10 legal and little-known bivouac spots in France and Belgium
Do you have the equipment and skills? Then you need a place to put them into practice. But not just anywhere. A legal, accessible, safe, and, if possible, uncrowded spot. Because a good bivouac is also about location. The problem? Most guides send you to the same ultra-famous spots, packed on weekends, sometimes even off-limits. But you want wild, authentic, peaceful places. So here are 10 legal or tolerated bivouac spots, tested, accessible in winter, and still relatively unknown. Six in France, four in Belgium. For each one: location, difficulty level (we use a 3-boot rating system), regulations, and pitfalls to avoid!
In France
1. Plateau de Beille - Ariège
Level: 🥾🥾(🥾)
The spot: At an altitude of 1800m, this spot offers a panoramic view of the Pyrenees, a spectacular starry sky, and a pure mountain atmosphere. Absolute calm in winter.
Regulations: Bivouacking is permitted from 7pm to 9am outside protected areas.
Caution: Check weather and snow conditions. Road may be closed. Cold weather gear is mandatory.
2. Tronçais Forest - Allier
Level: 🥾
The spot: One of the most beautiful oak forests in Europe. The terrain is flat and accessible. Centuries-old trees, peaceful atmosphere, not very busy out of season.
Regulations: Bivouacking is tolerated if discreet.
Warning: Possible hunting areas. Water sources are scarce in winter.
3. Tarn Gorges - Lozère
Level: 🥾 🥾
The spot: Vertiginous cliffs but moderate elevation gain, rocky paths, crystal-clear river, spectacular scenery. Deserted by tourists in winter.
Regulations: Bivouacking is permitted outside reserve areas.
Caution: Uneven terrain, good footwear required. Strong winds possible.
4. Bauges Mountains - Savoie
Level: 🥾 🥾 🥾
The spot: In the mountains with a significant elevation change, the Bauges Massif offers you wild Alps, with preserved wildlife, sunrise over Mont Blanc in clear weather.
Regulations: Bivouacking is permitted from 7pm to 9am in the natural park.
Warning: High altitude, intense cold. Snowshoes required. Navigation skills essential.
5. Millevaches Plateau - Corrèze
Level: 🥾
The spot: Mysterious moorland landscapes, peat bogs, flat terrain and absolute silence, off the beaten track.
Regulations: Bivouacking is tolerated outside of nature reserves.
Caution: Spongy ground, look for dry ground. Frequent fog, compass essential.
6. Sainte-Baume Massif - Var
Level: 🥾(🥾)
The spot: Beech forest facing due south, unique microclimate, mild in winter.
Regulations: Bivouacking is tolerated outside the cave area.
Warning: Busy on weekends. Please respect the peace and quiet of the site.
In Belgium
7. Hoëgne Valley - High Fens
Level: 🥾(🥾)
The spot: Wild river, hilly terrain, waterfalls, dense forest. Canadian atmosphere. Very quiet in winter.
Regulations: Bivouacking is tolerated outside of integral reserve areas.
Caution: Wet ground, potentially bitterly cold. Trail markings difficult in snow.
8. Semois Valley - Belgian Ardennes
Level: 🥾🥾
The spot: Spectacular meanders, deep forests, magnificent viewpoints. An Ardennes classic.
Regulations: Bivouacking is tolerated if discreet.
Caution: Private areas, respect property. Avoid the immediate vicinity of the river.
9. Anlier Forest - Province of Luxembourg
Level: 🥾🥾
Regulations: Bivouacking is tolerated outside military zones.
The spot: A vast, wild, and little-known forest of 7600 hectares. Flat terrain, guaranteed peace and quiet. You'd need two boots for the size of the spot, but technically, it's very accessible.
Warning: Military areas to be avoided. Map and compass essential. Water freezes in winter.
10. Hal Wood - Flemish Brabant
Level: 🥾
The spot: A forest famous for its bluebells blooming in spring, accessible by train from Brussels. Perfect for testing your equipment and very easy terrain.
Regulations: Bivouacking is tolerated if it is nocturnal and discreet.
Warning: Very crowded during the day! Arrive late and leave very early. Less wild.
How to choose your spot
Beginner? Tronçais Forest, Millevaches Plateau, Hallerbos, Anlier Forest. Flat, accessible, safe terrain. But the very first place? The outdoors closest to home. Your garden, or the woods you know best.
Intermediate? Tarn Gorges, Semois Valley, Hoëgne Valley, Anlier Forest and Beille Plateau in spring or summer. More varied terrain, wilder, larger.
Advanced? Plateau de Beille in cold weather and Massif des Bauges. Altitude, cold, total self-sufficiency.
Access and GPS coordinates
France:
- Plateau de Beille: 42.7833, 1.7833
- Tronçais Forest: 46.6500, 2.6833
- Gorges du Tarn: 44.2833, 3.3167
- Bauges Massif: 45.6500, 6.2333
- Millevaches Plateau: 45.6667, 2.0000
- Sainte-Baume Massif: 43.3333, 5.7167
Belgium:
- Hoëgne Valley: 50.5000, 6.0000
- Semois Valley: 49.7500, 5.0667
- Anlier Forest: 49.7667, 5.6667
- Hal Wood: 50.7333, 4.2333
Use these coordinates as a starting point. Refine your route on site using an IGN map.
Golden rules before leaving
- Check local regulations.
- Check the weather forecast 48 hours in advance.
- Tell someone about your itinerary.
- Respect the Leave No Trace policy .
- Arrive late, leave early.
The map is in your hands
You now have 10 concrete destinations. 10 places to drop your bag, pitch your shelter, and light your fire. Don't spend weeks searching for the perfect spot. Choose one. Block out a date. Go.
The adventure doesn't begin when you find the perfect spot. It begins when you decide to leave.
Nature awaits you.