Bivouac instructions, Hautes Vallées tourist office

Whether you are a lover of wide open spaces, a seasoned hiker, or simply seeking adventure, camping is a unique way to experience the high mountains on a trip between La Grave and La Clarée or from La Clarée to Izoard. Sleeping under the stars, far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, allows you to reconnect with nature... but it's not something you can improvise! Here's everything you need to know to bivouac peacefully in the High Valleys.

What is bivouacking?

Bivouacking is the art of spending a night in the mountains with a light, temporary shelter, often a tent that is only pitched at nightfall and taken down in the early hours of the morning.
Unlike wild camping, which is often prohibited, bivouacking is generally tolerated. tolerated when it is discreet, respectful, and temporary.

To camp in the High Valleys in complete peace of mind, a few simple rules allow you to combine adventure with preserving the environment:

Only one night per site, to limit the impact on the environment and local wildlife.
A lightweight tent, small in size (usually without the possibility of standing up), set up at dusk (between 6 and 7 p.m.) and taken down at sunrise (before 9 a.m.).
In case of bad weather or exceptional conditions, these times may of course be adjusted to ensure the safety of hikers.
Being more than an hour's walk from any road or dwelling
Take all your trash with you, including food scraps, toilet paper, and other biodegradable items.
For washing dishes or bathing, dispose of waste water more than 20 meters from rivers, lakes, and wetlands. Try to use as little as possible or none at all, and opt for natural products.
Swimming in lakes is prohibited in certain areas, particularly to preserve water quality and sensitive ecosystems. Check before you go
Campfires and barbecues are prohibited in the mountains to prevent damage to the surrounding ecosystem and to prevent fires.

The essential idea : arrive late, leave early, and leave nature as you found it—or even cleaner.

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Where can I set up camp?

En montagne

The High Valleys are full of magnificent places to camp: open mountain pastures, high-altitude plateaus, crystal-clear mountain lakes... The views are often spectacular, and you feel completely isolated. But to really enjoy the magic, it's essential to choose your location carefully—a good spot is a balance between safety, discretion, and respect for the environment.

Safety first – Here are a few tips:

Avoid exposed areas: never pitch your tent on the edge of a cliff, on a ridge, or under rock faces prone to rockfalls.
Avoid basins and depressions: they can become real traps in the event of heavy rain, with a risk of water stagnation.
Keep your distance from rivers: even a quiet stream can swell suddenly after a storm, especially in the mountains.
Set up camp with your back to the wind: this provides natural shelter and prevents the tent from turning into a paraglider.
Tighten your canvas: a well-secured tent provides greater stability and less noise in strong winds.

Comfort and cohabitation:

Choose a flat, stable, and slightly sloping site if possible to prevent moisture from seeping under your groundsheet.
Stay away from water sources (lakes, streams, etc.): to limit humidity, noise at night, etc., and to avoid disturbing the wildlife that comes to drink there.
Respect pastoral activities: do not camp near shepherds' huts or in the middle of grazing areas. Guard dogs (patous) may act as a deterrent if you get too close to a herd.
Keep a low profile: avoid visible ridges or busy areas. Camping is discreet by definition. Camping is discreet by definition, so the speaker will obviously stay warm in the car, which means one less thing to carry.

A good camping spot is one that offers you a little comfort, a lot of serenity... and leaves no trace behind after you leave.

Around the shelters: camping in harmony.

If you plan to spend the night near a refuge, it is essential to check with the caretaker in advance, ideally by phone. Each refuge has its own constraints and natural environment, and camping options can vary greatly from one site to another.
Once you arrive, introduce yourself to the caretaker: they will be able to show you the most suitable place to pitch your tent, in accordance with local rules and the tranquility of the area. This approach also ensures good coexistence between hikers, caretakers, shepherds, and other mountain users.

In some shelters, you can enjoy welcome services: hot meals, drinks, drinking water, and even toilets. This can transform a rustic night into a moment of simple but much-appreciated comfort. For the evening meal, you will need to book in advance with the caretaker.

Good to know:
Not all shelters allow camping in the immediate vicinity. Sometimes, to preserve peace and quiet or due to lack of space, you will have to walk away—at least an hour's walk—to find a suitable area.

During peak season, the areas around mountain huts can get very busy. To avoid overcrowding and ensure everyone has an enjoyable experience, it is best to choose more isolated spots if your level of independence allows.

Refuges in the High Valleys:
Here is an overview of the iconic refuges in the High Valleys, with specific camping conditions for each one. This information is provided for guidance only: always remember to contact the refuges directly for up-to-date information.

Évariste Chancel Refuge – La Grave

Camping is permitted around the refuge. Contact the wardens to find out where you can camp.
Meals available (dinner and breakfast) upon reservation.

