Can anybody give locations that they would rate as the best wild camping in France? If possible, can you provide lat/log ref's so that a Google Earth database can be established. Many thanks. 
France: The best wild camping locations
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Would be really interested in getting some info on this topic, im not french but living in france and would like to go on wild camping around... Any info would be appreciated
It would be worth your while to check out the Grande Randonnée routes, there are many and some travel through quite wild parts of France. The GR10 which takes you along the Pyrenees is a bit of a challenge but fun. and the GR20 which crosses Corsica, it can be a bit roughty toughty but a great experience.
http://corsica.forhikers.com/gr20
http://www.pyreneeshike.com/route.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grande_Randonnée
http://corsica.forhikers.com/gr20
http://www.pyreneeshike.com/route.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grande_Randonnée
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I've spent some time around the Verdon Gorge, plenty of opportunity for wild camping and a truly spectacular setting, mind out for the wild boars though.
Cant help with specific locations though.
Cant help with specific locations though.
If you published the locations...... it would no longer be 'wild' but 'much visited'!!! it's a bit like asking where do you find those fabulous cepes and girolles!!!!
The best way if for you to buy an O.S map of the area you fancy , take your compass and go explore! that's how I have found many many wonderful places away from the hubbub and other people.
The best way if for you to buy an O.S map of the area you fancy , take your compass and go explore! that's how I have found many many wonderful places away from the hubbub and other people.
Note that wild camping in itself is forbidden. "Bivouac" is allowed by default but there are many exceptions. Bivouac means from dusk to dawn, nothing left during the day. No base camp.
Some GR, like GR20, do not authorize bivouac either. You have to use the (paid) refuges and book in advance (a bit of controversial topic as it forces you to stick to a pre-established schedule which can lead to dangerous decisions in mountain). If the refuge is full, you can camp next to it but that is also paying.
Apart from that dimension, your question is vague. Are you looking for mountain, woods, hills, fields? What kind of activities do you want to undertake: pure hiking, tracking, bushcraft?
Some GR, like GR20, do not authorize bivouac either. You have to use the (paid) refuges and book in advance (a bit of controversial topic as it forces you to stick to a pre-established schedule which can lead to dangerous decisions in mountain). If the refuge is full, you can camp next to it but that is also paying.
Apart from that dimension, your question is vague. Are you looking for mountain, woods, hills, fields? What kind of activities do you want to undertake: pure hiking, tracking, bushcraft?
Hi,
in the Yvelines the closest choice is Rambouillet. Bivouac is a grey matter. I called the ONF (wood authority) and they said this is "not really allowed but we cannot control everything. If you do it, stay away from main paths." Take it as you like!
If you read French, I suggest you have a look at those two fora:
http://www.davidmanise.com/forum/
http://www.randonner-leger.org/forum
Cheers
Im kinda new to all the bushcraft, but im was thinking of starting slowly and see how that develops... im in the rambouillet are since i work with horses and ive gone through some trails in horseback, but they are used a lot and there is a lot of people around but ill check the sites posted above and follow the advice everyone has so kindly given and see how everything evolves... Thanks to everyone for the help.
P.S: sorry if there are some writing mistakes English is not my primary language.
sorry, missed your last post.
Rather have tips to meet them. Just don't corner them. No reason to be concerned.
I once crossed one at 5 am, at dusk, 10 meters or so. It stopped at my level and I leaned against a tree. Watched its silouhette against dusky background for a minute or so. Then I flashed it with my light and he went, no running, quietly walking.
But most of the time they just run away.
Cornering them would not be easy anyway, they seem to be able to go through any kind of bush.
Rather have tips to meet them. Just don't corner them. No reason to be concerned.
I once crossed one at 5 am, at dusk, 10 meters or so. It stopped at my level and I leaned against a tree. Watched its silouhette against dusky background for a minute or so. Then I flashed it with my light and he went, no running, quietly walking.
But most of the time they just run away.
Cornering them would not be easy anyway, they seem to be able to go through any kind of bush.
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