Charter of the happy hiker on the territory of Champagne
The landscape belongs to the one who looks at it.
But the fields and vineyards are private properties that require patient and meticulous work throughout the vegetative cycle, in all weathers.
I respect nature and the spaces I cross
Each of the plots receives special attention, according to its needs, in order to give the best of itself.
- I learn to know the fauna, the flora, the geology and the sites encountered on my route.
- The only souvenirs I take of my hike are photos (in respect of image rights). I avoid all picking: just because a plant species is abundant here does not mean it is not rare elsewhere.
- To avoid trampling wild or cultivated species and causing erosion of fragile soils, I do not go off the paths and tracks, I do not cross crops or plantations.
- I don’t walk between the roads of the vineyards nor in the cultivated fields, they are private properties.
- I don’t scare the grazing animals and I close behind me the gates I have opened.
- The best waste is a waste that does not exist… and in any case, I do not throw anything away, I only leave behind my footprints.
- I report any anomalies encountered on my route, such as marking errors, fire starts, stray animals, obstacles or illegal dumping on the site, and I specify the activity I am doing.
- If I plan to bivouac, I must find out beforehand which bivouac areas are authorized. I don’t light fires.
- I keep my dog on a leash.
The terroir is an ancestral combination of a soil, a subsoil, a know-how and a constant involvement of the farmers and their staff.
I respect the work of farmers, wine growers and other users of the natural area
- I am particularly careful not to interfere with their activities when I pass farm and vineyard vehicles.
- I remain attentive to the information placed at the edge of the parcels.
- I am courteous with everyone I meet on my route.
- When I pass other hikers, cyclists or horseback riders, I slow down if necessary, I keep my distance and announce my arrival with a “hello”.
- I keep my distance in case of spraying.
- In the accommodations in which I am welcomed, I take care to respect the peace and quiet of the other guests and not to dirty or deteriorate the premises at my disposal.
- During the hunting season, I am vigilant and I avoid hunting areas. To know the dates and places of hunting I can contact the Departmental Federation of Hunting to 03 26 65 17 85 or by e-mail to the following address fdc51@chasseurdefrance.com or the town halls of the villages crossed.
I am forward thinking
- I favor recognized routes by informing myself before leaving (digital applications Id Vizit, Cirkwi, maps, Tourist Offices, …)
- I wear safe shoes and clothing adapted to the weather.
- I inform a third party of my departure and the outline of my itinerary.
- I remain visible in all weather and at all times by wearing light colors and reflective strips at night.