Top 3 best bivouac spots

The 11 commandments of bivouac.

Far from the urban hustle and bustle you will go.

You will observe flora and fauna in their natural habitat.

Under the stars you will fall asleep.

In the heart of wild nature you will wake up.

You will experience total freedom.

You will contemplate nature.

You will respect the environment.

You will appreciate the calm.

You will leave feeling refreshed.

You won't regret this adventure.

You will start bivouac again.

No. 3: Landes de Gascogne Regional Natural Park

Tell me Jamy, what makes this bivouac spot so good?

336,000 hectares of fun: this park is a true haven of peace for nature lovers. It offers an exceptional natural environment with its vast pine forests, clearings and winding rivers.

Wildlife watching: The park is home to rare and protected species. Pyrenean oaks, eagle ferns, maritime pines, reeds, dragonflies and a multitude of bird species.

Outdoor Activities: The park is ideal for hiking , canoeing, mountain biking and many other activities. The many trails and waterways allow for active exploration of the park.

Pine forests and ferns as far as the eye can see.

Hiking idea - 2 days:

Day 1: Courant d'Huchet Trail

Departure: Leon

Route: Léon -> Courant d'Huchet Nature Reserve -> Pichelèbe -> Bivouac near the current

Distance: About 15 km

Elevation: Low

Description: Departing from Léon, follow the Courant d'Huchet trail through the nature reserve. This route offers magnificent views of the local fauna and flora. End the day with a bivouac near the current, where you can enjoy the serenity of nature.

Day 2: Pine forest and Dune of Contis

Departure: Bivouac site near the Courant d'Huchet

Itinerary: Bivouac -> Landes Forest -> Dune of Contis -> Return to Léon

Distance: Approximately 18 km

Elevation: Moderate

Description: Continue your hike through the majestic pine forest of the Landes, towards the Dune de Contis. Enjoy the breathtaking views from the dune before returning to Léon at the end of the day.

The logistics point: Wild camping, bivouacs and fires are permitted at a distance of more than 200 m from woods, forests and moors. The park offers dedicated bivouac sites, where visitors can set up their tent in complete safety.

No. 2: Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Natural Park

Tell me Jamy, what makes this bivouac spot so good?

Unique landscapes : the park offers unique landscapes with its extinct volcanoes, craters and crater lakes. The panoramic views from peaks such as the Puy de Dôme or the Puy Mary are spectacular.

Rich biodiversity: You can observe species such as marmots, chamois and a wide variety of birds, as well as a colorful alpine flora.

Outdoor activities: The park is ideal for hiking , mountain biking , paragliding and climbing enthusiasts. The marked trails offer routes suitable for all levels, allowing you to discover the different ecosystems of the park.

Cultural and historical heritage: The park is rich in heritage with its picturesque villages, castles and Romanesque churches. Bivouacking in these places allows you to combine nature discovery and cultural exploration.

Hiking idea - 2 days:

Day 1: Puy de Dôme and Puy de Pariou

Departure: Orcines (near Clermont-Ferrand)

Itinerary: Orcines -> Puy de Dôme -> Puy de Pariou -> Bivouac at the Col de Ceyssat

Distance: About 12 km

Elevation gain: 800 meters

Description: Departure from Orcines, climb towards the Puy de Dôme with its panoramic views. Continue towards the Puy de Pariou, famous for its perfect crater. Bivouac at the Col de Ceyssat, a quiet and ideal place for a night in the middle of nature.

Day 2: Puy de Côme and Puy des Goules

Departure: Col de Ceyssat

Route: Col de Ceyssat -> Puy de Côme -> Puy des Goules -> Return to Orcines

Distance: Approximately 14 km

Elevation gain: 600 meters

Description: From the Col de Ceyssat, climb towards the Puy de Côme, offering superb views of the Puys mountain range. Continue towards the Puy des Goules before descending towards Orcines. A day of hiking rich in natural discoveries and exceptional panoramas.

No. 1: The Tour des Sept Laux, Belledonne massif (Alps)

Tell me Jamy, what makes this bivouac spot so good?

Spectacular landscapes: The Belledonne massif is renowned for its breathtaking alpine landscapes. The Tour des Sept Laux offers crystal-clear mountain lakes, majestic peaks and lush green valleys. Each stage offers breathtaking panoramas, especially at sunrise and sunset.

The spot is home to a rich biodiversity: chamois, marmots and birds of prey, colorful alpine flowers.

Good level hike: The hike of the Tour des Sept Laux will please hikers who like to get going. For this one, we advise you to opt for high-top walking shoes to protect your poor little ankles that didn't ask for anything from anyone. It is a well-marked hike that offers a good balance between physical challenge and accessibility: you go through passes, lakes and ridges. Enough to have a great view.

Hiking idea - 2 days:

Day 1: Fond de France – Refuge de l'Oule

Distance: 15 km

Elevation gain: 1400 m

Walking time: 7 to 8 hours

Departure: Fond de France (1080 m)

Access: From Allevard, follow the D525a to Fond de France.

Climb to the Sept Laux refuge

Day 2: Refuge de l'Oule – Fond de France via the Col de la Vache

Distance: 18 km

Elevation gain: 1100 m

Negative elevation: 1900 m

Walking time: 8 to 9 hours

We could list a thousand great bivouac spots. But we find these ones to be real gems.

Now that you have ideas for bivouac spots, all you need is the professional gear: a light tent , a cozy sleeping bag and a well-insulated mattress . As well as, of course, the hiking gear that goes with it if you do the little trek that we suggested.

Article written by Solenn de Muule on July 23, 2024.