hiking on The cyclist diary

In Stevenson's Footsteps

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The Stevenson Trail, or GR70, is arguably the most popular hiking route in France. There’s probably a simple reason for this: everyone has their own good reason to hike it. It’s neither too tough nor too steep, fascinating for its history, its landscapes, and obviously carried by the founding account Robert Louis Stevenson wrote in 1879, accompanied by a little donkey. As for me, it’s the prospect of a long solo traverse of these rugged mountains and forests that excites me. The perfect opportunity for an introspective journey, in Stevenson’s footsteps.

Sew Your Own Backpack - Part 2

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 20:48:22 +0100

Once the materials are gathered and the pattern is bought, there’s “nothing left to do” but… sew? Actually, no. I’ve realised over the course of my projects that a fairly long preparation phase is systematically necessary before actually starting…

Sew Your Own Backpack - Part 1

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 20:48:22 +0100

For the second time, I’m tackling the making of a hiking backpack. This is a project that seems, to many, difficult, even insurmountable. In reality, with a minimum of patience and equipment, it’s a fairly manageable project. Now, would I recommend it to a beginner sewer? No! But if you have some basic knowledge, as I do, why not embark on this little adventure?

Why sew your own backpack

The Cotswold Way

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 13:17:42 +0000

Along the western edge of the Cotswold hills, this 164-kilometre trail takes us through rolling pastures, beech forests and small mossy stone villages.

From Chipping Campden to Bath, this is a path that should delight lovers of old stones and bucolic landscapes.

West of the Mascarenes

Sun, 29 Jun 2025 20:25:11 +0000

With my friend William, we wanted to live a memorable adventure for our thirtieth birthday. After brief deliberation, we chose the legendary GR-R2, also known by the not-so-famous race that follows it: the Diagonale des Fous. Landing planned for July 6th in Réunion, west of the Mascarenes…

The Soul of the Verdon

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

As the cool spring air still blows over the Alpes-Maritimes, my friend Guillaume and I set out on a multi-day initiatory journey, in search of the soul of the Verdon. The seasonal cold and rain will not dampen our pleasure in discovering these sometimes desert-like landscapes, following in the footsteps of Jean Giono.

Crossing the Isle of Beauty

Sat, 31 Aug 2024 17:27:24 +0000

A 10-day trek takes us across the Corsican slopes, in conquest of the mythical GR20. Will it be the sun, the diabolical elevation gain, or the overtourism that gets us?

Discovering the Lot and Célé

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 20:25:11 +0000

Rather than by bike, this time we’re going on foot, on the occasion of the August 15th weekend, to explore the meanders of the Lot and Célé in the magnificent Parc Naturel du Quercy, one of my favorite places, without a doubt!