IGN

IGN Maps for Your Outdoor Activities

Since 1940, the National Institute of Geographic and Forest Information has been responsible for the production, maintenance, and dissemination of reference geographic information in France. This service, abbreviated as IGN, offers several major types of topographic maps, available on Hardloop. Essential for all adventurers preparing for a hike, they allow you to discover the environment in which you wish to explore and help you navigate once you're there! There are a multitude of map models with different scales: national map, regional map, departmental, Top 100, Top 75, Top 25… Each model has its own specific uses and characteristics. To understand how they work, just look at the scale provided. When a map offers a scale of 1:25,000, it means that one centimetre on the map equals 250 metres in reality. A scale of 1:100,000 means that one centimetre on paper represents 1 kilometre on the ground. A Top 75 map represents a scale of 1 cm for 750 metres. Thus, the smaller the scale, the more precise the map! Essential for traversing the most famous roads and paths in France or Europe, IGN maps are the reference for navigating during your favourite outdoor activities.

IGN: Maps for Hiking

Ideal for preparing or navigating during an outdoor activity, IGN maps are particularly used for hiking. Indeed, what could be more frustrating than losing your way once you're there? To avoid this situation, especially for organised hikes or group walks, preparing your long-distance hiking route in advance is crucial! To discover the most beautiful regions of France, venture into the most beautiful mountain ranges, or traverse Grande Randonnée paths (the famous GR), IGN guides are both precise and well-detailed according to points of interest. For example, the map of the Paths to Saint-Jacques de Compostelle allows thousands of pilgrims each year to prepare and experience a unique adventure. It also highlights historical sites, natural areas, and heritage locations, all for a unique journey. In another style, the IGN Chamonix / Mont-Blanc Massif map focuses not on a GR but on a mountain range, thus offering greater precision. Perfect for discovering the area's riches, it details watercourses, hiking paths, refuges, and remarkable sites. But of course, IGN maps are not exclusively focused on hiking. The map of Greenways and Cycle Routes in France is an example. It allows you to quickly distinguish all the cycling routes across the French territory and the related land development.

Find the Entire Range of IGN Products on Hardloop.fr

At Hardloop, we are committed every day to providing nature enthusiasts with the best products for their mountain outings. And for there to be an outing, there must be preparation… which often involves a map! In this area, IGN is the absolute reference, perfect for preparing your adventures as well as discovering a Grande Randonnée trail. The brand holds a special place in our hearts and is prominently featured among the hiking and adventure equipment in our catalogue. Globally recognised for the quality of its maps, guides, and topographical resources, IGN will guide you through all your adventures, whether on high peaks or the flatlands. Don’t hesitate, choose your IGN maps on Hardloop and set off for beautiful adventures in the mountains! Do you have a question about the GR 34? Not sure how to join the GR 70? Our HardGuides will be delighted to recommend the right map for your next outing!