Hikes in the most beautiful sites of the Southern Vercors
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationVercors Massif / Isère
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AgeFrom 14 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions80.32 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
This hiking trip focuses on the wildest part of the Southern Vercors. It extends to its southern slopes, the Diois region, and as far as the borders of the Dévoluy massif. It is organized as a star-shaped route from two accommodations. It offers the opportunity to discover must-see sites such as the Combeau valley and the Archiane cirque . It leads us along a balcony at the foot of the spectacular Mont-Aiguille and loses us in the vast spaces of the Vercors High Plateaus. In the foothills of the Vercors mountains, in the Haut-Diois region, this unique hike offers us the opportunity to discover the pastoral past of our Alpine regions. The routes are designed to add a touch of the unknown and discovery to each day, providing participants with maximum excitement and a complete change of scenery.
The highlights
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Wild hikes in some of the most spectacular sites of the Vercors
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The Vercors High Plateaus: the largest metropolitan nature reserve
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A wellness area facing the mountains: sauna, Nordic bath, massages…
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
This trip is level 2. The outings take place in mountainous terrain. This level is suitable for a wide range of hikers. However, it is necessary to have:
- regular sports activities or hiking,
- a reasonable level of physical fitness allowing for regular walking at an average pace of 250m of positive elevation gain per hour, excluding breaks;
- sufficient balance and motor skills to make occasional progress on uneven, sloping terrain and which may include off-trail sections.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 6h
- Average distance/day: 12 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 676 m
- Average daily descent: 740 m
- Maximum altitude: 2001 m
- Exposed Passages: Yes
Management
For 20 years, Jean-Marc Jacquet has been based in the protected valley of La Jarjatte, where he has designed hiking trips to showcase the exceptional potential of the region: Dévoluy, Southern Vercors, Trièves, Buëch, and Haut-Diois. Several decades of mountaineering and 15 years of experience as a Mountain Guide have given him countless anecdotes to share about his passion: the mountains. Geology, prehistory, fauna, flora, local life… 180 days a year, he leads you on the trails with the same enthusiasm for sharing and conviviality.
Program
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Welcome
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Check-in from 4pm or, if you are coming by train, at Lus la Croix-Haute station during afternoon arrival times.
At 6:30 p.m., we meet to study the program.
Clairette de l'amitié before the meal.
Day 1 -
Le Jocou, between Diois and Vercors
- Transportation Minibus - 00h20 - 16km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 9 km
- Positive elevation gain 730 m
- Negative elevation 730 m
- Maximum altitude 1952 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
An exceptional viewpoint overlooking the Dévoluy and Vercors mountains, the Jocou marks the beginning of the eastern edge of the Vercors range, which stretches all the way to Grenoble. A towering prow above the Trièves and Diois regions, its ascent follows an excellent trail that leads hikers to a beautiful, wide, and panoramic ridge. The views unfold across the entire region. This hike is a wonderful introduction to our stay, offering a 360° view of all the sites we are about to explore.
Day 2 -
Combeau Valley, Têtes Chevalière and Montagnette
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 50km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 690 m
- Negative elevation 690 m
- Maximum altitude 1820 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We head towards Châtillon-en-Diois along the scenic Gâts road. We reach the Combeau valley, a bucolic gateway to the Vercors High Plateaus. The hike takes us up this beautiful, gently rolling valley to the summit of Tête Chevalière. Here, the view of Mont Aiguille is exceptional. The rest of the day follows unpaved paths. We freely explore the vast open spaces of the High Plateaus as far as the Tisserand plain and the summit of Montagnette.
Note:
- You will keep your rooms at La Jarjatte.
- A change of clothes bag will be provided to you in the minibus for the two nights in Vercors.
Day 3 -
On a balcony overlooking the Archiane cirque
- Transportation Minibus - 00h05 - 5km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h30
- Distance 14 km
- Positive elevation gain 730 m
- Negative elevation 1050 m
- Maximum altitude 1951 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The day begins with the steep, secluded path that climbs to the Pas du Gris. We find ourselves once again on the High Plateaus, amidst mountain pines and alpine meadows. The trails of ibex and chamois will be our paths throughout the ascent of the Combe du Marichaume. Late morning brings us to the Tête du Jardin. From here, we overlook Archiane, its slopes teeming with vultures that nest in large numbers. A shepherd's path guides us along the ridgelines, without difficulty or vertigo, offering exceptional views of the Cirque d'Archiane and its formidable cliffs. Reaching the beautiful meadows of Tussac, a vast plateau suspended above the Diois region, we descend back down a good track towards the valley.
Day 4 -
As close as possible to Mont-Aiguille
- Transportation Minibus - 03h - 25km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 680 m
- Negative elevation 680 m
- Maximum altitude 1653 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
To reach the starting point of our hike, we leave the Diois valley and head towards the Trièves region via the Col de Menée. A beautiful little road leads us to La Richardière at the foot of Mont Aiguille. We set off on a somewhat unusual hike, getting as close as possible to Mont Aiguille. The regular switchbacks of the climbers' trail take us right under the south pillar of this formidable mountain. We are practically touching these immense walls. The rest of the route crosses a few steep slopes but presents no particular difficulty. A horizontal path, used by ibex and climbers, runs alongside the cliffs until we reach the Col de l'Aupet. From there, we can admire the start of the classic route to climb Mont Aiguille. We take the GR (long-distance hiking trail) to return to our starting point.
