced hikers as well as young children can try the experience of one night, both high in the mountains and a few kilometres from their home.Difference between bivouacking and wild camping
What's the difference between bivouacking and wild camping ? Whilst both activities consist of setting up camp in nature, you should know that they are quite different. Bivouacking is thus regulated and favoured by nature lovers, who want to take a one-night break in their journey before getting back on the road. On the other hand, wild camping is often practised by travellers. They decide to pitch their tent in order to spend several nights in an area normally forbidden for camping (fields, roadsides, beaches…). Wild camping is forbidden in France. It notably threatens fragile ecosystems because of poorly controlled campfires, abandoned waste or trampled sites.What are the regulations in France?
Whilst certain European states such as Norway authorise bivouacking almost everywhere in nature, this is not the case in France. Although there's no precise distinction between bivouacking and wild camping, many places are forbidden for pitching your tent. Regulations have thus been put in place to preserve the environment. In case of non-compliance with the laws, campers face up to €1,500 in fines. According to article R111-33 of the Town Planning Code, bivouacking is forbidden, except by special dispensation:- in natural sites or reserves, protected or classified forests and woods;
- on roads and public highways;
- within the perimeter of classified heritage sites;
- within a 200 m radius of a drinking water point;
- on beaches and seashores.
Tips for a successful mountain bivouac
You're setting off on a wild trek in complete autonomy or a 3-day hike in a remote corner of nature far from all civilisation. And you're tempted by bivouacking. Here are a few rules to avoid problems and mishaps and above all to make this moment of bucolic rest a success.
What equipment for your bivouac?
It's necessary to set off with a minimum of bivouac equipment. You don't set off to sleep in nature on a whim or you'll be heading for quite a few inconveniences! Here's the list of basic elements that are necessary for a successful bivouac:- Sleeping bag: always choose a quality sleeping bag with a comfort temperature suited to the climatic conditions you're going to encounter. If you're hesitating between 2 comfort zones, take the one designed for the colder of the two. It's a very useful precaution.
- Mat: there are now self-inflating mats of small thickness that are very practical to transport. It's certainly not maximum comfort but it's often sufficient for decent nights.
- Tent: choose a hiking tent suited to the context. At altitude you'll need to take a fairly low tent, to protect yourself from the wind. Models with a small awning are to be favoured for cooking under shelter and storing shoes and bags for the night.
- Stove: petrol stoves are to be favoured for your bivouac meals if you're going abroad, whilst in our regions (without air transfer), gas will suffice. Multi-fuel solutions are to be studied closely according to prices to avoid multiple purchases.
Choosing a pitch for your bivouac
Apart from the regulations mentioned above, you must also use common sense when choosing your pitch. Here are a few basic rules to know.- Keep away from roads, paths and tracks.
- Also avoid proximity to herds and watercourses whose flow can change rapidly. As a general rule, stay away from low points, rivers and water points. Take a bit of height relative to these natural elements. Your bivouac will only be more pleasant!
- It goes without saying, but also keep away from precipices, cliffs, caves and risky terrain.
- You can favour grassy areas or proximity to small trees but avoid if possible being at the foot of immense trees with large branches.
- Finally, before definitively choosing a suitable spot for your bivouac, do an inspection tour of the surroundings, in a circle with a 50-metre radius: it avoids all kinds of unpleasant surprises!
Pitching your tent
Don't wait too long to pitch your tent : it's even the first thing to do once the pitch has been judiciously chosen. Choose a flat space that you'll clear of all stones. If you find dry grass in the vicinity, you can lay some down to make a sort of "bedding". Also observe the wind and orient your tent so as to protect the entrance from it. Finally, if you fear rain, dig a drainage channel around the tent to drain away the water.Making a fire
Here too you must absolutely apply the rules in force. Very often fires are simply forbidden. Moreover, a fire has an impact on the area concerned. Resorting to fire is therefore only recommended in cases of extreme emergency (countering the cold or signalling).Leave no trace
Inspect the site before leaving so as not to leave any waste or food remains. And make sure to take back all waste and litter, sometimes even those left by your predecessors. Reserve excrement for holes fifteen to twenty centimetres deep dug in the ground away from the camp, trails and water sources. Camouflage each hole when your bivouac is finished. Never leave food at a bivouac site for wild animals. This can obviously be harmful to their health and induce unnatural behaviours if this kind of thing is repeated often. Moreover, it encourages wild animals to approach camps.
