Sleep facing the mountains... without leaving a trace.
Bivouacs in the mountains are the stuff of dreams. And it's easy to see why. In the Écrins massif, the experience has that little taste of raw adventure that turns a simple hike into an unclassifiable souvenir.
But behind the postcards, there's a reality: natural areas are fragile. Very fragile.
Between 2021 and 2025, bivouac activity in the Ecrins National Park will double. The result: more visitors, but also more impact on fauna, flora and landscapes.
So how can you enjoy this magical experience while respecting nature?
Bivouac
means setting off with a light tent to sleep for a single night in the wilderness (but not only)!
Here you'll find all the rules you need to follow to bivouac in an environmentally-friendly way.
Bivouac or wild camping: be careful, they're not the same thing ⛺
This is probably THE most frequent confusion.
Bivouac
Bivouac means sleeping for a single night in a small, light tent in the wilderness, usually during a hike.
In the heart of the Ecrins National Park, it is authorized under certain conditions.
Wild camping
Wild camping consists of spending several nights in the same place, or with heavier equipment.
And here... the rules change dramatically. Wild camping is often forbidden or strictly regulated in protected natural areas.
For example, a tent pitched at sunset and folded up at sunrise does not have the same impact as a long-lasting "high-altitude mini-village".
Where can you bivouac in Ecrins National Park?
The heart of the park
This is the most protected area. Bivouacs are only permitted :
- between 7pm and 9am
- more than an hour's walk from an access road or the park boundary
- in a light tent where you can't stand upright
Some areas have special rules. Find out before you leave.
The golden rules of responsible bivouac 🏕️🌿
1. Arrive late, leave early
Bivouac is a discreet affair. Set up your tent in the evening. You fold it up in the morning.
2. Zero waste. Really zero.
Peelings, tissues, packaging, food scraps... all go down with you. Even biodegradable, some waste disturbs ecosystems and attracts animals.
The rule is simple: if it goes up the bag, it goes down the bag.
3. Fire? No.
In the Ecrins National Park, fires are forbidden. Even a small fire "for the atmosphere". Even "just a few branches". Even "because it was cool". In the mountains, a fire can have catastrophic consequences.
For cooking: use a stove.
4. Respect the silence of the mountains
A Bluetooth speaker on the edge of a high-altitude lake?
Let's just say it's not exactly the traditional song of the groundhog. Responsible bivouacking also means preserving the peace and quiet of the area and of other hikers.
5. Observing animals... without disturbing them
This is their home.
Never feed wild animals.
Keep your distance.
And store your food and garbage carefully to avoid attracting wildlife near your bivouac areas.
6. Stay on the trails
Cutting switchbacks or making improvised tracks weakens the soil and accelerates erosion. In the mountains, a few repeated passes can be enough to permanently destroy alpine vegetation.
Can I bivouac with my dog? 🐕
In the heart of the Ecrins National Park, dogs are prohibited, even on a leash.
Why not?
Because their presence disturbs the wildlife but also the herds present in the mountain pastures.
Bivouac FAQ in brief
Can I bivouac in the Écrins National Park?
Yes, bivouacs are permitted in the heart of the Écrins National Park under certain conditions: between 7pm and 9am, more than an hour's walk from access roads, and in a small, lightweight tent.
Is wild camping allowed in the Écrins?
No, wild camping is highly regulated and often forbidden in protected natural areas.
Is it possible to make a fire when bivouacking in the Écrins?
No. Fires are forbidden in the Écrins National Park.
Can I bring my dog?
No. Dogs are not allowed in the heart of the Ecrins National Park, even on a leash.
What's the difference between bivouacs and wilderness camping?
A bivouac is a light, temporary installation for a single night, whereas wild camping involves a more permanent installation.
Serre Chevalier Briançon: a mountain to love... and preserve 💚