Adèle Planchard Refuge – Villar d’Arène (Écrins National Park)

Camping regulated according to park rules.
Spaces 20–30 minutes below the refuge, a few 5 minutes away. Not allowed on the terrace or landing zone.
Refuge toilets accessible to campers (highly recommended).
Meals available (dinner and breakfast before 7:30 a.m.), upon reservation and subject to availability.
Water source at the stream, 5 minutes away in the direction of the glacier.

Terzo Alpini Refuge – Narrow Valley

Camping is possible in the meadow near the refuge (maximum 5–6 tents).
Accessible restrooms outside.
Free parking if you purchase food or drinks at the refuge.
Meals, breakfast, and picnics are available upon reservation.

Ricou Refuge – Névache

Camping is prohibited near the refuge from July 1 to August 31.
Outside of these hours, please contact the caretaker for further information.

Pic du Mas de la Grave Refuge – La Grave

Camping accepted without reservation (first come, first served).
Contribution of €3 per person per night for access to water and toilets.
Showers available (€2/token, from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.).
Meals (dinner at 7 p.m. outdoors, breakfast from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.) by reservation. No credit cards: please bring checks or cash.

Alpe Refuge – Villar d'Arène

Camping is possible outside the protected area (on the other side of the cattle grid).
Catering available upon reservation (meals, breakfast, picnics).
Outdoor restrooms accessible with contribution to maintenance (small coin or purchase at the refuge).
Obligation to take your trash with you (nothing should be left behind or given to the shelter).

Goléon Refuge – La Grave

Camping is permitted, but tents must be pitched at a distance from the shelter.
Restrooms accessible outside peak hours (closed to campers from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.).
Meals (dinner, breakfast, picnic) available upon reservation, only for hikers on a multi-day trip.

Buffère Refuge – Névache

Camping is prohibited in the immediate vicinity of the refuge (no space available).

Laval Refuge – Névache

Camping is prohibited near the refuge, due to a municipal ordinance.
Campground located 4 km downstream from the refuge.

I Re Magi Refuge – Narrow Valley

Camping permitted nearby (max. 6 tents) without reservation.
€5 per person for access to showers and toilets.
Meals available (dinner, breakfast, picnic) upon reservation.

Refuge du Pavé – Villar d’Arène (Écrins National Park)

Camping is possible around the refuge or further away (rocky area, no specific sites).
A contribution of €2 per person is requested for the use of the facilities.
Respect for campsite hours in the park's core area (set up after 7 p.m. and leave before 9 a.m.).

What equipment do you need for a successful bivouac?

To fully enjoy your night in the great outdoors, a minimum amount of preparation is required. Being well equipped guarantees a comfortable, safe, and environmentally friendly camping experience.

Before leaving:

Plan your route and identify suitable areas for camping. Find out about local regulations: some areas have specific restrictions.
Check the weather : avoiding nights with thunderstorms or strong winds will make the experience much more enjoyable.
Test your equipment in advance: pitch your tent at home, check your stove, and make sure everything is working properly. To fully enjoy your night in the great outdoors, a minimum of preparation is required. Being well equipped guarantees a comfortable, safe, and environmentally friendly camping experience.

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Essential items to pack in your bag:

To sleep well:

Lightweight tent, suitable for camping and all weather conditions.
Insulating mattress to protect you from the cold and improve comfort. Check the R-Value, an insulation rating ranging from 0 (very little insulation) to 6 (very insulating), of your mattress. In addition, the insulation of your inflatable mattress can be improved by adding a foam mattress underneath.
Sleeping bag suitable for the season: in the mountains, temperatures can drop below 0°C even in summer.
Sleeping bag liner (sheet): adds a few precious degrees of warmth and protects the down.

To eat well:

Portable stove + gas
Lightweight cookware: saucepan, lid, windscreen, cutlery, and a multi-purpose knife.
Water bottle + filtration system or purifying tablets: reliable sources are not always nearby. Locate water sources upstream and away from livestock.
Food: choose dry, energy-rich, compact foods. Freeze-dried meals are an excellent option: they are light, quick to prepare, and nutritious. For a zero-waste version, prepare your own meals; semolina and oatmeal will be your best friends.

To stay warm (and dry):

Technical underwear (top + bottom)
Fleece for thermal insulation
Down jacket (synthetic or down)
Windproof and waterproof jacket
Hat, gloves, and neck warmer: essential even in summer at high altitudes

For safety and guidance:

IGN map and compass, or hiking GPS
Headlamp charged or with spare batteries
First aid kit
Charged phone
Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
If you are going away for several days, an external battery pack will allow you to recharge your electronic devices and remain independent.

And to respect nature: