Where is the best hiking in southern France?

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robertboekee

By robertboekee

18 March 2009 15:29

I'm looking to go hiking in the South of France for about 5-6 days in May and was wondering if anyone could give me some advice on the best places to go. I don't want to do any climbing but enjoy some scrambles and technical walks (think sharp edge/striding edge etc). I'm in pretty good shape and will be looking to wild camp most nights if possible. Thanks for any help - Rob

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Trail magazine

By Trail magazine

“If you’re going in May you should be aware that there will still be quite a lot of snow up on the higher ground,” says Trail’s mountaineering editor Jeremy Ashcroft. “The Pyrenees are an option or possibly the Maritime Alps (on the border between France and Italy). Both offer really nice hill passes so would be perfect for what you’re looking for.

"If you intend to wild camp just make sure you follow the same rules as in the UK i.e. don’t pitch in someone’s back garden and pitch late and leave early. The French are fairly tolerant of wild camping but do look out for signs that will tell you where you cannot camp overnight. Really, though, if your going in May I would consider going hut to hut instead, that way you don’t have to bother with carrying a tent or sleeping bag. All you need is something like a silk liner – blankets are provided – and you don’t have to take your own food as that is also available and it’s very good. It will also be fairly quiet there then too.”

For more information about going hut to hut in the Alps see the Alpine Club of France and look for the Union Jack to click on to translate the page into English.

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Where is the best hiking in southern France?

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youradvocate

youradvocate says

RE: I'm looking to go hiking in the South of France for about 5-6 days in May and was wondering if anyone could give me some advice on the best places to go. I don't want to do any climbing but enjoy some scrambles and technical walks (think sharp edge/striding edge etc). I'm in pretty good shape and will be looking to wild camp most nights if possible.Thanks for any help - Rob

I would suggest that you read Robert Louise Stevenson's book Travels with a Donkey then do the walk. Start at Le Puy en Velay, central France and walk to Arles near the Med coast. Brilliant!

09 December 2011 21:21

BEak

BEak says

RE: I'm looking to go hiking in the South of France for about 5-6 days in May and was wondering if anyone could give me some advice on the best places to go. I don't want to do any climbing but enjoy some scrambles and technical walks (think sharp edge/striding edge etc). I'm in pretty good shape and will be looking to wild camp most nights if possible. Thanks for any help - Rob

I am sure you are well rested! When I was a writing help, I also loved these "walks".

14 March 2011 22:26

White Horse Walker

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White Horse Walker says

Re: Where is the best hiking in southern France?

That looks fabulous. We did visit the Pont du Gard when on our river cruise.

14 February 2010 17:16

NottinghamMilli

NottinghamMilli says

RE: I'm looking to go hiking in the South of France for about 5-6 days in May and was wondering if anyone could give me some advice on the best places to go. I don't want to do any climbing but enjoy some scrambles and technical walks (think sharp edge/striding edge etc). I'm in pretty good shape and will be looking to wild camp most nights if possible. Thanks for any help - Rob

Hi Guys,

Just thought I'd give you an update on my plans. I'm doing the Gardon Gorge with Walking Holidays in France in May. See

www.walking-holidays-france.com/Walking-holiday-in-Provence-Gardon-Gorge.html

It looks great - can't wait!

Cheers!

Milli

12 February 2010 15:21

NottinghamMilli

NottinghamMilli says

RE: I'm looking to go hiking in the South of France for about 5-6 days in May and was wondering if anyone could give me some advice on the best places to go. I don't want to do any climbing but enjoy some scrambles and technical walks (think sharp edge/striding edge etc). I'm in pretty good shape and will be looking to wild camp most nights if possible.Thanks for any help - Rob

Hi Guys,

Just back from hiking in Le Midi so here goes - and my first posting here!

I don't know about wild camping as such things are not easy for a girlie to do all alone! However, I'd thoroughly recommend part of the Stevenson Trail. I did the 'Best of' with The Enlightened Traveller. Here's trhe link:

http://www.enlightened-traveller.co.uk/pages/Package_Pages.aspx?pkId=028f8490-5748-4d57-bafd-d50e12916e4c&pgId=1001

I actually met some US hikers who were camping and who'd also booked via The Enlightened Traveller. They wanted to copy RL Stevenson - not my cuppa tea, though!

I might try Mercantour myself in 2010, but would need some nice welcoming hotels - did you see any on your trip, Rob? Any feedback greatly appreciated as I want to get reading and booking.

Cheers!

NottinghamMilli

11 September 2009 14:36

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