You're heading out on a wild trek in full self-sufficiency, or perhaps a three-day hiking trip in a remote corner of nature far from any sign of civilisation. And you're tempted by the idea of bivvying. This experience in the heart of nature is not always straightforward to undertake, however — it is regulated, cannot be done just anywhere, and requires specific kit. To help you avoid problems and mishaps and above all make the most of this peaceful outdoor retreat, here are a few rules to follow. Here is everything you need to know about bivvying.
Key takeaways:
- Bivvying takes place in the great outdoors and involves setting up a rudimentary, temporary and lightweight camp.
- This is a regulated activity and it is not possible to pitch your tent just anywhere in France.
- It's not advisable to head out on a bivvy without planning ahead — it's far better to bring essentials such as a sleeping bag, a sleeping mat, a tent, and a stove.
- Choosing where to spend the night is not a decision to take lightly, and it is essential to pitch your tent before nightfall.
- France has 11 national parks and 58 regional nature parks for bivvying in the best possible conditions.
- Bivvying is a way to reconnect with nature, and it is important to respect it so that other outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy it too.
What is bivvying?
What is a bivvy?
Before heading out on your adventure, you need to understand what bivvying is. It is a rudimentary, temporary and lightweight form of camping. It takes place across natural environments, often during leisure activities such as hiking, trekking, mountaineering or cycling. The principle is to set up camp at sunset and move on the following morning. Hikers generally prefer to sleep in a lightweight tent, a hammock, or to do a tentless bivvy, under the stars. Unlike traditional camping, a bivvy is defined by its minimalist and mobile nature. Kit and equipment are kept to a strict minimum, carrying only what is needed to sleep in good conditions.
Going out on a bivvy is the perfect opportunity to live an immersive experience in nature. It's a great way to step back from your daily routine and reconnect both with the natural world and with the people you care about. This activity delivers powerful emotions and, above all, a genuine sense of living in the moment. Getting out there under your own steam, in a natural environment, strips things back to something simple and real. You'll find yourself meeting your basic needs in stripped-back conditions, all while surrounded by breathtaking scenery and a memorable experience. Another advantage of bivvying is that it's accessible to everyone. Seasoned hikers and young children alike can give a night out a go — 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 bivvying and wild camping? While both activities involve setting up camp in nature, it's important to know that they are quite different. Bivvying is regulated and favoured by nature lovers who want to pause for a single night during their route before heading on.
Wild camping, on the other hand, 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 banned in France. It poses a particular threat to 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 permit bivvying almost anywhere in nature, France is not one of them. Although there is no precise distinction between bivvying and wild camping, many locations are off-limits for pitching a tent. Regulations have been put in place to protect the environment. Anyone who fails to comply with the rules risks a fine of up to €1,500.
Under Article R111-33 of the French Urban Planning Code, bivvying is prohibited, unless an exemption applies:
- In nature reserves and protected or classified forests and woodlands;
- on roads and public highways;
- within the perimeter of classified heritage sites;
- within a 200 m radius of a drinking water source;
- on beaches and along the coastline.
Certain locations such as national parks and regional nature parks are generally accessible for bivvying, but this practice is also subject to specific regulations. You should therefore check the rules specific to your chosen location before heading out hiking. Typically, bivvying for one night is permitted in areas in the immediate vicinity of mountain huts or hiking trails. The lightweight tent may only be pitched between sunset and sunrise.
In all cases, rules always apply to bivvying and wild camping. It is your responsibility to find out about them and comply. If bivvying is prohibited, don't push your luck — look for other solutions. If there's a fee, pay your share, and if in doubt, always ask for permission. That said, many places remain open to those who practise responsibly and with common sense. Bear in mind that every instance of poor behaviour brings us one step closer to sweeping new bans.
Tips for a successful mountain bivvy
You're heading out on a wild trek in full self-sufficiency, or perhaps a 3-day hiking trip in a remote corner of nature far from any sign of civilisation. And you're tempted by the idea of bivvying. Here are a few rules to help you avoid problems and mishaps — and above all to make the most of this peaceful outdoor retreat.
What kit do you need for your bivvy?
