You’re setting off on a self-supported wilderness trek or three days of hiking somewhere far from civilisation. And you’re tempted to try a bivvy. Spending a night in the outdoors takes some planning, though: it’s regulated, you can’t do it just anywhere, and you need specific kit. To avoid problems and make the most of your night outdoors, follow a few simple rules. Here’s everything you need to know about a bivvy.
Key takeaways:
- A bivvy takes place in the heart of nature and involves setting up a rudimentary, temporary and lightweight camp.
- It is a regulated activity and it is not possible to pitch a tent just anywhere in France.
- It's not advisable to head out for a bivvy on a whim — it's far better to bring equipment such as a sleeping bag, a sleeping mat, a tent and a stove.
- Choosing where to spend the night is no trivial matter, and it's essential to pitch your tent before nightfall.
- France has 11 national parks and 58 regional nature parks for bivvying in the best possible conditions.
- A bivvy is a chance to reconnect with nature. Respect it so others can enjoy the outdoors too.
What is a bivvy?
What is a bivvy?
Before you set off, it helps to know what a bivvy is. It’s a simple, temporary camp with minimal kit, set up outdoors, often during activities such as hiking, trekking, mountaineering or cycling. The idea is to set up camp at sunset and leave the next morning. Hikers usually sleep in a lightweight tent or hammock, or opt for a bivvy without a tent under the stars. Unlike traditional camping, a bivvy is more minimal and mobile. You carry only the kit you need for a comfortable night’s sleep.
Going on a bivvy is the perfect opportunity to live an immersive experience in nature. It's a great way to take a break from daily life and reconnect both with nature and with the people who matter to you. The activity delivers intense emotions and, above all, the chance to be fully present in the moment. Practising it independently in a natural environment brings you back to life's simple pleasures. You'll need to meet your basic needs in rudimentary conditions, all while taking in stunning landscapes and a truly memorable experience. Another advantage of bivvying is that it's accessible to everyone. Seasoned hikers and young children alike can try a night out, whether high in the mountains or just a few kilometres from home.
The difference between a bivvy and wild camping
What is the difference between a bivvy and wild camping? Both involve setting up camp outdoors, but they are quite different. A bivvy is regulated and favoured by outdoor enthusiasts who want to stop for one night before continuing their journey.
On the other hand, wild camping is often practised by travellers who decide to pitch their tent in order to spend several nights in an area where camping is normally prohibited (fields, roadsides, beaches…). Wild camping is illegal in France. It poses a particular threat to fragile ecosystems due to poorly managed campfires, abandoned waste and trampled sites.
What are the regulations in France?
Some European countries, such as Norway, allow bivvying almost anywhere in the wild. France does not. Although there is no precise distinction between a bivvy and wild camping, pitching a tent is prohibited in many places. These rules protect the environment. Anyone who breaks them risks a fine of up to €1,500.
Under Article R111-33 of the French Urban Planning Code, bivvying is prohibited unless an exemption is granted:
- In nature reserves and protected or classified forests and woodlands;
- on public roads and highways;
- within the perimeter of classified heritage sites;
- within 200 m of a drinking water source;
- on beaches and coastal areas.
Certain areas such as national parks and regional nature parks are generally accessible for bivvying, but the activity is also subject to specific regulations. You should therefore check the rules specific to your chosen location before heading out on a hiking trip. As a general rule, bivvying is permitted for one night in areas immediately surrounding refuges or hiking trails. A lightweight tent may only be pitched from sunset to sunrise.
Whatever the location, rules apply to bivvying and wild camping. It’s your responsibility to check and follow them. If bivvying is prohibited, choose another option. If there’s a fee, pay it; if you’re unsure, ask permission. Many places still allow responsible camping. Remember that every instance of poor behaviour brings stricter bans a step closer.
Tips for a successful mountain bivvy
You’re setting off on a self-supported wilderness trek or three days of hiking far from civilisation, and you’re tempted to try a bivvy. Here are a few rules to help you avoid mishaps and enjoy a restful night outdoors.
What gear do you need for a bivvy?
