Context: bivouac, wild camping and legal framework

In France, a distinction is made between bivouacs, a basic setup for a single night set up in the evening and packed up in the morning, and wild camping, which is more equipped and sustainable. The latter is strictly regulated, particularly in terms of urban planning and environmental protection. Article R111-33 of the Urban Planning Code prohibits isolated camping, except for exemptions, on the coast, around drinking water catchments, in listed sites and heritage areas.

Bivouacking, on the other hand, is tolerated or authorized by many authorities when it limits the impact. National parks point out that the rule varies from one park core to another, with exceptions. Outside of the park cores, municipalities and managers (PNR, reserves) determine their own arrangements.

Where to camp in France?

Best practice: start with an official map (Géoportail, park map, tourist office), read the Regulations pages for the area in question, then cross-reference with the weather and terrain. Below, an overview by mountain range and natural areas, to be completed with the park page and current municipal decrees.

Alps (Vanoise, Écrins, Mercantour, Queyras, etc.)

Vanoise: bivouac in summer, close to certain refuges and by reservation, in time slots approximately 7 p.m. to 8 a.m. Écrins: bivouac 7 p.m. to 9 a.m., more than an hour from a road access or in marked areas. Mercantour: 7 p.m. to 9 a.m., more than an hour from a road access, with occasional exemptions in certain archaeological areas. Principles summarized on the national parks portal .

Pyrenees

The Pyrenees National Park allows camping between 7 p.m. and 9 a.m., more than an hour from a road access point. Camping areas are marked near certain refuges, with specific rules in the Néouvielle reserve.

Massif Central and Cévennes

The Cévennes National Park allows bivouacking under strict conditions, with priority given to marked trails. Check for sections temporarily closed due to species conservation or overcrowding.

Jura, Vosges, Ardennes

Outside of specific reserves and classified sites, bivouacking remains possible while respecting local customs, particularly timetables and distances from roads. The Haut-Jura Regional Natural Park reminds us of the rules of common sense: small footprint, discretion, early departure.

Coastline and islands

On the coast, urban planning and environmental protection impose extensive prohibitions: no isolated camping on the shores, dunes, beaches ( R111-33 ). In the Calanques and at Port-Cros or Porquerolles: bivouacking is completely prohibited in the heart of the park.

Step-by-step method: organizing a legal, safe and clean bivouac

1) Choose the territory and check the authorization

Identify the park, municipality, and reserves. Read the bivouac or territory regulations page. Look for designated areas or permitted areas near marked refuges or lakes. If in doubt, contact the tourist office or the park.

• Central page: Bivouac on the national parks website .
• National framework: R111-33 isolated campsite .

2) Trace the route and water points

Aim for grassy valleys, away from scree and avalanche paths. Plan ahead for water and local weather. Have a backup plan in case the target site is saturated or off-limits.

• Learn to read the contour lines and avoid the flat areas at the bottom of the basin.
• Locate a lower, less exposed retreat for the storm.

3) Respect timetables and distances

Common rule in the mountains: set up after 7 p.m., retreat before 8 to 9 a.m. and more than an hour's walk from a road, except in specific areas near refuges.

4) Settle in properly

Compact tent, short guy lines, no trenches, no ground fires. Use a stove if permitted. Take out all your waste, including toilet paper. Avoid the immediate shores of lakes.

5) Night security and weather

Securely anchor, orient the vestibule with its back to the prevailing wind, store food, and insulate yourself from the ground with a suitable mattress. Check the weather and wind conditions before departure and at the bivouac.

6) Express checklist

• Tent or light tarp, pegs and emergency ropes
• Insulated mattress and sleeping bag (suitable comfort temperature)
• Stove, fuel, waterproof lighter
• 2 to 3 liters of water per person per day, with filter or treatment
• Headlamp and spare battery
• SOS kit and survival blanket

Numerical example: a weekend bivouac in the Pyrenees

Typical itinerary: 8 to 10 km D1 (D+ 700 m), 6 to 8 km D2 (D- 800 m). Bivouac more than an hour from a road, assembly 7 p.m. to 9 a.m. Target weight of the bag: 8 to 11 kg excluding water per person in 3 seasons.

Indicative equipment budget: 1.2 to 1.8 kg tent (€200 to €350), 300 to 600 g mattress (€40 to €120), 0 to 5 °C comfort sleeping bag (€90 to €220), stove and cartridge (€30 to €60), filter (€25 to €60). On Arknor · Tents and Tarps and Sleeping and Shelters , you will find lightweight combos to stay under 11 kg, including egg nest mattresses and 20-40 L bags .

Frequent risks and countermeasures

Useful integrations for your bivouac

To get you started, here is a selection of Arknor pages and collections useful for a lightweight and compliant bivouac.

• Tents and Tarps : lightweight shelters for a discreet night.
• Bedding and shelter : insulating mattresses, sleeping bags.
• 20-40 L backpacks : ideal volume for 1 to 2 nights.
• Kitchen : stoves and pots, floor fires prohibited.
• Arknor FAQ and Contact an expert .
• About Arknor : Our sustainable approach.

Sources and image credits

• Urban Planning Code: Article R111-33 .
• National Parks Portal: Bivouac .
• Wikimedia Commons images indicated below each figure.