Some good reasons for following multi-day hiking trails in the Sud region

From the high mountains to the Côte d’Azur, the Sud region has many magnificent hikes which invite you to discover magnificent unspoiled landscapes. Here are a few good reasons to explore these trails and have an unforgettable adventure in nature’s open spaces.

Reach unspoiled, unique places

To go hiking in the Sud region means seizing the opportunity to reach some amazing natural areas which are only accessible on foot. From the Lac Saint-Anne, at 2,415 metres, to the depths of the Gorges du Verdon, the Vallée des Merveilles in the Mercantour or the “Balcons de la Méditerranée” on the GR® 51, the wealth of terrains and landscapes is immense and you are lucky to be able to get there. High plateaus, dense forests, incredible viewpoints, cols, peaks, vertiginous paths, vast Alpine pastures… There’s plenty of choice! Take a look at the maps which show the marked hiking itineraries in the Sud region to understand what a vast choice there is!

Getting nearer nature

Going on a multi-day hike means using man’s natural rhythm to go forward – walking. A pace which gives you time to observe nature all around you, in its largest and smallest details, and discover the extent of its biodiversity by learning to recognize its wildlife and respect it. The marking on the GR®, GR®P and PR trails is designed to trace itineraries which disturb nature as little as possible. When you follow them, not only are you sure to reach exceptional natural areas, but you are also being careful not to damage them. It is therefore very important not to leave the trails to continue to protect nature and its sensitive ecosystem.

Follow the traces of the natural, cultural and historical heritage

Following the many marked trails which scour the territory of the Sud region is an excellent way of discovering the wealth of local heritage. The GR® 69, for example, guides you on the traces of pastoralism, an age-old livestock practice, whereas the Grande Traversée du Mercantour (GR® 52) takes you back to the Neolithic as you discover the incredible rock paintings of the Mont Bego archaeological site which is a listed Historical Monument. Hiking in the Sud region is an opportunity to go through highly picturesque Provencal villages and national parks such as the Écrins, the Mercantour, Port-Cros and the Calanques. You can also walk in the footsteps of Napoleon on the GR® 406 or climb to the top of the “Géant de Provence”, the Mont Ventoux.

It’s good for the morale

Multi-day hiking is the pleasure of returning to the simple things in life: moving around, observing, eating, drinking and sleeping. In other words, the ideal conditions for switchingoff and emptying your head. As you become more conscious of your body, your movements, breathing and feelings, hiking makes you meditate without realizing you’re doing it. Beyond the benefits of effort on our physical health, walking stimulates your brain and frees endorphins, the famous well-being hormones. And what’s more, walking on hiking trails in the middle of nature gives you an agreeable feeling of independence and freedom. So, for the more sociable, nights in a mountain hut or stopovers in towns are all opportunities to meet new people. Hiking is pure happiness!