What there is to know
Hiking is a complete sport , but light. By this it means that it has the immense advantage of working on heart rate , endurance , breath , legs , glutes , abs and arms . These last two have the respective function of maintaining the back , thanks to the abdominal strap and boost the impulse of the body forward. A sport defined as "light" because we choose the intensity of the effort to be provided according to the selected terrain. The more it is flat, the less effort is important. Clearly, it is a blessing for all those looking for a healthy and evolving physical activity.
The right equipment
It is based on an inseparable trio.
? The shoes . The golden rule is to adapt your choice according to the soil. Thus, the followers of the courses in town, on flat ground or on bitumen, must opt for running shoes : light and shock-absorbing. Undergrowth enthusiasts will choose reinforced running; the good walkers, shoes with crampons and reinforced by a rod at the back. Finally, mountain fans can not ignore the "real" hiking shoe: very solid, heavy and not very flexible. One word of order, privilege the comfort of the foot avoiding models too heavy: they tire unnecessarily.
? The clothes . Focus on breathable materials exclusively, that is, those that do not retain perspiration. There is nothing more unpleasant than to resume walking after a lunch break with a wet tee-shirt. You could catch cold, even in summer.
? The backpack . It must meet two criteria: a ventilation system in the back and a good distribution of weight . Spot the right models with lumbar spikes, perfect for off-loading the weight of the shoulders.
Good practice, how to use
? If you are new, do some home preparation exercises: abs, glutes and lunges. Very important, do not forget to end your session with stretching. Otherwise, the aches will be the reason for your enthusiasm.
? Ready, start with a small hike in a hilly environment. If you are eyeing a fairly sporty hike, it is better to plan a physical preparation with a coach. Otherwise, you risk very painful cramps of the arch.
? Rens. from serious associations ( www.mazeo.fr ) who often offer 1 hour programs twice a week, depending on your goal.
A hike with his children
Discover and tame nature
? Where: on the site of Chalmazel in the Loire to participate in O'bivwak, ex-Raid IGN Lafuma, very famous.
? Duration and distance: one afternoon for the easiest circuit / 6 km.
? The principle: a great orienteering race during which children learn to read a map, to move with a compass and to adopt a navigation strategy. A superprogram they will not be ready to forget.
? Most: the 8 circuits welcome all levels (from beginner to ultra-confirmed), special mention also for the pros who manage remarkably the organization.
? Rens .: 04 72 34 56 68 or [email protected]
With his lover
Enjoy the country romanticism
? Where: in Auvers-sur-Oise in the footsteps of Van Gogh.
? Duration and distance: 4 h / 12 km.
? The principle: a qualified course "fairly easy" that will offer a breathtaking panorama of the fields that inspired the artist and a step in the village where he lived his last days.
? Most: if you like the Impressionists, you will recognize the landscapes of Cezanne, Pissarro and Renoir, which have so much marked our minds.
? Rens .: Auvers-sur-Oise tourist office. Phone: 01 30 36 10 06.
With a sporty girlfriend
Share a historical experience
? Where: in the Yvelines to admire the slopes of the Montcient.
? Duration and distance: 5 h / 15 km.
? The principle: a rather difficult hike with passages in the forest, the discovery of a pathway dating back to the Neolithic, wash-houses, forgotten historical monuments and, to top it off, very pretty landscapes ranging from the Seine to the Vexin plateau.
? Most: the village of Oinville-sur-Montcient which houses a 13th century bell tower.
? Rens .: departmental committee of tourism of Yvelines. Tel .: 01 39 07 71 22.
With a group of friends
Gastronomy and good mood
? Where: in the Fontainebleau forest, meeting at the Dame Jouanne inn.
? Duration and distance: 5 h to 7 h / 18 to 25 km.
? The principle: a warm forest atmosphere, rocks with surprising shapes with, key moment, the gourmet lunch in the famous rustic inn Dame Jouanne.
? Most: the guides think of everything, so that for the return, they opt for the shortest route, ideal for a digestive walk.
? Rens .: Bourron-Marlotte tourist office. Tel .: 01 64 45 88 86.
To read
"A tour in the country", Antoine Debièvre, ed. Parigramme. We love this small compact and very practical guide to all the hikes to do on foot and even by bike, over several days, with, each time, a precise recommended route and variants in case you would like to communicate a little more with lady Nature.
