Read our advice on how to start trekking in France
In the mountains of the Alps!

Do you want to enjoy the fresh air and the sounds of wildlife, but are afraid to take the plunge?
If you love nature and adventure, trekking is for you!
In this blog post, we're going to give you some advice so that you don't have to be afraid to try it. It would be a shame not to, wouldn't it?

What's the difference between trekking and hiking?

What is a trek, a race?

Before you start anything, you need to know what you're talking about!
Trekking, also known as "adventure hiking", is an outdoor sporting activity that involves covering longer distances on foot than you would on a hike, following a predetermined itinerary. You set off for several days, often off the beaten track, through mountain paths, valleys or forests.
So no, trekking is not a race; the aim is above all to enjoy the majestic landscapes you will be crossing at your own pace.
This sport is ideal for those looking to disconnect from everyday life, explore breathtaking landscapes and take on physical challenges. Whether you're an amateur or a passionate hiker, trekking offers a unique experience that will allow you to reconnect with nature and challenge yourself.
You can choose to maintain a certain level of comfort and sleep in a refuge, or try a real adventure by bivouacking!
Hiking is a leisure activity that involves walking along a path or marked route in a natural or rural environment. It can be done alone or in a group, over varying distances and durations, with hikes lasting no more than a day.
In this article, we're going to explore the different facets of trekking, presenting its advantages, its challenges and the equipment you need to trek in the best conditions for the first time!

What's the difference between a trek and a trail?

Having defined trekking above, let's talk about trail running. Although they share some similarities, they also have some important differences.
Trail running is a running activity that takes place on mountain paths and trails. So far, it's almost the same as trekking!
However, what makes them different is the fact that trail running generally involves running over shorter distances than trekking, often from a few kilometres to around twenty, but can also involve longer distances such as ultra-marathons.
Like all sports, trail running can require specific equipment, such as trail shoes, special walking poles and technical clothing suited to the weather conditions.

Clearly, trekking is a mountain hiking activity that takes place over several days and requires very specific trekking equipment, whereas trail running is a mountain running activity that takes place over shorter distances and requires running equipment.

If you'd like a preview of our trekking programmes, it's right here!

Where to go trekking in France for beginners?

Our agency is located in the heart of the Alps, so as good chauvinists (and being totally objective), the Alps are magnificent to explore on a trek for mountain lovers, you won't be disappointed!
This mountain range offers plenty of good trekking spots for all abilities.

More specifically, where should you go trekking in the Alps in summer?

Summer is an ideal season for trekking in the Alps, as it offers very favourable weather conditions and breathtaking scenery, with snow-capped peaks, glaciers, mountain lakes, green valleys and rich flora and fauna.
We can recommend some great places to start trekking!

Tour of Mont Blanc in 5 days : this trek is accessible on your own or as a family. This sporty tour takes in some of the most beautiful trails, mixing hiking with an introduction to mountaineering on the Vallée Blanche traverse, with an optional ascent of the Aiguille du Midi. A superb 5-day trip at the foot of Mont Blanc.

Le Buet - Lac Blanc : this trek will take you on a comfortable weekend trip, with a night in a refuge. The first day, facing the roof of Europe, will give you a gentle introduction to what a trek is all about.

The most important thing before choosing the destination for your first trek is to think about what you really want to see. High or medium mountains, forests or lakes, in short define what your heart desires.
Walk, climb, admire the flora and fauna, camp, set yourself free !

Here are our 5 tips for starting mountain trekking

Prepare yourself physically

Hiking isn't necessarily a sport that's easy for everyone, especially when the gradient is steep. The good news is that everyone can do it!
You just need to take it easy. If you don't do any regular exercise, you need to get your body used to moving again, by practising brisk walking or trail running, for example. As well as building up your endurance and breath, these two sports will strengthen your joints!
Once this mechanism is in place, the next step is to get your body used to increasingly intense effort over the week. Get used to steep, uneven terrain.
You can also take up other sports such as cycling or swimming, depending on the season. These sports will allow you to work your muscles to avoid injury.

Choosing the right equipment for your first trek !

One thing you shouldn't neglect on your first trek is your equipment. The better your equipment, the better your experience!

Nutrition

The most important thing to bring along is water. Don't hesitate to take several bottles or hydration packs. When you need to refuel, fill your bottles at refuges or fountains you come across. Always check that the water is drinkable!

As for food, opt for a stove, freeze-dried meals are light to carry and keep well at altitude. Dried fruit and cereal bars are also a must!
They'll recharge your energy batteries and allow you to take a few breaks while enjoying the breathtaking scenery all around you.