You need to take some essential bivvy kit. Heading out to sleep in the wild without preparing can lead to plenty of problems! Here are the basics you need for a successful bivvy:
- Sleeping bag: always choose a quality sleeping bag with a comfort temperature suited to the conditions you’ll face. If you’re deciding between two comfort ratings, choose the one rated for the colder temperature. It’s a useful precaution.
- Sleeping mat: self-inflating mats are now available in slim profiles and are very practical to carry. They're not the most comfortable option, but they're usually enough for a decent night's sleep.
- Tent: choose a hiking tent suited to the conditions. At altitude, you'll need a low-profile tent to shelter from the wind. Models with a small porch are preferable — ideal for cooking under cover and stowing shoes and your pack for the night.
- Stove: petrol stoves are a good choice for your bivvy meals if you’re travelling abroad. Closer to home, without a flight, gas will do. Compare the price of multi-fuel options to avoid buying several stoves.
In even mildly hostile terrain (or frankly anywhere), a hiking hammock is an appealing and practical option. However, make sure you sleep across the width of the hammock to avoid a deep sag and significant muscle aches.
Finally, never forget water filters and/or purification tablets — they are essential for your health and safety.
Choosing a spot for your bivvy
Beyond the regulations mentioned above, common sense is also essential when choosing your spot. Here are a few basic rules to know.
- Keep away from roads, paths and tracks.
- Also avoid camping near livestock or watercourses whose flow can change rapidly. As a general rule, keep away from low-lying areas, rivers and water sources. Gain a little height relative to these natural features. Your bivvy will be all the more enjoyable for it!
- It goes without saying — also steer well clear of cliff edges, sheer drops, caves and high-risk terrain.
- You can favour grassy areas or spots near small trees, but avoid if possible pitching at the foot of very large trees with heavy branches.
- Finally, before settling on the right spot for your bivvy, do a quick inspection of the surrounding area within a 50-metre radius — it saves all kinds of nasty surprises!
Pitching your tent
Don't wait too long to pitch your tent — it should actually be the very first thing you do once you've carefully chosen your spot. Pick a flat area and clear it of any stones.
If you find dry grass nearby, you can lay some down to create a kind of natural bedding. Also observe the wind direction and orient your tent so that the entrance is sheltered from it.
Finally, if you're expecting rain, dig a drainage channel around the tent to channel away the water.
Making a fire
Here too, the rules in force must be strictly followed. Very often, fires are simply prohibited. On top of that, a fire has an impact on the area concerned. The use of fire is therefore only recommended in extreme emergencies (to counter the cold or to signal your position).
Leave no trace
Inspect the area before leaving to make sure you leave no waste or food scraps behind. Make sure you take all rubbish and litter with you — sometimes even what was left by previous visitors. Bury any human waste in holes fifteen to twenty centimetres deep, dug away from the camp, paths and water sources. Cover each hole once your bivvy is over.
Never leave food at a bivvy site for wild animals. It can obviously be harmful to their health and encourage unnatural behaviour if this kind of thing happens regularly. What's more, it draws wild animals towards campsites.
Where can you bivvy in France?
As mentioned above, bivvying is a regulated activity. So where exactly are you allowed to bivvy? The best spots are in national or regional parks. France is fortunate to have 11 national parks: the Forêt, La Vanoise, Port-Cros, Écrins, Mercantour, Cévennes, Pyrénées, Guadeloupe, La Réunion, Amazonie de Guyane and Calanques national parks. And if that's not enough, there are also 58 regional nature parks.
Again, bivvying is regulated in these natural areas. It is strictly prohibited throughout Port-Cros, Calanques and Guiana Amazonian national parks. It is also prohibited in the core areas of Forêts and Mercantour national parks.
In the other national parks, bivvying is generally permitted. However, you must pitch more than an hour’s walk from the park boundary, near a mountain refuge, for one night only and usually only between 7 pm and 9 am. Check the website of the park you plan to visit so you can prepare properly. A two- or three-day trekking trip can be a good way to try bivvying for the first time.
Finally, one last piece of advice… enjoy it! A bivvy gives you a truly precious and unique sense of freedom. A night in the heart of nature is a rare thing these days, and it's worth savouring every moment. By following our advice and your own common sense, you're now well equipped to make every future experience a pure pleasure. All that's left is to go for it — hit the trails and discover the bivvy experience for yourself.
Photos: ©Cyrille Quintard
