Group Nordic walking: find a club near you and discover the benefits of exercising in a group
Nordic walking is often practised alone, along trails and in the early morning. But it is in a group that it reveals another dimension: that of camaraderie, a shared rhythm, and accelerated technical progress. Finding a Nordic walking club means choosing to transform physical activity into a true way of life.
Why practise Nordic walking in a club?
The figures speak for themselves: practising a sport in a group more than doubles your chances of maintaining a regular routine in the long term. This is confirmed by coaches, sports doctors and federations: consistency is the key to reaping all the benefits of Nordic walking, and a group is the best way to ensure that consistency.
But the benefits of joining a club go beyond motivation:
- Supervised technical training : Nordic walking is a technical discipline. A poorly executed movement can negate the benefits of the activity. A trained instructor corrects mistakes from the outset.
- Real progress : in a group, you naturally challenge yourself, increase the distances and explore new terrain.
- Social connection and well-being : practising as a group reduces isolation, improves mood and creates lasting bonds.
- Discovering the equipment : many clubs offer trial sessions to test different poles before making a purchase.
How do you find a Nordic walking club?
In France, Nordic walking is mainly overseen by the French Athletics Federation (FFA), which holds the ministerial mandate for this discipline. Its website lists affiliated clubs by department. The French Hiking Federation (FFRP) also has numerous active branches. In addition to the federations, many independent clubs and local associations organise weekly outings.
To find a club near you:
- Consult the FFA directory at athle.fr
- Search local Facebook groups for ‘Nordic walking + [your town]’
- Contact certified coaches in your region directly
- Take part in major national gatherings: the Euro NordicWalkin' (Dévoluy in June 2026) or the NordicWalk'in Lyon
Events to meet the community
The Nordic walking community in France is vibrant and welcoming. These gatherings are special opportunities to discover new routes, test equipment, and meet walkers of all levels. TheEuro NordicWalkin' brings together over 3,000 participants every year and is the flagship event on the calendar.
MØNARC® is a regular presence at these events with a free loan pack allowing you to try the Arcs de Marche® with no obligation. With a pair in your hands, you can feel the difference immediately.
Clubs and MØNARC® Walking Arcs
MØNARC® offers Nordic walking clubs a pack of 5 pairs of poles in different sizes, with matching wrist straps, loaned free of charge for taster sessions. This pack allows a coach to let their entire group try out the Arcs de Marche during an outing. No cost, no obligation. A practical way to make this French innovation accessible to everyone.
For clubs wishing to take things further, MØNARC® Academy offers accredited courses led by Jean-Pierre Guilloteau (JPGmontagnes) and Nathalie Gilbert (Marche Nordique and co), enabling the integration of Arcs de Marche® into the technical instruction of Nordic walking.
👉 Enquiries and requests for loan packs: monarc-nordic.com