Trekking in the Hautes-Alpes: The Dévoluy Crossing
In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelAdvance
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DestinationHautes-Alpes / French Alps
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AgeFrom 16 - 75 years
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CO₂-Emissions11.78 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
Spanish
In a few words
Immerse yourself in a 3-day retreat in the heart of the Dévoluy , a pristine limestone massif in the Hautes-Alpes, where escape and reconnection take on their full meaning. This stay, designed to provide a break from the daily grind , allows you to release tension and rediscover renewed energy in the heart of nature.
Accompanied by guides trained in Nonviolent Communication , you will experience an environment where listening, kindness, and cohesion are paramount. Here, there is no competition , but rather a human-scale adventure, rich in authentic exchanges .
The route traverses the spectacular landscapes of the Dévoluy : lunar plateaus, larch forests, hidden valleys, and ridges sculpted by time . This still relatively undiscovered region offers a rare experience of solitude and grandeur in one of the wildest areas of the Prealps .
An adventure outside of time , between silence, raw nature and harmony , to reconnect with oneself in an environment as grandiose as it is soothing .
The highlights
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Quality camping equipment provided
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An experienced guide to support you in your efforts and self-reliance in the mountains.
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Small groups to promote cohesion and sharing
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 6h
- Average distance/day: 11 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 834 m
- Average daily descent: 774 m
- Exposed Passages: Yes
Management
Spanish
Alexis is passionate about understanding human nature and the relationship between body and mind. Whether through rehabilitation (physiotherapy), teaching yoga, or exploring the wilderness, his intentions remain the same: to offer experiences that help people connect with nature and with who they truly are. Because, according to him, that is where well-being resides.
Born at the foot of the Vercors mountains, the mountains were a place of renewal and exploration for me. First a dietician, then a naturopath, it is finally as a mountain guide that I accompany the most beautiful transformations. Whether it's a bivouac under the stars or an immersive hike, I offer you an adventure where you shed the superfluous to reconnect with what truly matters.
Program
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Crossing the Col des Aiguilles
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 7 km
- Positive elevation gain 1000 m
- Negative elevation 330 m
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We begin with a time for introductions, of the guide, the participants and the planned route, then we will check the bags before starting the walk.
After climbing through a limestone scree slope, we will reach the Col des Aiguilles (2000m) for a breathtaking view of the eastern slopes of the Vercors. We will follow a small stream that meanders through the Vallon des Aiguilles before reaching a small shepherd's hut.
In the late afternoon, we'll set up our bivouac in a beautiful open space near a waterfall: pitching the tents, preparing dinner together, and then enjoying the stunning light of a sunset over a completely wild landscape.
Day 1 -
The Dévoluy from the inside, and the charnel valley
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 14 km
- Positive elevation gain 900 m
- Negative elevation 790 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The second day's route takes us into the heart of the mountain range. Varied trails allow us to immerse ourselves in a multitude of landscapes.
A first descent to leave the Drôme and enter the Hautes-Alpes in the PACA region. We will discover several chourums, natural cavities carved out by rain, and geological features of the area conducive to the practice of caving.
In the afternoon, we will cross the charnier pass at 2105m, between two large mineral formations: the Tête de Lauzon and the Tête des Vautes.
After a descent through a long scree slope facing west, we will sleep on a flat area at 2000m, on the edge of a lake and near a spring… Breathtaking view of the high cross valley.
Day 2 -
The flaky point and the wild plains
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 600 m
- Negative elevation 1200 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
We leave the area to embark on the crossing of the great wild plains.
With a bit of luck, we will encounter the wildlife that lives in this territory: chamois, roe deer, marmots, eagles and vultures…
After a beautiful balcony path, we reach a ridge which takes us to the feuillette point, a grassy pyramid overlooking the alpine pastures and framing them with its rocky buttresses.
A beautiful descent through a beech and pine forest will allow us to return to the starting car park and complete the loop.
A small, friendly snack before leaving the group for the return journey.
Day 3
Note
Some hikes pass near mountain lakes or rivers. Any swimming is at your own risk and is entirely outside the scope of your guide's expertise and intervention.
The program is given as an indication only; it is subject to change to adapt to the vagaries of the weather as well as the conditions of the mountain and the travelers.
Ultimately, the tour leader remains the sole judge of the program, which he may modify due to safety imperatives.
Similarly, the indications for stage times are given as a guide only.
Accommodation
Access
The trek ends around 4pm in Lus la Croix Haute, meaning a return by 5pm at Grenoble train station, the latest.
Go to the starting point
Take the train to Lus-la-croix-haute.
If the train times don't suit your arrival, we can arrange carpooling from Grenoble train station. In that case, meet at 10:00 AM at Grenoble train station, then it's about an hour's drive to the trek's starting point.
Go to Grenoble and take the A51 southbound.
Price details
The price includes
- All meals
- Loan of all camping equipment (tent - mattress - sleeping bag - cooking pot)
- All hikes are led by a state-certified mountain professional. The itinerary is adapted according to the weather and the group's level.
- Health and effort management tips for successful hiking
- Explanations and observations of nature, landscape, fauna, flora and mountain life
The price does not include
- Your transport to the start of the hike or Grenoble train station
- All drinks other than water
- Hiking snacks
- Your personal mountain equipment
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
During the hike you must be in possession of the following documents:
- Valid identity card
- Health insurance card
- Proof of your repatriation assistance insurance (contract number + telephone number)
Before you leave, 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 provided on site
- Comfortable and lightweight mountain tent (1.4 kg)
- Inflatable floor mattress
- Walking sticks
- Cooking equipment and camping gear (light plates)
- 0°C sleeping bag (duck down) / 600g with its sleeping bag liner
Equipment to bring
For the day:
- Stiff hiking boots (no sneakers)
- Pants
- Several breathable layers (t-shirt, base layer, sweater)
- Backpack (at least 45L)
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, cap
- Lightweight knife, cutlery and glass for the meal
- Gore-Tex jacket (windproof/waterproof)
- Mobile phone + a battery pack if needed
- A bag of dried fruit/cereal bars to refuel while walking
For the evening:
- Spare clothes to stay dry and warm: socks, underwear, t-shirt
- Gloves, scarf and hat (depending on the season and altitude)
- Lightweight down jacket (feather-filled if possible)
- Toilet paper + lighter to burn it
- Pair of lightweight flip-flops to relieve the strain on your feet
For the night:
A headlamp
A hat if it's cold
