The Hiker's Charter
Respect Protected Areas
In France, many remarkable natural areas (national parks, nature reserves, etc.) are protected by regulations.
Whether along the coast, in the mountains, in wetlands, or elsewhere, these areas welcome hikers. Check the regulations before you set out.
Stay on the trails
In nature, only the trail is designated for human use.
Stay on the trails to avoid trampling on plant and animal life.
Do not take shortcuts, and respect fragile areas.
Clean your shoe soles
Without realizing it, you can harm biodiversity by bringing seeds or spores from other natural habitats on the soil stuck to your shoe soles.
Remember to clean the soles of your shoes regularly, especially after traveling abroad.
Close gates and fences
When walking on trails, you’re always on someone else’s property.
Be sure to close fences and gates behind you.
Keep dogs on a leash
You may see your dog as a friend, but wild animals see it as a predator!
For everyone’s comfort and safety, keep your pets on a leash.
Pick up your trash
The best trash is the trash you don’t produce.
Choose the products you use carefully.
Pick up and take your trash with you.
Do your part to protect our environment.
Share natural spaces
Hiking isn’t the only activity enjoyed on the trails.
Share the natural space with other recreational activities and be mindful of other trail users.
Let the flowers grow
They’re prettier in their natural setting than in a bouquet.
Don’t pick flowers, buds, or young shoots—instead, learn to recognize the flora and fauna in their natural environment.
Be Discreet
Wild animals aren’t used to hearing the sounds you make.
Stay quiet to have a chance of spotting them.
Never touch a young animal—its mother would abandon it.
Do not start a fire
Fire is a danger to hikers and to nature.
Follow the guidelines, and in case of a fire, call 18 or 112.
Preserve the sites
Help maintain the quality of your hiking sites!
A broken sign, a pollution issue, a safety concern... Through the Suricate program, report any issues on the website sentinelles.sportsdenature.fr.
Your report will be handled by the outdoor sports federations and the departmental councils in coordination with the National Resource Center for Outdoor Sports (PRNSN) of the Ministry of Sports.
Choose carpooling and public transportation
Transportation is one of the main sources of greenhouse gas emissions.
Choose carpooling or public transportation to get to your hike. Stay on roads open to vehicles and park in designated areas.