More and more French people indulge in the pleasure of hiking during their holidays, and even more in summer.
But to walk safely on the trails of France, it is better to prepare as it should.
This is where IGN comes in. The National Institute for Geographic and Forest Information is, quite simply, the reference on the subject as far as French territory is concerned.
This public establishment is responsible for disseminating all the geographical data concerning our country, and this notably involves precise mapping, regularly updated.
For hikers, IGN is synonymous with safety when hitting the road and following perfectly marked paths, with information updated by professionals.
Carrying an IGN map with you in your backpack is strongly recommended when you hit the road.
You can equip yourself without further delay, as your summer vacation approaches.
For this, a single address: that of the IGNrando' site.
Click here to access all IGN maps
The paper map, the ideal companion for your holidays
Aficionados of hiking in France know it well: the paper map is a comforting accessory on a walk.
No need for a network or even a smartphone when you have a recent map of the places where you are.
But you still have to have one you can trust!
This is where IGN maps come in handy.
Indeed, the institute offers more than 1000 hiking maps within its Top 25 and Blue Series offer.
Paper maps are available from 13.40 euros, with prices that vary according to the model and the reference chosen.
When you place an order, you will receive your card at your home.
IGN's topographic maps display a very high level of precision and they display all the known details in the area concerned: paths, constructions, wooded areas, places of interest, springs, rivers... nothing escapes IGN, and nothing you also escapes.
The maps are accompanied by information on the known hiking trails in each region, so that you can prepare your outings without difficulty.
IGN lets you use a map search engine to help you find the paper map that best suits your current needs.
The mobile application, for connected hikers
If, for you, hiking always rhymes with being connected, then you can turn to the IGN Liberté maps subscription.
This costs 16.99 euros for 12 months of subscription, which corresponds roughly to the price of a single paper card.
For this price, you have access to all IGN maps, including the Top 25, directly within the IGNrando' application.
The latter can be downloaded on iOS (iPhone) and Android devices, for immediate use as soon as you log in to your account.
The IGN Liberté subscription is aimed at mobile hikers, who wish to carry the minimum burden and who wish to have an always up-to-date cartography, accessible in a few moments from their smartphone.
The map display is in high definition and it is possible to download maps to your smartphone, which is very useful if you want to use your device offline.
The subscription is without tacit renewal on expiry, which means that it is you who decides whether you wish to renew it or not, according to your hiking plans for the weeks and months to come.