Responsible hiking

1. Preparing my walk

Before choosing a hike, I find out about its characteristics: difficulty, gradient, tricky sections, signposting, etc. I adapt my walk to suit my level and that of the other participants.

I adapt my walk to suit my level and that of the other participants, and don’t hesitate to contact the Tourist Office for advice. If I’m going on my own, I’ll tell someone close to me about my itinerary.

Check the weather forecast (in the mountains, the weather changes rapidly).

If you want to hike in complete safety, ask the local mountain guides.

2. adapting my equipment

I’ll equip myself with appropriate clothing and footwear.

I’ll take with me: hat, sunglasses, sun cream, water, food, first-aid kit, rain protection, warm clothing, a bag to take back my rubbish, torch or headlamp, survival blanket, a charged phone, guidebook and map.

3. I think ahead

I study access to the route and parking areas on the site.

I park in authorised parking areas and take care not to obstruct other vehicles (tractors, forestry machinery). I give preference to car-pooling or public transport.

I find out how often the routes I choose are used, especially during the summer months. In Isère, many areas and itineraries are subject to heavy traffic during the summer months. Contact the tourist office to find out about our selection of alternatives.

4. I stay on the paths

I am aware that when I go out into the countryside, I am necessarily on private or public property where passage is authorised by agreement.

I respect crops and do not cut across mown fields.

I stay on signposted routes (PDIPR) or areas dedicated to my activity.

I avoid short cuts to limit the impact on flora (trampling) and soil erosion, as well as disturbance to wildlife.

I keep an eye out for information and prohibition signs.

I carefully close fences and gates after my visit.

5. I respect nature

I photograph flowers rather than pick them, so that everyone can enjoy them.

I remain discreet: I don’t disturb animals or herds and I avoid making too much noise.

I observe animals without disturbing them and I don’t try to approach them, I give them time to move away quietly.

I take my rubbish with me (even organic waste) and I don’t make fires (a trace of fire destroys the soil for thousands of years).

Fauna and flora renew themselves but remain fragile and sensitive to human presence.

I pay close attention to the specific regulations of the Hauts-Plateaux du Vercors Nature Reserve in order to protect this protected area.

If I have a dog, I will not take it into the Hauts Plateaux Nature Reserve, as this is forbidden. Outside the Reserve, I make sure I keep him on a lead when I’m in the mountain pastures and if he tends to run after the wildlife, I keep him on a lead.