You're heading out for a wild trek in complete self-sufficiency or even a three-day hiking trip in a remote corner of nature far from all civilisation. And you're tempted by a bivvy. This experience in the heart of nature is not always straightforward, being regulated, not possible to practise just anywhere, and requiring specific specific equipment. To help you avoid problems and mishaps, and above all make the most of this peaceful outdoor break, we recommend following a few rules. Here is everything you need to know about bivvying.
Key takeaways:
Key takeaways:
- Bivvying takes place in the great outdoors and involves setting up a rudimentary, temporary and lightweight camp.
- It is a regulated activity and it is not possible to pitch your tent just anywhere in France.
- It is not advisable to head out on a bivvy on a whim, and it's better to bring essential equipment such as a sleeping bag, a sleeping mat, a tent and a stove.
- The choice of your overnight spot is not trivial, and it is essential to pitch your tent before nightfall.
- France has 11 national parks and 58 regional natural parks for bivvying in the best conditions.
- Bivvying is a way to reconnect with nature, and it's important to respect it so that other outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy it too.
What is a bivvy?
Definition of bivvy
Before heading out on your adventure, you need to start by understanding what a bivvy is. It is a rudimentary, temporary and lightweight camp. This is 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 moving on the following day. Hikers generally prefer sleeping in a lightweight tent, a hammock, or doing a bivvy without a tent, under the open sky. Unlike traditional camping, a bivvy is defined by its more minimalist and mobile nature. Equipment and gear are kept to a minimum, carrying only what is needed for a good night's sleep. Going out for a bivvy is the perfect opportunity to live an immersive experience in nature. It's a great way to take a break from your daily routine and reconnect with both nature and the people close to you. This activity delivers powerful emotions and, above all, a chance to live in the present moment. Practising it independently in a natural environment brings you back to life's simplest pleasures. You'll need to meet your basic needs in rugged conditions, all while taking in stunning landscapes and an unforgettable 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.Difference between a bivvy and wild camping
What is the difference between a bivvy and wild camping ? While both activities involve setting up camp in nature, it is worth knowing that they are quite different. Bivvying is thus regulated and favoured by nature lovers, who want to take a one-night break in their journey before continuing on their way. 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 where camping is normally prohibited (fields, roadsides, beaches…). Wild camping is illegal in France. It particularly threatens fragile ecosystems due to poorly controlled campfires, abandoned waste, and trampled sites.What are the regulations in France?
While some European countries such as Norway allow bivvying almost anywhere in the wild, France is not one of them. Since there is no clear distinction between a bivvy and wild camping, many locations are off-limits for pitching a tent. Regulations have therefore been put in place to protect the environment. Anyone who fails to comply with the law faces a fine of up to €1,500. Under Article R111-33 of the French Urban Planning Code, bivvying is prohibited, except by special permission:- In natural sites or reserves, protected or designated forests and woodland;
- on roads and public routes;
- within the perimeter of listed heritage sites;
- within 200 m of a drinking water source;
- on beaches and along the coastline.
Tips for a successful mountain bivvy
You're heading out on a wild trek in complete self-sufficiency, or a 3-day hiking trip in a remote corner of nature far from all civilisation. And you're tempted by a bivvy. Here are a few rules to avoid problems and mishaps, and above all to make the most of this peaceful outdoor break.
What equipment do you need for your bivvy?
You need to set off with a minimum of bivvy gear. You don't just head out to sleep in the wild on a whim — that's a recipe for all sorts of headaches! Here is the list of basic essentials you'll need for a successful bivvy:- Sleeping bag: always choose a sleeping bag of good quality with a comfort temperature rating suited to the weather conditions you will encounter. If you are torn between 2 comfort zones, go for the one rated for the colder of the two. It's a worthwhile precaution.
- Sleeping mat: self-inflating mats are now available in slim profiles that are very easy to carry. They're not the most luxurious in terms of comfort, but they're usually sufficient for a decent night's sleep.
- Tent: choose a hiking tent suited to the context. At altitude, you'll need a low-profile tent to shelter from the wind. Models with a small porch are ideal for cooking under cover and storing your shoes and pack overnight.
- Stove: petrol stoves are the better choice for your bivvy meals when travelling abroad, while in our home regions (without air travel), gas will suffice. Multi-fuel options are worth looking into carefully based on prices to avoid multiple purchases.
Choosing a spot for your bivvy
Beyond the regulations mentioned above, you should also use common sense when choosing your spot. Here are a few basic rules to know.- Move away from roads, paths and tracks.
- Also avoid being close to livestock and watercourses whose flow can change rapidly. As a general rule, keep well away from low-lying areas, rivers and water sources. Gain a little elevation relative to these natural features. Your bivvy will be all the more enjoyable for it!
- It goes without saying, but also keep well away from cliff edges, cliffs, caves and hazardous terrain.
- You can favour grassy areas or spots near small trees, but avoid if possible setting up at the base of very tall trees with large branches.
- Finally, before settling on a suitable spot for your bivvy, do a quick scout of the surrounding area within a 50-metre radius — it'll save you all kinds of nasty surprises!
Pitching your tent
Don't wait too long to pitch your tent : that's actually the first thing to do once a spot has been carefully chosen. Find a flat area and clear it of any stones. If you find dry grass nearby, you can lay it down to create a sort of "bedding". Also observe the wind 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 drain water.Making a fire
Here too, the rules in force must absolutely be followed. Fires are very often simply prohibited. What's more, a fire has an impact on the surrounding area. Building a fire is therefore only recommended in extreme emergencies (to counter the cold or signal your position).Leave no trace
Inspect the site before leaving to ensure no waste or food scraps are left behind. And make sure you take all waste and rubbish with you, sometimes even that left by those before you. Dig holes fifteen to twenty centimetres deep away from the campsite, trails and water sources for waste disposal. Cover each hole when your bivvy is done. Never leave food at a bivvy site for wild animals. This can obviously be harmful to their health and lead to unnatural behaviour if it happens repeatedly. It also encourages wild animals to approach campsites.
