On the trail of the wolf: encountering your wild side
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationVercors Massif / Drome
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions90.52 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
In the heart of the Vercors , this 7-day immersive nature retreat invites you to explore a wild territory encompassing deep forests, panoramic ridges, and vast high-altitude meadows . Step by step, you'll venture off the beaten path to follow in the footsteps of the wolf , a symbol of freedom and connection to nature.
This adventure blends nature hiking , tracking , and a sensitive approach to wildlife . Through dedicated time for animal communication , listening to the living world , and introspective practices, you develop a more refined perception of your environment and yourself. Each day becomes an invitation to slow down, observe, and fully experience the richness of the natural world.
Throughout the journey, moments of mindful walking , silence , and connection with nature create a space conducive to refocusing and personal reflection. This immersive experience allows one to rediscover a profound relationship with the wild , while questioning one's place within the living world.
A journey that is at once sensory, introspective and naturalist , in the heart of a preserved mountain range, from which one returns transformed, with a renewed perspective on nature and on oneself.
The highlights
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Stunning hikes and a reconnection with nature, accompanied by 4 certified professionals.
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Animal-assisted therapy and communication, grounding practices, creative arts and spontaneous writing
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Immersion with Nordic dogs, full board in an exceptional setting
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 3h
- Average distance/day: 4 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 290 m
- Average daily descent: 120 m
Management
French
After five years of medical school, Léna guides you towards greater balance and alignment through grounding practices, creative arts, and intuitive writing. Nature is an integral part of her daily life... and that's now non-negotiable!
As an animal-assisted therapy practitioner and animal communicator, Laurence gives animals a voice: "It's amazing what they can tell us about ourselves, our lives, and our emotions..." She guides you in developing a heart-to-heart connection with animals.
Alexis, a state-certified mountain guide, is passionate about understanding human nature and the relationship between body and mind. Whether through rehabilitation (physiotherapy), teaching yoga, or leading treks in the wilderness, his intentions remain the same: to offer experiences that help people connect with their true selves. Because, according to him, that's where true well-being resides.
He enjoys connecting with people in the mountains, where everything is simpler and more authentic. During these trips, he shares his way of recharging: the wonder of wild landscapes.
Program
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Welcome, meeting of the group
- Accommodation Shared chalet
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
You are expected at 5 pm at the Vercors Intense site in Vassieux-en-Vercors, a peaceful location in the heart of unspoiled nature. The stay begins gently… your heart may still be restless from the pace of daily life. Here, we invite you to slow down.
After a time of welcome and settling into shared wooden chalets, we open the living space together around a warm aperitif, in which everyone can, at their own pace, share what they are, what they carry and what brings them here.
8pm : Dinner, overnight stay at the gîte
Day 1 -
Grounding, introspection and preparation for the 3-day immersion on the High Plateaus
- Accommodation Shared chalet
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
8:30-9:30 : Energizing breakfast
9:45-10:45 : Opening of the circle of words & setting the framework: an oracle reading reveals the intention for each person, the common thread that will guide their stay.
11am-11:45am : Animal-assisted therapy workshop, a sensitive way to approach the symbolism of the wolf and to sense what it awakens within us.
12:00-12:45 : Walk to discover the surrounding area
1-2pm : Shared lunch
2-3pm : Time for yourself
3-4pm : Grounding practices: mindful movement, grounding meditation to release accumulated tension
4:15 PM - 5:15 PM : Laurence shares the messages she received from the wolves during her animal communications before the stay, then
preparation for the upcoming 3 days of immersion
7pm : Shared dinner and free evening
Day 2 -
Mountain immersion - letting go & awakening the senses
- Transportation Car - 01h30 - 65km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h30
- Distance 3 km
- Positive elevation gain 600 m
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h30
- Distance 5 km
- Positive elevation gain 150 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
5:30 am : Breakfast
Around 6am : departure by carpool to the Richardière car park, starting point for our ascent to the Vercors High Plateaus
9:00 AM : Meeting with our mountain guide, Alexis (or a member of his team). Distribution of supplies in our backpacks, explanation of the organization of these 3 days on the High Plateaus, and rules to follow in the nature reserve.
10am : Start of our ascent (approximately 2.5 hours, +/- 600m elevation gain) towards the Chaumailloux sheepfold. Discover the Hauts Plateaux nature reserve and its breathtaking landscapes!
12:30-13: 30: Picnic at the Chaumailloux sheepfold
1:30-2:00 PM : Settling into the sheepfold, allocating beds
2-4:30 pm : Discovery hike in the surrounding area, time to absorb the energies of this wild place. Sharing circle, listening, silence, and interaction with the natural elements present.
5 p.m .: Everyone participates in the communal tasks: filling jerrycans with water at the spring, gathering and chopping wood for a fire, and preparing the meal.
7-8pm : Dinner at the sheepfold
8:30 pm : Option for a short night walk to observe the starry night and awaken your senses
Day 3 -
Exploring the lives of wolves and their territory
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Wake up at your own pace
9am : Breakfast
10:00 AM : Departure for a full day of exploration to discover majestic places. Throughout this hike (approximately 5 hours - +/- 500m elevation gain), we traverse breathtaking landscapes, each more magical than the last. Our perception sharpens and our senses awaken. We learn to read the terrain: hairs, scents, signs of presence…
12:30 pm : Picnic in the heart of the Hauts Plateaux nature reserve
1:30 PM : At a chosen time, in a highly energetic location, we experience guided animal communication with wolves… a suspended moment, where each person connects in a different way, heart to heart, through their feelings. The sharing that follows is often profound and sometimes overwhelming. On the way back, we walk mindfully, coordinated with our breath.
