Trekking and bivouacking in Dévoluy: high-altitude lake and Dolomite cliffs
In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelAdvance
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DestinationFrench Alps / Jarjatte Valley
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AgeFrom 12 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions12.64 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
For a long weekend, in the heart of the protected La Jarjatte valley, we offer a spectacular adventure with this bivouac trek. Surrounded by the high limestone fortresses typical of the Dévoluy massif, the site is exceptional. The landscapes, with their distinctly alpine character, are truly extraordinary. From Grenoble , you can easily reach the Lus-la-Croix-Haute train station, the starting point of the adventure. The first bivouac will be set up in the alpine pastures overlooking the La Jarjatte valley. On the second day, a climb that is both technical and enjoyable leads us to the shores of Lake Lauzon . This lake, though modest, is a true gem nestled in the heart of a verdant valley, itself surrounded by high limestone cliffs. After dropping off our equipment, we continue upwards to take in these landscapes sometimes compared to the Dolomites . An experienced guide will accompany you to discover this secluded and wild mountain.
The highlights
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A site with exceptional landscapes
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A mountain bivouac experience in a magical place
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The ascent of a superb peak over 2500m high
Photos
Malorie - verified review - july 2025
Malorie - verified review - july 2025
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
The hikes on this self-guided trek take place in mountainous terrain. The trip is suitable for people in good physical condition. It is necessary to have:
- regular sports activities or hiking,
- a physical condition allowing one to walk regularly at an average pace of 300m of positive elevation gain per hour excluding breaks.
- sufficient balance and motor skills to progress safely on uneven, sloping terrain and which may include off-trail sections.
- Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any doubts.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 3h
- Average distance/day: 5 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 463 m
- Average daily descent: 425 m
- Exposed Passages: Yes
Management
French
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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Arrival at La Jarjatte and bivouac at the Col de la Croix
- Transportation Minibus - 00h10 - 10km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Distance 2 km
- Positive elevation gain 300 m
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
We welcome you in the early afternoon at Lus-la-Croix-Haute train station or from 3:30 pm at the hamlet of La Jarjatte if you arrive by car. Located 1 hour and 15 minutes from Grenoble , this valley lies between the Vercors and Dévoluy mountain ranges . It is a protected natural site offering spectacular scenery. We pack our bags and head up to the vast alpine pastures of the Col de La Croix, the site of our first bivouac. This first stage is quick and allows us to set up camp and plan the rest of the adventure.
Day 1 -
Bivouac at Lauzon and ascent of Vallon Pierra
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Distance 3 km
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 6 km
- Positive elevation gain 550 m
- Negative elevation 550 m
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We pack up camp and after breakfast we hike up to Lake Lauzon, located at 1950 m. This lake, whose name means "little lake," sits in a verdant depression suspended amidst a stark, vertical, mineral landscape. It is a rare sight, being the only lake at this altitude in the pre-Alpine massifs .
After setting up camp, we continue our ascent to Vallon Pierra with light packs. This pyramidal peak offers an exceptional panorama of the Grand Ferrand , the second highest peak in the Dévoluy massif. You can choose to hike this second section in its entirety or partially, depending on your preference and fitness level. At the end of the day, we return to the lake to enjoy a peaceful evening and a beautiful sunset over the Aiguilles de La Jarjatte .
Day 2 -
Sunrise and hike towards the La Jarjatte valley
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Distance 7 km
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 1150 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
The day begins with breakfast at sunrise , a special moment to savor the serenity of the surroundings. We then embark on a technical descent towards the Combe du Fleyrard. The hike continues with a climb beneath the Rocher-Rond. At 2,453 meters, this imposing peak is one of the giants of the Dévoluy and the highest point in the Drôme department. From its base, we begin our descent, returning to the La Jarjatte valley in the early afternoon.
Day 3
Note
PROGRAM CHANGE
For organizational reasons, weather conditions or the fitness of participants, we may need to adapt the program to ensure your safety and the success of the stay.
ALTERNATIVE IN CASE OF UNFAVORABLE WEATHER
This program is weather dependent. To ensure the success of your weekend, we may decide on the following alternatives:
- Overnight stays in unguarded shelters instead of bivouacking in tents.
