What is a bivouac in the Gorges?

A bivouac is a rudimentary camp where you can spend the night in the wilderness. Although bivouacs often require the use of a tent, sleeping unprotected – commonly referred to as “sleeping under the stars” – is also a bivouac, as is eating in the open air. In the Ardèche, wild bivouacs are forbidden.

Strictly forbidden within the entire perimeter of the Réserve Naturelle Nationale des Gorges de l’Ardèche, wilderness bivouacs are a source of serious disturbance to the natural environment (noise, fires, trampling, garbage dumping, etc.) and pose significant risks to those who practice them (flooding of the Ardèche, fire).