Your equipment

You'll also need to find a tent and duvet if you decide to bivouac. That way, you won't be too cold and, above all, you'll be able to afford a lightweight tent and sleeping bag. Don't carry too much!
If you decide to sleep in a refuge, a meat bag is more than enough.

To carry all this, you need a good hiking bag !
You don't want to feel like you're carrying anything.
The choice of hiking bag depends on your personal needs and your budget, but there are certain important criteria to consider :

• Rucksack capacity: this depends on the length of the trek and the amount of equipment you may be carrying. Remember, the lighter you travel, the better you'll feel! For a trek of 1 to 3 days, a bag of 30 to 50 litres is sufficient, whereas for a trek of several days or more, you'll need a bag with a capacity of 50 to 80 litres.
• Make sure the rucksack fits your body. It may have to be the right size for you. The bag should fit snugly to minimise movement and rubbing that may cause you discomfort over time... The bag should also meet your needs, with extra features such as small pockets for your hydration packs or carabiners.
• The weight of the rucksack: the heavier the rucksack, the more difficult it will be for you to move forward and enjoy the ride, which would be a shame! Choose a bag that is light but strong enough to support the weight of your equipment.
• The brand and quality of the bag: top-quality bags are generally more expensive but are often more resistant and durable. However, for a first trek, there's no need to invest - the aim is to test whether the trek suits you. You'll invest later if it turns out you love it!

Make sure you do thorough research and compare different options that you really need before setting off on your trek.

Trekking poles are not compulsory but are highly recommended for a first trek. They can help reduce fatigue, improve balance, increase walking speed and relieve pressure on knees and ankles. They will help you carry the weight on your back.

Clothing

For a first trek, it's important to choose clothes that are suitable for the mountains, but above all comfortable and hard-wearing.

Hiking boots are the foundation of your adventure. If you don't choose the right boots, the kilometres will seem very long!
You need boots with crampons to grip all types of terrain and all types of weather. If it's raining, without crampons, you risk slipping more than once...
It's important to choose hiking boots that hold your ankles well. You might just avoid a few falls, which can happen very quickly in the mountains...

For your upper body, of course, the clothes you choose will depend on the weather conditions.
If it's hot, a few breathable sports T-shirts and at least one long-sleeved T-shirt to protect you from the sun will suffice. The important thing is to take lightweight clothes that you feel comfortable in.
A K-way or windbreaker is also highly recommended in case of rain or wind.
Finally, a fleece for the evenings - the temperature in the mountains can change enormously between the evening and the day, so make sure you have alternatives to keep warm.
Don't forget to protect yourself from the sun: sun cream, a cap and sunglasses are a must if you want to avoid catching sunstroke, which could spoil the end of your trek...

For your lower body, the best would be to have hiking trousers with detachable legs to adapt to the weather conditions. They are generally lightweight and very comfortable for walking for several days.
You can also take a few shorts and leggings just to feel comfortable !

How do you train for a trek?

It's important to test your equipment before embarking on a major expedition.
If you get the chance, go on a day hike and, for example, open and close your tent. You'll see how long it takes you to set up your bivouac and you'll be more relaxed and in less of a hurry on the big day.
Test your hiking boots for several hours before putting them on for a trek lasting several days. In general, new shoes can cause blisters on your feet, which is perfectly normal.
Get used to organising your bag in an efficient and logical way to make it easier to pick up objects during your walks, or try lighting the stove if you've never lit one before.

These trials will help you set off more relaxed and with a clearer head.

Preparation is an essential step! - How to prepare for your first trek?

Now you know what to take to make your trek go smoothly. It's time to plan your adventure!

For a first experience of trekking, it is recommended to start with a Guide who will be able to give you useful safety and experience tips to make you independent for a future trek. Here is our beautiful team that accompanies you for your treks !

In a tent or in a refuge, at the foot of the glaciers or in the plains, we offer you several alternatives to start trekking !
Going through an agency will allow you to: not take the lead in designing an itinerary, not setting yourself too high a goal for a first, not complicating your life with the reservation of refuges and quite simply enjoying an itinerary adapted to you, far from the tourist circuits!

Click here to see our trek programs !
You will have all the information you need to choose a trek that suits you and suits you.

Go little by little and have fun !

Whether you are in an agency or alone, it is important to go step by step. Start with circuits that alternate nights in a refuge and nights in a tent.
By making a mix, you will taste both comfort and adventure!
This will allow you to know if you prefer the wild side of the bivouac or the friendly side of life in a refuge.

Finally, the important thing in this kind of project is to have fun. You are on a trek to be immersed in nature and find yourself with yourself, so listen to your body's signals and go at your own pace.
Take the time, admire, and breathe the fresh mountain air and you will see,
The mountain, that you win ;)