Hiking in Europe

THE PATHS – 01: HIKING IN EUROPE

WHY A HIKING TRIP IN EUROPE?

Although Canada offers a vast network of wonderful trails, hiking in its various regions for several days or longer on a linear route of good distance is quickly akin to an expedition because the transport of a minimum of equipment and food becomes essential, as well as a good mastery of orientation and a taste for camping. This is not for everyone!

If EURO-RANDO has turned to Europe to share its passion for hiking, it is also because the vast majority of European countries also have a vast network of trails, but with…

Choose and Go

THE PATHS – 02 – CHOOSE & GO!

PILGRIMAGE ? OR TOURISM ADVENTURE?

The European pedestrian network consists of more than 80,000 kms of marked “Compostela” trails ! In 2019, prior to the pandemic, nearly 350,000 people applied for a validation of pilgrimage to Santiago!

If these figures leave you dreaming, it suggests that the craze for these excursions has largely exceeded the notion of “strict pilgrimage”! It is true that today we still meet authentic pilgrims, but nowadays it is rather a…

Towards Compostela in France

THE PATHS – 03 : TOWARDS COMPOSTELA IN FRANCE

WHAT ARE THE MAJOR ROUTES FOR COMPOSTELA IN FRANCE?

In FRANCE, four main paths converge towards SPAIN: the WAY of PUY-EN-VELAY, the WAY of VEZELAY, the WAY of TOURS and the WAY of ARLES. The first three paths meet near ST-JEAN-PIED-DE-PORT, where many walkers and pilgrims gather before crossing the Pyrenees towards the CAMINO FRANCÈS.

WHAT IS THE WAY OF PUY-EN-VELAY ?

Distance: Approximately 750 km. It starts from the Notre-Dame du PUY-EN-VELAY cathedral, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. It is the most known and the most frequented with the superb plateau of…

“Long Distance” Hiking

HIKING – 02: LONG-DISTANCE HIKING

WHAT IS “LONG DISTANCE” HIKING ?

Hiking for several days or weeks is a unique and memorable experience.

Hiking is generally linear, with the route established between two points A to B, and the distance and duration of the hike can vary greatly depending on the choice of route and time available.

Setting out on a walking tour for a few days or longer is captivating for several reasons: diversity of the landscapes and terrain, the variety of discoveries along the way and the pleasure…

The First Step!

ASSISTANCE – 01: THE FIRST STEP!

WHERE TO GO, WHEN, HOW and IN WHAT CONDITIONS?

Answering these questions is not always easy, especially when leaving Canada for a trek of several days or weeks or for the first time in a foreign country, therefore most often in unknown territory.

Reading, internet research, reviewing comments, opinions on social networks and information of all kinds is usually a long approach for those who wish to try the experience on their own — with as many suggestions as there are walkers! We know that this exercise is a logical approach. But one question leads to another, this…

Towards Compostela in Spain

THE PATHS – 04 : TOWARDS COMPOSTELA IN SPAIN

WHAT ARE THE MAJOR ROUTES TO SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA IN SPAIN?

In SPAIN, three main roads converge towards Santiago: the CAMINO FRANCÈS, the CAMINO DEL NORTE and the VIA DE LA PLATA.

WHAT IS THE CAMINO FRANCÈS?

Distance : approximatelye 800 km. In the past, most of the pilgrims from France took this route, hence its name “The French Way”. It begins in St. Jean Pied de Port, crossing the Pyrenees, and goes inland through the…

Getting to Europe (and Back)

ASSISTANCE – 03: GETTING TO EUROPE (AND BACK)

From Canada, an overnight flight lands you in Europe arriving next day, in the morning.

HOW DO I GET TO THE START OF MY HIKE IN THE REGION?

From your arrival airport, reaching the start of your tour in the region will begin with a train or bus ride depending on your final destination.

Europe has an extensive rail network with many departures on major routes, usually well connected to bus stations and scheduled coaches to complete the trip.