Walking in France: IGN Maps

In an era dominated by smartphones and GPS navigation, the art of map reading might seem like an optional skill. Do you really need to know what all the “dots and squiggles” mean these days? But phone batteries run out and GPS can be patchy. Having a reliable map – and knowing how to read it properly – is essential for navigation and safety, particularly in unfamiliar terrain.

Plus, of course, knowing how to read a map isn’t just for safety. With a wealth of information encoded on the page, a good map can provide insights into the landscape and really enhance the rambling and hiking experience.

If you already walk/ramble/hike in the UK, you’ll probably be very familiar with using Ordnance Survey (OS) maps on your expeditions.

And if you’re heading off on holiday to France and plan to do some walking there, you might be wondering how you’ll manage without your trusty OS map. Fortunately, the IGN maps series are an excellent equivalent, so here’s some information that might be useful.

OS and IGN maps - from military mapping to leisure resource

Established in 1791 to provide accurate mapping for military purposes, the Ordnance Survey evolved to serve civilian needs and is now a key trusted resource for outdoor enthusiasts.

The best known French equivalent is the IGN map series produced by the 'Institut national de l'information géographique et forestière' (National Geographic and Forest Institute). The Institute is a public state body, founded in 1940 and based on previous military mapping groups dating back to the early 18th Century.

The IGN’s (lofty) aims are:

“To equip the nation with the keys to understanding its territory and the ability to respond to two major challenges: mapping the impact of human activity on the environment to better assess the impact of climate change, and producing geodata to support the nation’s digital sovereignty, offering a robust alternative to the model used by the digital giants.” — Institut national de l'information géographique et forestière

If you’re on a walking holiday in France, or just want to take advantage of some local trails while you’re there, the IGN maps are the ideal resource. And if you’re familiar with using OS maps, they won’t take much getting used to.

OS/IGN MAPS: WHAT SCALE

The best-known OS maps for hikers are the Explorer maps that provide detailed walking information at 1:25,000 scale and the Landranger maps, giving broader area coverage at 1:50,000 scale. OS maps cover the whole of the UK and provide detailed mapping of both urban and rural areas.

The broad equivalents in France to the OS Explorer are the IGN Top 25/Séries Bleue maps. Also at a 1:25,000 scale, they give detailed topographic information for walking and hiking. The “Top 25” maps are essentially the same as the Series Bleue, but cover the more popular tourist areas. IGN also provides maps at 1:100,000 and larger scales for broader regional and national planning.

Hard Copy and Apps

As you’d expect, both the UK Ordnance Survey and France IGN maps are easily available through various channels, including bookshops, tourism offices and online. OS Maps are currently priced at ￡8.99 and the roughly equivalent IGN maps start at €8,40. Both have digital versions via apps. At the time of writing (August 2024), the Ordnance Survey app cost ￡34.99 for a year, but I’d say that if you walk regularly, it’s well worth the money. The IGN app, on the other hand, is free. Both are available for Apple and Android devices from the App Store and Google Play.

Ordnance Survey App: Android | Apple

IGN App: Android | Apple

MAP Conventions

The Ordnance Survey and IGN maps share common features that make them invaluable for outdoor activities. They provide detailed topographic information, using contour lines and symbols to convey details about the terrain and landmarks.? The similarities mean that the maps will look familiar and your map-reading skills from the UK will still be relevant in France.

Many of the conventions are the same. Grid references are at the same distance, roads have the same colour coding, contours are at 5m or 10m intervals.

Footpath markings

In the UK the footpaths, byways, bridleways and other rights of way are shown in green dashes of various kinds on OS Explorer walking maps (in pink on Landranger maps). What are known as “permissive trails” (discretionary paths where owners have given the right to use the path) are shown in orange. Small black dashes mark other paths.

IGN maps mark trails, but not rights of way. Continuous or dotted black lines mark footpaths, with the main waymarked trails – the Grande Randonnée (GR) routes – shown in pink and marked with the trail reference number (e.g. GR34).

Try the app in advance

If you’re planning to walk while you’re in France, then I’d definitely recommend downloading the IGN app and having a good play with it before you go. There’s a wealth of information there, not just for finding your way around, but also for learning more about the terrain. The various topographical layers are fascinating and there is lots of interactivity. For example, you can tap on icons for amenities and historical sites to access address details and route planning or add layers showing protected areas, vineyards or administrative boundaries. You’ll soon get the hang of the similarities and differences with the OS maps you’re used to.

BE SAFE

Don’t forget that mobile phone batteries can run down and unexpected delays can happen. If you’re walking in remote areas, consider having a hard-copy map and compass with you. Make sure that you have the right walking equipment and clothing, keep an eye on weather forecasts, and follow all sensible precautions. Let someone know where you’re going before you set off.

FINALLY

Have a fantastic time exploring France on foot. And don’t forget - all those steps mean that you can definitely treat yourself at the patisserie at the end of the day ;)