Tips & providers

A little advice...

Go for a walk with serenity

From a simple walk to a mountain hike, nothing should be left to chance, so here are a few tips before setting off.

Precautions

Avoid heading into the mountains alone and/or always let someone know where you are going.
Check your route and its level of difficulty before setting off: beware of grassy slopes, which are often slippery and may overlook rocky cliffs, and do not venture into riverbeds.

Weather

Check the local weather forecast before setting off by calling 3250 or on the Météo France website.

If fog, rain, snow or thunderstorms are forecast, adapt your route or postpone your outing. In the mountains, storms can develop very quickly: avoid summits, ridges, mountain passes, isolated trees, streams and exposed rocky areas. If a storm approaches, lose altitude without delay, without running, and seek safe shelter such as a mountain refuge or building.

If you are caught in a thunderstorm with no shelter available, move away from metal objects, keep several metres apart if you are in a group, then crouch down with your feet together, head lowered, limiting contact with the ground. Wait at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder before continuing your hike.

Equipment & tips

Hiking boots, lightweight clothing to protect yourself from the sun, cold or rain, sunglasses, gloves, a hat and/or beanie, and sunscreen.
Walking poles are recommended to improve balance and reduce strain.
Remember to drink water and eat regularly, and take breaks to recover.

Environment

Help preserve the mountains by taking a small bag with you to carry your rubbish back down to the valley. Mountain trails require a great deal of maintenance. Please avoid shortcuts, as they channel rainwater and accelerate trail erosion.

The mountains, a shared environment

During summer, alpine pastures are grazed by livestock. Livestock guardian dogs, such as Patous, protect the herds.

Learn how to behave when encountering a livestock guardian dog