- Change of destination to a nearby mountain range with more favorable weather.
In these situations, we will do our best to adapt the program to your transport constraints if possible.
Accommodation
The bivouac site is located in the heart of a protected area (Regional Park, Natura 2000 site), allowing this activity with the utmost respect for nature. We aim to minimize the impact of our activities and ensure they are in harmony with this fragile environment. To this end, we must limit waste production on site and prioritize the use of eco-friendly hygiene products. Water availability is also limited to springs that must be protected from any pollution.
Access
We can significantly adjust the program to ensure you arrive on time for your return train. Please contact us for details.
Go to the starting point
We will welcome you at Lus la Croix-Haute train station between 12pm and 3:30pm on the first day. Please contact us if you wish to arrive earlier.
- From Paris : take a TGV Paris-Grenoble (approximately 3 hours), then Change to a TER train towards Gap, stop at Lus-la-Croix-Haute station (approximately 1 hour 30 minutes)
- From Lyon : take a TER train from Lyon to Grenoble (approximately 1 hour 30 minutes). Then, take a TER train from Grenoble to Gap, stopping at Lus-la-Croix-Haute (approximately 1 hour 30 minutes).
- From Marseille : take a direct TER train from Marseille to Gap (approximately 4 hours). In Gap, take a TER train towards Grenoble, stopping at Lus-la-Croix-Haute (approximately 40 minutes).
Meet at the hamlet of La Jarjatte in Lus la Croix-Haute.
- From Paris : take the A6 motorway to Lyon, then the A49 towards Grenoble. Exit at Monestier-de-Clermont and follow the D1075 to Lus-la-Croix-Haute. From Lus-la-Croix-Haute, continue on the D505 towards La Jarjatte (approximately 10 minutes).
- From Lyon : take the A49 motorway towards Grenoble, then the D1075 to Lus-la-Croix-Haute, and follow the D505 towards La Jarjatte
- From Marseille : take the A51 motorway towards Gap, then follow the D1075 towards Lus-la-Croix-Haute and continue on the D505 towards La Jarjatte
Price details
The price includes
- Full board stay
- Accommodation in shared tents, in a bivouac
- Supervision by a state-certified guide
- The animations described
- Camping equipment: tent, sleeping mat and bag, stove, cutlery
The price does not include
- Drinks
- Day 1 picnic
- Personal expenses
- Any shuttle services during the stay
- Transfer from your departure location to your accommodation
Options
- Individual tent : CHF27.44 / 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
- Tents: 1 or 2 person
- Duvets and mattresses
- Cutlery and equipment for meals: stove, utensils, etc.
- Walking sticks
- Various equipment: water filtration system, survival blankets, whistles, ziploc bags
Equipment to bring
Hiking backpack:
It must be at least 50 litres (or 40+10 L with an extension).
It must include straps and external compartments for hanging and distributing equipment.
Consider using a waterproof rain cover if your backpack is not equipped with one.
Your equipment:
- Hiking boots (high or low) with soles in good condition
- A water bottle, a waterproof pouch, or a plastic bottle, with a volume equivalent to 1.5 liters of water.
- A sleeping bag liner or sleeping bag liner
- A pair of very lightweight sneakers or Crocs-type shoes
- Sunscreen, lip balm, and sunglasses
- A headlamp that is either charged or has new batteries.
- A smartphone, a charger, and a small external battery
Clothing to bring
- Water-repellent summer hiking trousers and lightweight waterproof over-trousers
- Footless tights or lightweight stockings (like sweatpants) for evenings and nights
- A short
- A technical t-shirt (preferably mohair wool or equivalent)
- A cotton t-shirt (for nighttime)
- A thin, long-sleeved undershirt
- A lightweight fleece jacket or a light down jacket
- A mid-season Gore-Tex type waterproof jacket with a hood
- Spare pairs of socks
- Spare underwear
- A pair of thin gloves and a hat
They traveled with us
Jean-Pierre
- 38 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 group
Léo
- 25 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 2026
In a group
Malorie
- 27 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.
july 2025
In a group
