Quiétude attitude

What is ‘Quiétude Attitude’?

The ‘Quiétude Attitude’ programme aims to educate the public on the location of quiet zones and to promote responsible hiking habits, ensuring wildlife remains undisturbed.

The Five Key Guidelines

To help preserve the tranquillity wildlife needs to survive, follow these five essential guidelines :

• Know the quiet zones and regulations: Before setting off, plan your route by checking for quiet zones and understanding protected area regulations.
• Stay on marked trails in quiet zones: Wild animals adjust to human presence when hikers remain on designated paths. These areas are critical for wildlife survival, especially in winter and spring. As a rule, always stick to marked trails.
• Respect nature’s silence: The most fragile species require peace and quiet to survive – and humans seek it for relaxation too.
• Keep dogs on a lead: Loose dogs can startle and disturb wildlife, causing nesting birds to abandon their eggs. Note: Even on a lead, dogs are prohibited in some protected areas.
• Prioritise daytime activities: At night, wildlife relies on darkness and stillness. Dawn and dusk are critical times for animals to forage for food. If you are on a multi-day hike, choose to stay in a refuge or inn overnight.

Hiking Best Practices

Use marked trails – preferably those signposted by the Club Vosgien or the French Hiking Federation (FFRP).

• Keep quiet in group hikes to minimise disturbance
• For multi-day hikes, stay in refuges or inns where possible
• Do not disturb herds of animals – pass at a distance and always close gates behind you