6 p.m .: return to the sheepfold
6:15 pm : Everyone is invited to take a moment for themselves and write down in their notebook their feelings, emotions, what they are experiencing and remembering from this immersion day.
6:30 p.m .: preparing the fire and the meal
7 p.m .: Dinner and overnight stay at the sheepfold. Optional night walk under the starry sky: immersing oneself in the environment, listening, reconnecting with one's senses, facing one's fears…
Day 4 -
Meditation in nature, exchange & descent
- Transportation Car - 01h30 - 65km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h30
- Distance 6 km
- Positive elevation gain 200 m
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 1h30
- Distance 3 km
- Negative elevation 600 m
- Accommodation Shared chalet
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Wake up at your own pace
9am : Breakfast
10 a.m .: We set off on a hike to explore new landscapes… this time, with a different intention: to see through the eyes of the wolf in order to fully feel like a wolf. Meditation and intuitive writing
12pm : picnic
1:30 pm : return to the sheepfold
1:30 pm : A sharing circle concludes this immersive experience, giving everyone the opportunity to share their experience and what has been transformed within them.
2:15 pm : Gathering our belongings and tidying/cleaning the sheepfold
3pm-4:30pm : Hike back down to the Richardière parking lot
5pm : Time for our final exchanges with our mid-mountain guide… before our carpool back to the Vercors Intense gîte
7:30 pm : Dinner and overnight stay at the gîte
Day 5 -
Integration of the wild experience
- Accommodation Shared chalet
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
9am : Breakfast
10:00-11:30 : We enter a time of deep integration, a guided meditation to explore what we have experienced and the lessons we have learned. Then, we continue with an intuitive writing exercise.
11:30-12 :00: talking circle
12pm-1pm : Shared lunch
1-2pm : Time for yourself
2:00-2:45 PM : We begin the afternoon with a mindful body practice to learn how to receive
2:45-4 :00 PM: Time for yourself
4-5:30 pm : Cultural visit and unique immersion in the pack of Nordic dogs with the Vercors Pack to experience the human-animal bond in a different way. We will end by feeding the dogs.
6:30 pm : drinks around the fire and discussions on the values of indigenous peoples, bearers of wisdom on the relationship between man and wolf
7:30 pm : Shared dinner and overnight stay at the Vercors Intense gîte
Day 6 -
Creative Arts & Fencing
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
8:30 am : Breakfast
9:30-11:00 : It's time for everyone to create a keepsake of their experience to take home. A kind of anchor that will allow you to stay connected to this experience, to the group, and to what has been transformed within you.
11am-12pm : Closing circle of the stay
12pm-2pm : shared lunch
Thus ends this shared adventure…Departure and return after lunch.
Day 7
Accommodation
Chalets in the heart of nature in Vassieux-en-Vercors
Chaumailloux Sheepfold
Access
Go to the starting point
- From Die train station: request a "Transport on Demand" to "Vassieux Town Hall" at least 24 hours in advance by calling the following number: 04 80 00 70 00. We will pick you up by car at Vassieux Town Hall (approximately 10 minutes).
- From Grenoble: take the bus to Villard de Lans, then request a "Transport on Demand" service to "Mairie de Vassieux"; this must be done at least 24 hours in advance by calling the following number: 04 80 00 70 00. We will pick you up by car at the Vassieux town hall (approximately 10 minutes).
To arrange carpooling, a WhatsApp group will be opened the month before the trip to finalize the travel arrangements.
From Grenoble: ~1 hour 30 minutes
From Valence: ~1 hour 30 minutes
From Lyon: ~2h20 min
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation in a gîte for 4 nights and in a sheepfold for 2 nights
- Full board from dinner on Day 1 to lunch on Day 7, based on organic and local products
- Guided hikes led by a mountain professional (AEM)
- Self-reconnection practices and activities supervised by qualified professionals
- Explanations and observations of nature, landscapes, fauna, flora and mountain life
- Immersion in the Nordic dog pack
- An evening dedicated to the wisdom of indigenous peoples
- Tourist taxes
The price does not include
- Transportation to the meeting point
- Personal equipment for practice and hiking
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
For hiking
- A backpack of at least 40L + a small daypack for day hikes
- A backpack cover in case of rain
- A fairly warm sleeping bag
- A waterproof jacket
- 2 or 3 pairs of walking pants
- Several breathable layers (t-shirt, base layer, sweater)
- 2 fleece jackets or warm jackets
- High-top, waterproof hiking boots (sneakers are not allowed)
- Hiking socks
- A water bottle or hydration pack
- A headlamp
- A roll of toilet paper
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Cap or hat
- Gloves, scarf and hat
- A small personal first-aid kit (adhesive bandage & double skin dressing, disinfectant, painkillers)
- Walking sticks are highly recommended
At the gîte/sheepfold
- An outfit to keep you dry
- A bath towel
- A regional specialty to share and showcase at the welcome drinks
For practices
- Soft and comfortable clothing
- A notebook and pen to take some notes
