Hiking in France

[CanDo]

I'm going to be in France for a couple of weeks. My time is pretty filled up, already, but I'd like to sneak in one to two days of hiking. Can anyone recommend a hike that is accessible by train/public transport? I'm looking for something in the Pyrenees, western half. It will be between stops in Bayonne and Paris.

I don't want to do anything too intense, but we're in very good shape. Views are my number one goal.

 

[forcedestrike]

oops my message got cut off and I just realised so EDIT:

http://www.pyrenees-pireneos.org/eng_Trails.htm <-- basic info.


The GR10 is really really big- the second section is like...maybe 1 week if you walk fast but most sections are at least 10days+ so I would not recommend such a long trail section without having a more specific goal/section in mind- research in terms of terrain and scenery what you want and decide how you will "get on" the G10- because some parts are really bland.

Since this is bladeforums; be aware that while purchasing laws are loose (read: non existant) in France you need to have a valib reason to carrying a knife- self defense is not a valid reason so stick to traditional or subtle knives like mora's, opi's etc.

 

[Lost Rover]

You could have a look at the GR 10 trail that runs the whole length of the Pyrenees. A short section of that may work for you.

Geoff

 

[mr.trooper]

Backpacking in Europe became a serious dream about a year ago, after watching a documentary on the pilgrims of Spains El Camino de Santiago. WOW - weeks walking on foot through some of Europe's most breathtaking (and also some of the most boring) terrain.

I'm not Catholic, so the religious aspects don't interest me much... but I am a history buff and student of culture. So many interesting traditions along the way, spectacular architecture of ancient Cathedrals, not to mention that both Roland and El Cid are burred along the road. Way cool.

 

[Ravaillac]

Ok, I'm from France and while I've some done hiking in central Pyrenees long time ago, it's not my area.
Bayonne isn't exactly in the Pyrenees, more at the edges.

There's a train line from Bayonne to Saint-Etienne-de-Port area, which is fairly mountainous.
You can check train timetables from the rail company site (also does buses).
www.voyages-sncf.com
(unfortunatly english language version apparently doesn't do secondary network)

About the hike, depends what you want to do, what's your physical condition...

Topographic IGN Maps are pretty good, cost about 10&#8364; and can be found fairly easily in sport shops, bookshops or supermarkets, notably in hiking touristic areas.

Regarding safety, wilderness is far less remote than in the US so it easier to find human presence and/or get rescue, yet these remains steep mountains, so they are not to be taken too lightly, notably be aware of weather.

Can also check this site:
http://www.saintjeanpieddeport-paysbasque-tourisme.com/en.html
They are selling a guide; most likely in French.
You may try to contact them. There also are probably plenty of hiking guides and maps available.

You may have a look at that site:
http://www.pyrenees-rando.fr/PyrOuest.htm
Here is an example of hike in the area:
http://www.pyrenees-rando.fr/Pyrenees/04PyrAtlantiques/01PaysBasque/Iparla/00Iparla.htm

Starts at a train station, end about 10km from Saint-jean-de-port. Can be done on foot, or hitch hiking, maybe there are local buses, or phone a taxi in although that might be quite expensive (like 10-20&#8364.

Keep in mind I have no specific knowledge of this area. This is only informations I could gather in minutes of internet research. Merely starting points to be explored.

Hope this helps.

 

[A.W.U.K.]

I've been to the area once, camping at St Jean de Luz in August for a few days. It rained so heavily one night that it seemed to be hardly impeded by the canvas of the tent and we spent the night in the car. In the morning, the adjacent camping field was flooded up to the car windows.
The annual rainfall for St Jean de Luz is about 60" per year which is not huge but aparently it does come in the form of occasional downpours so I would definitely pack waterproofs! It is likely to be wetter up in the mountains too.
Nice area though
Have a look on google streetview to spy out the scenery!