Welcome to www.sylvainbicari.com
Discover exciting and inspiring stories in the universe of long hikes
The beauty of the world and nature awaits you. Dive into the world of long-distance hiking with a passionate adventurer. He'll take you on the Camino de Santiago, the Tour du Mont Blanc, the Great Alpine Crossing, to New Zealand, and other beautiful routes he has completed. In a fictionalized account, he reveals the evolution and logistics of his journeys. Through encounters, sometimes humorous, sometimes interspersed with philosophical and historical insights, he helps you discover the beauty of wild nature and experience the freedom that the great outdoors afforded him during his series of adventures.
Sylvain Bicari is originally from Quebec in Canada.
He has been a fan of long-distance hiking trips for about twenty years.
Today, he lives an active retirement, travelling the world.
AVAILABLE FROM OCTOBER 8, 2026 ON AMAZON
379 pages
Extract
The sun is beating down.
Drops of sweat trickle down my forehead as I stop to mop the stinging eyes. Removing my cap, I gaze at the mountain panorama.
Behind me, I can see the small bridge over the stream that I crossed in the hollow of the valley and the narrow path in a straight line, along the escarpment on which I am standing.
In the distance, I can only see a dot on the other mountain opposite me, the refuge where I pitched my tent for the night. I estimate that I have climbed a third of the distance separating me from the pass I need to reach, a positive elevation gain of 1,200 meters.
... Before me, under a cloudless sky and a sun at its zenith, stands the colossal summit of Mont Blanc with its white crown.
A moment of contemplation where time seems suspended.
A moment during which I am at one with nature.
A moment in which I feel I belong.
A moment of peace, gratitude, and wonder that fills my entire being, where beauty takes up all the space.
How effortlessly a smile appears on my face.
A moment so sought-after, which I wish could last forever.
A moment of grace.
.... Not intended to be a travel guide, these accounts will attempt to sparingly include the logistics and evolution of my personal experience in organizing this way of traveling, hoping perhaps, in some way, to give you the desire to take action and, like in Plato's Allegory of the Cave, put your head outside to see the light that illuminates the beauty of the World.
Philippe Don
Nice, France
"To put one's head outside to see the light that illuminates the beauty of the world" (Plato). As mentioned in the introduction, this quote perfectly summarizes this delightful and invigorating story.
Because this isn't just a travelogue, but so much more. With humor and simplicity, you open the doors to a genuine slice of life. As much as it's a personal sporting challenge, it's also a discovery of the world that you invite us to share, at your own pace, without pretension or calculation, without a pre-established plan, guided only by the path itself.
This account demonstrates how traveling on foot, simply moving forward step by step, can be a source of profound satisfaction, wonder, and discovery. It is also an opportunity to experience a unique human adventure, filled with encounters, exchanges, and shared moments, both with oneself and with those whom the path brings into our lives.
Unlike some travelogues where we simply receive what the author tells us, this one truly captivates us because it remains grounded in reality. You never present yourself as a champion or an extraordinary adventurer. You simply move forward at your own pace, meeting new people along the way. You discover, learn, listen, reflect, and that's precisely what allows us to experience the adventure alongside you.
In short, you know how to seize every opportunity to accumulate moments of happiness and give meaning to your journey.
The style is simple and uncluttered. Nothing superfluous, no unnecessary lyrical flourishes. The essentials are conveyed, and in just a few sentences, we discover a place, an atmosphere, faces, an emotion. Almost a whole story.
And then there's the tone. As a French speaker from France, I thoroughly enjoyed these Quebecois words and expressions. Just like all the touches of humor scattered throughout the pages.
Everything you say rings true. And I must admit that I would have gladly walked alongside you for a while.
Sandra Aversano
Boucherville, Quebec
Very interesting, easy to read and a
"A real page-turner." I really enjoyed this story; it's easy to get swept away on the journey.
I also enjoyed revisiting some places I've visited myself; it makes the reading experience even more immersive. The storytelling style makes you want to keep reading and discover what happens next.
Eric Tavernier
Jura, France
Very interesting because I've followed some of your routes.
Tour of Mont Blanc, Compostela, GR5 in the Alps, from my home to Nice.
Your writing is very interesting, lively, and exciting.
I wish you every success with the publication and distribution of the book.
Martin Vézina
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
I truly enjoyed immersing myself in this account of long hikes through different countries. Each stage piques our curiosity, compelling us to learn more about his travels. With the mischievous gaze of a child filled with wonder, he intensely expresses his joy and recurring feelings of bliss before the beauty of the landscapes and nature.
Several philosophers take turns whispering thoughts in his ear that inspire him and enhance the reading experience, in this allegory of travel as an opportunity to connect with the divine and the path towards a certain wisdom…
A Maori proverb that he quotes sums up well the state of mind that he likes to convey to us; “Turn towards the sun, the shadow will be behind you.”
He has a gift for humorously recounting various anecdotes arising from encounters that are sometimes unexpected, funny, or worrying.
Gilles Landry
Montreal, Quebec
I love the fluidity of your writing. I feel like I'm taking the journey with you.
I love to travel and it makes me want to go on adventures too.
You write very well. It's an informative and motivating read for those passionate about travel and challenges.
This book about long-distance hiking is a true invitation to slow down and take the time to fully experience each moment.
Through landscapes, human encounters and inspiring stories, we discover much more than a simple journey: an inner adventure.
Sylvain succeeds in conveying the beauty and his passion for walking, pushing one's limits, and living in the moment. Each step becomes an opportunity to explore the history of the places, make wonderful encounters, and reflect on what truly matters. An inspiring, authentic, and calming read that makes you want to set off on an adventure.