You need to set off with a minimum of bivvy kit. Don't head out to sleep in the wild on a whim — you'll only be asking for trouble! Here is the list of basic essentials you need for a successful bivvy:
- Sleeping bag: always choose a quality sleeping bag with a comfort temperature rating suited to the conditions you'll encounter. If you're torn between two comfort ratings, go for the one designed for the colder of the two. It's a precaution that's well worth taking.
- Sleeping mat: self-inflating mats are now available in slim, highly packable designs. They may not offer maximum comfort, but they're often more than adequate for a decent night's sleep.
- Tent: choose a hiking tent suited to the conditions. At altitude, opt for 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, whereas in this part of the world (without air transfers), gas will do the job. Multi-fuel options are worth looking into depending on prices, to avoid having to buy multiple types of fuel.
In environments that are at least somewhat challenging (or really anywhere), a hiking hammock is an appealing and practical option. That said, make sure you sleep diagonally across it to avoid sinking into a deep hollow and waking up with serious aches.
Finally, never forget your 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 essential when choosing your spot. Here are a few basic rules to know.
- Keep away from roads, paths and tracks.
- Also avoid pitching near livestock and watercourses, as water levels can rise rapidly. As a general rule, stay well clear of low-lying areas, rivers and water sources. Gain a little elevation above these natural features — your bivvy will be all the more enjoyable for it!
- It goes without saying, but stay well away from cliff edges, sheer drops, caves and hazardous terrain.
- You can favour grassy areas or spots near small trees, but avoid, where possible, the base of very tall trees with large branches.
- Before you settle on a final spot for your bivvy, do a reconnaissance loop of the surrounding area within a 50-metre radius — it'll save you from all kinds of unpleasant surprises!
Pitching your tent
Don't wait too long to pitch your tent — it should be the very first thing you do once you've carefully chosen your spot. Look for a flat area and clear it of all stones.
If you find dry grass nearby, you can lay it down to create a kind of natural bedding. Also pay attention to the wind direction and orient your tent so that the entrance is sheltered from it.
If rain is a concern, dig a drainage channel around the tent to direct water away.
Making a fire
Here too, the rules in force must be strictly followed. Open fires are very often simply prohibited. A fire also has a direct impact on the surrounding area. Lighting a fire is therefore only recommended in extreme emergencies (combating cold or signalling for help).
Leave no trace
Inspect the area before you leave to ensure no waste or food scraps remain. Make sure you take all rubbish and waste with you — sometimes even what was left by those before you. Bury any human waste in holes fifteen to twenty centimetres deep, dug well away from the camp, trails and water sources. Cover each hole before your bivvy is done.
Never leave food at a bivvy site for wild animals. It can obviously be harmful to their health and encourage unnatural behaviour if it happens repeatedly. It also draws wild animals closer to campsites.
Where can you go bivvying in France?
As noted above, bivvying is a regulated activity. So where are you actually allowed to bivvy? The best place to pitch your tent is in a national or regional park. France is fortunate to have 11 national parks. These are the Forêt, La Vanoise, Port-Cros, les Écrins, le Mercantour, les Cévennes, les Pyrénées, Guadeloupe, La Réunion, Amazonian Guiana and les Calanques national parks. And if none of those appeal, we also have 58 regional nature parks.
Once again, bivvying is regulated within these natural spaces. It is, for example, strictly prohibited throughout the Port-Cros, Calanques and Amazonian Guiana national parks. It is also not permitted in the heart of the Forêts or Mercantour national parks.
In general, bivvying is permitted in other national parks. However, you must set up more than one hour's walk from the park boundaries, close to mountain huts, for one night only and strictly within the usual permitted hours of 7 pm to 9 am. The best approach is to check the website of your chosen park to make sure you plan ahead properly. A two- or three-day trekking trip can be a great way to start bivvying and get to grips with the experience.
Finally, one last piece of advice… enjoy it! Bivvying offers a rare and precious sense of freedom. A night out in the wild is a genuine rarity these days, and every moment deserves to be savoured. Follow our advice and trust your instincts — you'll be fully equipped to make every future experience a pleasure. All that's left to do is get out there and hit the trails to discover what bivvying is all about.
Photos: ©Cyrille Quintard