Note:
- Return in the evening to the Gîte de La Jarjatte: you will find your room and your belongings.
Day 5 -
Hike to the Tune de la Varaime
- Transportation Minibus - 00h24 - 17km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 550 m
- Negative elevation 550 m
- Maximum altitude 2001 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The term "tune" refers to a shelter. The La Varaime cave served as such a shelter for nearly 6,000 years, where the first shepherds of our region sheltered their flocks. Later, with the arrival of the Romans, it became a place of worship, and the local population engraved numerous schematic symbols on its limestone ceilings, suggesting a form of proto-writing. Archaeologists took an interest in this exceptional site, and their research led to its classification as a historical monument. Beyond its heritage value, the hike to the site is superb. Unusual and imbued with a touch of adventure and discovery, it reveals the beautiful atmosphere of the Diois mountains, redolent with the scent of lavender.
Day 6 -
End of stay
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The stay ends after breakfast.
We will organize your departure and any transfer to the station at the time of your choice.
The rooms are vacated but the communal areas remain accessible to you while you wait for your departure.Day 7
Note
For organizational reasons, due to weather conditions, or the physical condition of participants, we may need to adapt the program to ensure your safety and the success of your stay. This program is subject to the availability of overnight accommodation in the Vercors. An equivalent program will be offered if necessary.
Accommodation
- The 4 nights at La Jarjatte
You are welcomed to a spacious, family-run house with 14 bedrooms. The weekly capacity is 16 to 20 people, divided into two groups following different activity programs. A large common room is available for meals and socializing. A lounge with a library and terraces facing various directions offer spaces for relaxation and contemplation of the surrounding nature. The main building, of modern design, was conceived in the spirit of local mountain architecture and blends into the spectacular surrounding landscape. It is heated by wood energy sourced from the region's extensive forests.
Note: the images on this page relate to accommodation in La Jarjatte.
- Two nights in Vercors
We will be staying in a gîte (self-catering cottage). We always offer the best available accommodation. However, depending on the time of year and the availability of hosts, we may offer rooms or shared accommodation. We cannot always guarantee private rooms for these two nights.
Access
If you are travelling by train, we will drop you off at Lus la Croix-Haute station on the day of departure.
Go to the starting point
TER Grenoble-Gap line
Arrival: We will meet you at the station during the afternoon hours.
Departure: We will take you to the train station. The house will remain at your disposal until your departure time.
Price details
The price includes
- Full board: from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 7
- Welcome drinks on the first evening
- Walking sticks available
- The supervision and activities described
- Registration fees
- Tourist taxes
The price does not include
- Drinks and wine with the table
- Departure day picnic
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses and options not included in the package
Options
- Private room with shared bathroom : CHF54.89 / person
- Private room with en-suite bathroom : CHF100.63 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
- Your identity documents.
- Your health insurance card.
- A health and contact information form will be given to you upon arrival: you will keep it in your backpack.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
Hiking poles.
Equipment to bring
- Low or high hiking boots, but with soles in good condition
- Backpack of approximately 30L
- A sleeping bag liner for nights in the Vercors
- Sun protection
- Sunglasses
- Walking sticks
- Headlamp
- A sleeping bag liner for the two nights in Vercors
- A small travel bag for spare clothes during the two days in Vercors
Clothing to bring
- Comfortable trousers for walking
- A short
- T-shirts
- Undershirt and sweater
- Waterproof jacket with hood
- Thin gloves and a hat
They traveled with us
They traveled with us
Catherine
- 52 ans
100% Verified Reviews: Only travelers who have booked with us can leave a review. All reviews are subject to human moderation. Reviews that do not comply with the moderation rules are rejected.
august 2026
In a couple
Christine
- 61 ans
100% Verified Reviews: Only travelers who have booked with us can leave a review. All reviews are subject to human moderation. Reviews that do not comply with the moderation rules are rejected.
august 2025
In a group
Jean Marie
100% Verified Reviews: Only travelers who have booked with us can leave a review. All reviews are subject to human moderation. Reviews that do not comply with the moderation rules are rejected.
june 2024
Among friends
Isabelle
- 50 ans
100% Verified Reviews: Only travelers who have booked with us can leave a review. All reviews are subject to human moderation. Reviews that do not comply with the moderation rules are rejected.
may 2024
In a group
Thomas
100% Verified Reviews: Only travelers who have booked with us can leave a review. All reviews are subject to human moderation. Reviews that do not comply with the moderation rules are rejected.
october 2023
In a group
Great !
Rémi
100% Verified Reviews: Only travelers who have booked with us can leave a review. All reviews are subject to human moderation. Reviews that do not comply with the moderation rules are rejected.
july 2023
In a group
One week stay at La Jarjatte with a group of 6 people + Jean-Marc our guide.
Beautiful hikes, good food, perfect weather, everything went well.
It should be noted that the average age of participants is around 50-60 years old, which may be a deterrent for some younger people.
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