Safety Tips for Hiking in France and Essential Emergency Contacts
France offers an extraordinary variety of hiking environments—from the high peaks of the Alps and Pyrenees to the coastal trails of Brittany and the volcanic landscapes of the Auvergne. While these regions are generally well-managed and safe, every hiker should be aware of the country’s safety standards, terrain-specific risks and emergency procedures. Being prepared and informed greatly increases your safety, especially in remote mountain areas where weather, exposure and navigation challenges can escalate quickly. This article outlines essential safety precautions for hiking in France and provides a complete list of emergency contacts you should know before heading out.
Key Safety Principles and Common Risks
France maintains a well-developed network of trails, the GR (Grande Randonnée) system being one of the best in Europe. However, the diversity of terrain means risks vary significantly from region to region. Common dangers include:
Rapid weather changes, especially in the Alps and Pyrenees
Exposure and steep terrain, particularly on high-altitude GR routes
Snowfields and ice outside of summer months
Falling rocks in narrow valleys or steep couloirs
Navigation errors in fog or poorly marked sections
Wildlife encounters, such as livestock guardian dogs
Heat and dehydration, mainly in the south of France and Corsica
Regardless of region, good preparation and awareness of local conditions are vital.
Safety Guidelines for Hiking in France
Research Local Conditions
Before starting your hike, check trail conditions on:
Official French hiking federations (FFRandonnée)
Local tourism offices
Recent reports from hikers
Alpine and Pyrenean trails may remain snow-covered well into June or July.
Understand French Trail Markings
France uses a clear system:
White–red markings for GR routes (long-distance)
Yellow–red for regional trails (GRP)
Yellow for local trails
Learn how markers are placed on trees, rocks or poles—it helps navigate confidently.
Be Weather-Aware
Météo-France provides highly accurate forecasts for mountain zones.
Always check:
Thunderstorm risk
Wind speeds (critical for exposed ridges)
Freezing altitude (0°C level)
Snow conditions early and late in the season
Weather changes fast in French mountains; turning back is often the correct decision.
Respect Livestock and Guardian Dogs
In many regions (Alps, Cévennes, Pyrenees), Patou and Maremma dogs guard sheep.
If you encounter one:
Stop and stay calm
Let the dog assess you
Do not run, shout or raise trekking poles
Pass the herd widely and slowly
Know Regional Hazards
Alps: exposure, crevasses on glaciers, storms, rockfall
Pyrenees: sudden fog, steep passes, long distances between huts
Corsica (GR20): heat, technical scrambling, limited water sources
Massif Central: volcanic ridges, rapid storms
Southern France: extreme summer heat, wildlife fire risk
Adapt your equipment and water supply accordingly.
Navigation Essentials
Although France has excellent signage, always bring:
Map + compass
Offline GPX route
Fully charged phone + power bank
Fog and snow can quickly make waymarkers invisible.
Emergency Contacts in France
France has a robust and efficient rescue network, including specialised mountain teams.
Here are the essential emergency numbers every hiker must know:
📞 112 — European Emergency Number (PRIMARY NUMBER TO USE)
Works in all regions of France.
Connects you to appropriate services (police, fire brigade, medical or mountain rescue).
Works even without network coverage from your provider (any available tower).
📞 15 — SAMU (Medical Emergency Services)
For serious medical situations requiring immediate medical intervention.
📞 18 — Fire Brigade (Pompiers)
Handles fires, accidents, injuries and general emergencies.
📞 17 — Police / Gendarmerie Nationale
For security-related emergencies, missing persons or dangerous situations.
Mountain-Specific Rescue Services
In the mountains, rescue is usually handled by:
PGHM (Peloton de Gendarmerie de Haute Montagne) — High mountain police rescue
CRS Montagne — Specialised mountain rescue units
Calling 112 automatically connects you to the appropriate team.
Useful Apps
SAIP App (official safety-alert app)
GeoTracks / Trail Apps with offline maps
MIUT (Montagne Info Utiles) in certain regions
Some areas also offer SMS emergency capability for hikers with low signal.
France offers exceptional hiking opportunities, but safety depends on preparation, awareness and knowing how to respond to emergencies. By understanding local hazards, respecting wildlife, checking weather conditions and using the correct emergency contacts, hikers can enjoy the country’s diverse landscapes with confidence. The mountains and trails of France reward those who approach them with knowledge, caution and respect. With the right mindset and proper preparation, every adventure becomes safer and more enjoyable.
