Re: Backpacking in France


"duh" <nope@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
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Steve B. wrote:
"duh" <nope@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
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I'm beginning to think about backpacking France in another couple of
years, and I'm wondering what are the camping options. Can one camp
along trails, or must you either find housing in communities, or camp in
designated campgrounds?


When hiking the GR's (grande routes, long-distance trails), I stay in
Gites de Etape http://www.gites-de-france.com/gites/uk/stopover_gites,
alpine club huts http://www.ffcam.fr/fr/chalets/cartes_refuges/, or
bivouac (not in authorized campgrounds). The IGN hiking maps
http://www.ign.fr/rubrique.asp?rbr_id=462&lng_id=EN and guidebooks
clearly show the gites and CAF huts. Links for hiking in France
http://www.hejoly.demon.nl/countries/france.html Cicerone press does
some good hiking guidebooks for France
http://www.omnimap.com/catalog/int/france/fran-cic.htm, although I prefer
the mostly french language FFTP series
http://www.omnimap.com/catalog/int/france/ffrp.htm (three of these are
available in English.

Have fun! On foot you'll get to know the country better than any other
way.

Steve

Merci beaucoup for the info.

Forgot to mention: Gites are basically dormitories for those in transit, a
night or two. Some have a caretaker and offer a cooked meal (substantial)
and breakfast. Others are unattended, you may have to get the key from a
nearby resident. There are usually cooking and showering facilities. Good
opportunity to get to know your fellow hikers. Also makes it possible to
travel very light. Like the CAF (French Alpine Club) huts, blankets are
provided. A *** sleeping sack is recommended.

Steve


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