Dracénien hikers: the effort… and the comfort

A sporting activity that creates bonds, and where the human aspect prevails against all odds. In addition to the oh-so-healthy sporting side, this is one of the missions that the Les Randonneurs dracéniens club, created in September 1986 by four friends (1), wishes to perpetuate.

As the time comes to close a season rich in diverse and varied outings, the association's leaders (2) take stock of the past year. "Today, we have between 330 and 340 members," says Guy Gauthier, president of the association for three years. There were 400 of us before the pandemic. Covid impacted us and many leaders withdrew. We didn't have time to train others," regrets the octogenarian from Dracénois. Because if the number of hiking enthusiasts is increasing again, supervisors are still missing. "A hiking leader means having recognized hiking, so as to be able to guide others," explains Régis Bocquet, in charge of communications within the club and a leader in his spare time.

Nordic walking, very popular

In this regard, and like the brand new information-rich brochure available at the Dracénie tourist office, numerous initiatives are being implemented to train people for the role of supervisor: "We currently have 40 facilitators. We want to pass on this mission by interesting people in the map and orientation, so that they learn how to use a compass," explains the Varois. " If we have to call for help, we need to know where we are!"

As a reminder, since the club is affiliated with the French Hiking Federation (FFR), obtaining a federal certificate is mandatory in order to accompany hikers. "Our goal is to keep people safe," insists Guy Gauthier.

Enough to reassure fans of Nordic walking, "very popular for its health benefits" , snowshoeing, depending on the season, and, of course, health hiking. The latter, which is certified, is carried out in partnership with the City of Draguignan. It helps "improve cardiovascular health, protect and strengthen joints and bones, and also fight obesity" .

In total, more than 1,300 original, varied, and attractive courses are available to members. Yellow, green, blue, red, black... The eight levels of difficulty range from the easiest to the most challenging.

While several hikes take place during the week, the Sunday hike attracts many families. In addition, and in order to combine sport and conviviality, themed outings, whether cultural, botanical or geological, are scheduled throughout the year. The goal? To unite and create bonds: "All outings are carpooled," explains Régis Bocquet.

Projects to unite

What's special about the club? Not limiting the number of participants. "Whether there are five or thirty people, we take everyone!" continues a smiling Guy Gauthier. The former soldier is even considering organizing trips within France rather than abroad, which are less expensive for retirees. The average age of hikers ranges from 65 to 70. "I love human beings, I want to give others the opportunity to travel closer," confides the leader. Because bringing together a larger number of people, in ways that break down the barriers of isolation or loneliness, is also the mission of the club's leaders, who will soon celebrate its 40th anniversary with numerous events. "There are people who wait for the hiking day like the messiah. When people are happy, we have fulfilled our mission," concludes the president.

1. Bernard Didier, Raymond Peyrot, Claude Samulon, and Christian de Massiac.

2. The group is open to members from all over the Dracénie region. Outings take place on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Find all the information on the website: randonneurs-draceniens.fr.