Self-guided hiking among vineyards and medieval villages of Alsace

Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).

In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.

It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.

ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.

The equipment:

For hiking:

- 1 pair of hiking boots (with a waterproof and breathable membrane, such as "gore-tex" or

equivalent) in which you feel comfortable! You need to break in new shoes before going hiking

by wearing them for a few weeks beforehand to avoid the discomfort of blisters and overheating...

- 1 (or even 2) pairs of sunglasses with lenses of category 3 minimum

- 1 large, sturdy plastic bag for wrapping clothes and belongings in the backpack (in case of heavy rain)

- 1 insulated water bottle of at least 1 L. Drinking is essential on a hike, so 2 water bottles of 1 to 1.5 L

will not be a luxury during the summer and/or in dry and hot regions

- 1 Swiss Army knife-type folding knife + cutlery + cup

- 1 Tupperware-type bowl with lid for picnics

- toilet paper, tissues

- 1 pair of telescopic poles, optional, but they help with balance and reducing body weight.

descending, and helping during the ascent by setting the pace and providing additional propulsion

- 1 pouch to hold your documents and valuables: passport or identity card, insurance contract, health insurance card,

vaccination certificates, plane tickets, train tickets, credit card, money...)

- 1 small personal first-aid kit (Note: This list is not exhaustive and should be adapted to your own needs)

medical): sterile pre-cut dressings, local antiseptic for external use (wounds), Elastoplast and/or

Double skin (blisters), Paracetamol-type analgesic, Antidiarrheal and intestinal antiseptic,

Antispasm, antihistamine (for allergies), saline solution or eye drops, mild sleeping pill, cream

High protection sunscreen for skin and lips, Biaffin-type moisturizing cream (for sunburn and burns),

Mosquito repellent cream or spray, Arnica Montana 9 CH granules (for aches and pains)...

Miscellaneous

- 1 flashlight or headlamp

- 1 pair of lightweight sandals

Luggage:

- 1 backpack of 30 to 35 L with ventilated, adjustable back and equipped with a waist belt, capable of holding the food supplies of the

For the day, a water bottle, protective clothing, a camera...

- 1 soft travel bag (hard-sided suitcases excluded) to hold spare clothes for the week to be entrusted to someone

To the carriers. Attention! Only one bag per person, not exceeding 15 kg. Any excess baggage may be refused.

For hiking

- For maximum comfort, opt for a "multi-layered" clothing system: warm underwear

(tights + base layer) type "carline" or "capilène" (hollow fibers that wick away perspiration) + sweatshirt or fleece jacket +

mountain jacket and overtrousers with a waterproof and breathable membrane (such as "gore tex" or equivalent)

for bad weather

In general, and outside of hot climates and countries, avoid cotton which retains moisture close to the body (and

dries with difficulty) in favor of suitable synthetic materials.

- canvas trousers - shorts - T-shirts

- 6 to 7 pairs of hiking socks

- 1 rain poncho covering the hiker and backpack. If you have very technical tracksuits (see above), it's possible to cover only the backpack with a rain cover. As for the umbrella...

It is less practical, especially in windy or stormy conditions...

- 1 sun hat, ideally a safari-style cap with a visor and neck protection

- 1 scarf to protect oneself from the sun and/or wind

- 1 hat and 1 pair of gloves, depending on the season and altitude: always keep them at the bottom of your bag

Miscellaneous

- change of clothes and comfortable shoes

- "Quies" earplugs or "Ear" earplugs

- basic toiletries + towel + swimsuit

Overall, your clothing should be adapted according to the season and the region chosen.