WHO WE ARE
What does "Ici & Là Nature" mean ?
"Ici & Là" means "Here and there" since our goal is to propose walking and biking tours everywhere in France and bordering countries.
"Nature" because when you walk or bike, most of the time you are surrounded by the Nature. Nature because this is also a very "natural" way of travelling close to the soil, the traditions, the people.
Ici & Là Nature is a website that was created to "get the word out" to you the consumer. We are a group of European (for now mainly French) Outdoor Travel companies that market ourselves in English through Ici & Là Nature, a portal offering you a selection of some of our best trips. Take advantage of our local knowledge and discover what we have to offer!
Cécile is the link between you and the French Companies : "I will be pleased to answer to your questions and to help you to find the tour of your dreams !"
I have been working for 20 years in Tourism first in Paris then in Provence and have a good knowledge of walking programs in France and abroad especially of the Portuguese speaking islands. I am based in the Southwest of France near Biarritz in the Pays Basque. I am the link between you and the French Companies : I receive, translate and answer to your mails and questions.
Our Idea
Offering to you the consumer the best in walking, biking and Outdoor tours in France and in bordering countries. We have created a site with incoming Outdoor Travel companies that possess a real knowledge and "savoir-faire" in their domains and regions. The site will grow as new travel companies join, with the goal of including all regions in France and some bordering European countries. Some may be individual guides while others are tour operators that are all based in the regions that they produce. You are buying directly from the local producer.
Why Ici et La Nature?
Many travel agencies in France and Europe are small independent companies that are very good at what they do, creating Outdoor travel. After many years of being part of one of these companies, I realized that not all of them have the time and know-how to market their products outside of their own country. This is where we come in. We being “experts” in Outdoor travel have the know-how, including just plain speaking English. We are here, opening the doors to a new source of Outdoor Travel allowing you to discover original and authentic programs.
Ici et La Nature, a link between you and local European Outdoor Companies.
Ici & Là Nature Partners :
Though you are seeing trips on this web site, your final reservation is made directly with each individual agency. All agencies are fully insured and are licensed to sell travel. All agencies are professionals and are passionate about what they do, creating travel in their respective regions.
Experts in Provence and Italy
1. Chemins du Sud
Created in 1992 by Nicolas Dessaux, a former shepherd and mountain walking guide (since 1985), Chemins du Sud quickly found itself the walking specialist in the south of France and in Italy, where many of their trips in Tuscany were some of the 1st on the French market.
Chemins du Sud set up its base in a 16th century building in the historical centre of Pertuis, nestled in the heart of Provence. From the building's terrace you dominate over the town centre with its clay colored roof tiles and panoramas out to the plains in the south and the Luberon and Sainte Victoire mountains.
In the office and out on the field, an experienced and professional team will assure you, with their know-how and love of outdoor travel, a wonderful trip. Chemins du Sud's team of experienced guides are forever forming their younger counterparts, creating a group of professionals that have assured throughout the years Chemins du Sud's success. Nicolas, Denis, Gonzalo, Eric, Pascal, Patrice, Jérôme, Stéphane, Laurent, Fabrice, Fabien and Birane all have in common the love of their profession each with different hidden talents : historians, art lovers, botanists, geologists, wine lovers & great cooks!
In 2009, nearly 4000 clients travelled with Chemins du Sud.
“À bientôt on the trails of Chemins du Sud," Nicolas Dessaux. 
Experts in the Pyrenees
Mer Montagne Aventure organizes guided trekking in the Pyrenees. Jean Marc Cotta lives in a small village in the heart of the National Park of the Pyrenees. He works as a guide and assembles beautiful and varied programs over the whole Pyrenean range. From Basque Country to the Mediterranean side, along the GR10, from the Northern French side to the deserted Sierras of Spain. Walking during the summer and snowshoeing in winter, the Pyrenees are a paradise of diversity for hiking lovers !
Experts in Brittany
3. Compagnie des Sentiers Maritimes
Joël Gorin has a long history in walking. He worked with an association promoting walking in Brittany : creating walking itineraries along costal Brittany with signage, writing walking guides and organizing events promoting the activity.
In 1992, Joël created SARL Randobalad as a walking tour operator working with French and foreign operators offering trips in Brittany. In 1996 the company started selling directly to the general public. In 2004 Randobalad became Compagnie des Sentiers Maritimes, as the company positioned itself exclusively selling costal trips but now to different destinations outside of Brittany.
In 2010, Compagnie des Sentiers Maritimes is over 100 destinations and over 2,000 clients.
“Today, Compagnie des Sentiers Maritimes is a tour operator that specializes in walking and biking trips along coastlines. Since 1992, we offer an authentic and intimate discovery of the maritime environment, with exceptional places to discover on foot or by bike. A trip is a moment of free time that allows you to discover and exchange with others. Everyone at Compagnie des Sentiers Maritimes strives to make your holiday as enriching as possible.”
Experts in The Way of Saint James, El Camino de Santiago
4. Chemins de France
Brigitte has been working in walking travel for over 15 years. She created her own agency 3 years ago, Chemins de France that offers self guided tours. She is based in the South West of France. She offers walking trips in different regions of France and Spain : Le Bearn, Le Pays Basque, French and Spanish Pyrenees and the Way of Saint James. Brigitte can adapt her trips and customize them for individuals and groups. She can also book train and bus tickets. She will be glad to answer any questions.
Experts in Bordeaux
5. Evazio
This Incoming travel agency located in Bordeaux, headed by Stéphane Fritsch, specializes in biking tours through the prestigious vineyards of Bordeaux, like Saint Emilion, Entre deux Mers, Arcachon Bay, and also the Cognac region. Mainly self-guided programs with charming hotels carefully chosen by this lover of Bordeaux and wine regions !
6. Nouvel Itineraire & Bicimundo
Experts in Catalonia
Catalonia is a paradise for cycling and Philippe Picas, expert in Cycling knows it as well as Lance Amstrong does! From blue seaside to green mountains, Catalonia is also rich in local culture. Bicimundo takes care of every cyclist eager to discover Catalonia and Barcelona. Riding the Way of Saint James on the Camino Frances from Saint Jean Pied de Port to Santiago is also one of the beautiful adventures they are able to customize for you!
Experts in the Mediterranean Pyrenees and Roussillon
Incoming agency in French Roussillon located in Amelie les Bains. Nothing is impossible for Philippe and Alexandra Picas! For many years now they have organized travel for English speaking people from around World. Experimented in self guided biking or walking travel in the region where they live in all year round !
