Walks

Hiking has long been one of the favorite sports/leisure activities of the French. An outdoor activity, it is practiced alone 🚶‍♀️, with family 👪 or with friends 🕺, to rejuvenate, enjoy beautiful landscapes, reconnect with nature 🌳, for a day or two weeks... Nordic walking, which comes from Scandinavian countries as its name suggests, is derived from cross-country skiing. It is a fast-paced walk that has more and more enthusiasts worldwide, and even dedicated competitions. The benefits of Nordic walking for the body are well known: using Nordic walking poles trains the body, engaging all the muscles of the body (arms, back, shoulders, abs, thighs, etc.). Finally, race walking, an athletics discipline where runners must always be in contact with the ground (hello Yohann Diniz), has been in the Olympics since the early 20th century. It is indeed the only walking event represented there, in two categories: 20km and 50km. With walking, practiced all over the world, there's something for both kids and adults! It is practiced for pleasure, on rocky trails in the mountains ⛰, by the seaside, in the woods 🌳, on roads 🛣... Moreover, the pace will allow you the leisure to admire the environment and the beauty of the landscapes. Do you know where the concept of hiking was born? It is believed to have originated in Great Britain at the end of the 18th century, when the priest Thomas West wanted to promote the Lake District, a mountainous region in northern England. This pioneer even produced a guide of the park, in which all the trails could be found. It was truly in the 20th century that the practice spread, with the creation of numerous hiking clubs. In France 🇫🇷, the law of 1901 concerning associations, which notably promotes the practice of cultural and sports activities, played a significant role in its expansion. Walking is practiced, among other things, for well-being, regardless of physical level.

In competition, the distances are diverse, ranging from 5 km to sometimes more than 200 km! The same goes for the elevation gain. Numerous Nordic walking competitions take place in cities, and race walking is done both on the track and on the road. Let's start with a look at the pedestrian walking calendar... Thirst for mysteries? Run (or rather walk) to register for the Trail of Marchaux, which takes place in the Doubs. The different walks offered take place at night 👻 and will awaken your inner child! On the beautiful beaches of Normandy, the Enduro Sand Walk offers you a walk with your feet in the water in August 🌞. What more could you ask from life 😎... What about events reserved for Nordic walking enthusiasts? The Euro Nordic Walk Vercors, La Normandique, La Strasbourgeoise are all opportunities to do some good and discover culturally superb regions (respectively Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Normandy, Grand Est). You're spoiled for choice, so pack your bag!

To each their own pace, to each their own path. 💛