Trekking: Long-Distance Hiking with an Adventurous Twist
With 27 million participants, hiking is the most popular sport in France. And in recent years, those numbers have only continued to grow. Easy and accessible, hiking and leisurely walks are now seen as a source of well-being perfectly in tune with today’s lifestyle.
But for those with a sense of adventure, a desire to push their limits, and a craving for a rawer connection with nature, a simple walk in the woods just isn’t enough. To truly get off the beaten path, experience a complete change of scenery, and add a few adrenaline rushes along the way, what you may really need is to try trekking. Set out for several days — often far from developed trails — through mountainous terrain with varying degrees of elevation.
So, what makes trekking different from multi-day hikes?
In trekking, it all comes down to autonomy. At night, you’ll either set up camp or sleep in mountain huts alongside other hikers. As for food and water — that’s all on you to plan ahead.
Trekking requires endurance, solid physical fitness, and a good dose of self-confidence. You’ll need to be ready to tackle steep scree slopes and isolated trails, and to spend nights sometimes far from any trace of civilization.
Taking on a trek means diving into an intense and rewarding immersive experience — but it’s not something you can improvise. Ready to give it a try? Follow our tips!
Preparing your trek
Where to Go Trekking?
With nearly 180,000 km of marked trails across France, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
To get started, focus on marked routes such as GR (long-distance hiking trails), GRP (regional hiking trails), or PR (short-distance trails). Many specialized websites offer ready-to-go itineraries. And if you can’t find the perfect one, you can always combine several. In any case, for safety reasons — especially if you’re new to trekking — try to stick to the marked paths.
To help you decide, ask yourself a few key questions:
- When do you want to leave? Trekking is possible year-round, but your project won’t look the same if you plan it for June or for the middle of winter.
- How long will you be gone? That depends on your fitness level and experience. The longer you travel, the heavier your pack will be. But when you’re starting out, just one or two nights are enough for a complete change of scenery.
- Who will you go with? Trekking can be a solitary challenge, perfect for reconnecting with yourself. But it’s also an amazing experience as a couple or in a group. Alone, you set the pace but also take on the full load of planning, resupplying, and carrying gear. With others, you can share tasks, but you need to make sure everyone keeps up — great for team spirit and bonding, but it requires strong trust among your companions.
How to Plan Your Stages ?
Planning your daily stages is key. Expect to walk between 5 and 7 hours a day. Depending on the elevation, that usually means 15 to 25 km — or less if you’re a beginner.
Take water sources into account (be careful, some may be dry in summer!). Also think about accommodation. If you’re aiming for mountain huts, always bring a backup for sleeping outdoors — huts can be full! As for bivouacs, check the rules before setting out. Some national parks allow them between 5 p.m. and 9 a.m., while others forbid them entirely.
Packing the Right Gear
Once you know where, when, and with whom you’re going, it’s time to prepare your gear!
The challenge with trekking is to pack only the essentials — nothing more, nothing less. You don’t need expensive gear: focus on sturdy, lightweight equipment suited to your adventure.
To make sure you don’t forget anything, the best option is to learn from more experienced hikers. Online, you’ll find countless passionate creators sharing advice and tips for optimal gear. You can also check resources from the French Hiking Federation.
Focus on the First Aid Kit — Trekking Safely
A first aid kit is particularly strategic. It’s at least as important as your navigation tools. You need to be prepared for everything, without hauling around a doctor’s suitcase.
Once again, your kit should be adapted to the duration of your trek, the season, and the region: you won’t pack the same things for the Alps as you would for a tropical zone!
Here’s what you should think about including:
- Medication: Paracetamol for pain or fever, anti-inflammatories for sprains, back pain, or muscle strain. Always ask a healthcare professional for advice before leaving. Make sure the medication isn’t expired and is easy to identify.
- Basic supplies: Scissors, tweezers, hypodermic needles, sterile compresses, tape, bandages, plasters, and blister pads.
- Hygiene & safety: Hand sanitizer, antiseptic for wounds, and water purification tablets.
- Skin protection: Don’t forget sunscreen! And for burns, irritations, abrasions, or sore feet, bring along a soothing and healing cream like Bye Bye Burn. Its rich, creamy texture is also perfect for massages — after 6 hours of walking, your feet will thank you!
For managing health on the trail, trekking has a lot in common with train travel: preparation is everything. Check out our full guide to get the best tips.
So, are you ready to set off on the adventure?
