Weekend hiking at the foot of the legendary Mont-Aiguille
In summary
-
Sports
-
Duration3 days
-
LevelAdvance
-
DestinationVercors Massif / Isère
-
AgeFrom 16 - 80 years
-
CO₂-Emissions24.5 kg CO2
-
Type of stayIn a group
-
Languages
French
English
In a few words
At the foot of Mont Aiguille , a spectacular limestone monolith emblematic of the Vercors , this three-day hiking trip offers a rejuvenating immersion in unspoiled nature and alpine panoramas. From the village of Chichilianne , set off to explore the trails that wind between the Trièves region and the foothills of the massif, in the heart of a protected environment.
The trails offer exceptional views of this legendary mountain and the vast surrounding landscapes. One loop leads to the Vercors High Plateaus Nature Reserve , one of the wildest high-altitude areas in France, where alpine meadows, cliffs, and forests create a magnificent setting. Another hike reaches the ridges overlooking the Trièves region , revealing a superb panorama of the agricultural plateau and the surrounding peaks.
After the exertion, enjoy the comfort of a charming castle hotel , the ideal setting to relax and savor the tranquility of the place during two comfortable nights .
Accessible by train and designed for good walkers , this long weekend combines hiking, spectacular scenery and disconnection in the heart of a preserved mountain .
The highlights
-
3 days of hiking to discover 3 very different sites
-
Comfortable accommodation in a charming castle hotel
-
Stay accessible by train
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average distance/day: 15 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 964 m
- Average daily descent: 857 m
Management
French
English
State-certified mountain guide
Program
-
Clelles Mens Station > Trézanne > Chichilianne
- Activity Hiking
- Distance 15 km
- Positive elevation gain 840 m
- Negative elevation 680 m
- Accommodation Rural hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
We begin the first day with a short descent before climbing back up to the small hamlet of Trézanne. We visit the thatched-roof chapel, unique in this region. The ascent continues to the Col de Papavet, offering a breathtaking view of Mont Aiguille (2087m) in its most slender profile. We continue to another pass at the same altitude before taking the forest and country paths that lead us to the charming village of Chichilianne, nestled on a glacial moraine at the foot of the Vercors mountains. Our accommodation, a château converted into a boutique hotel, is right in the heart of the village.
Day 1 -
Chichilianne > Signet Head > Chichilianne
- Activity Hiking
- Distance 17 km
- Positive elevation gain 1200 m
- Negative elevation 1200 m
- Accommodation Rural hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Our second stage, at the foot of the legendary Mont Aiguille, takes us on a loop through the Vercors High Plateaus. Access to the largest nature reserve in mainland France is via the Pas de l'Essaure pass. From there, the view is breathtaking, encompassing vast wilderness areas, a mix of black pine forests, alpine pastures resembling steppes, and limestone outcrops. We climb to the Tête Chevalière (1951 m), skirting the cliffs from which the village of Chichilianne appears miniature. The peaks of the Grand Veymont (2341 m, the highest point of the Vercors massif) and Mont Aiguille (2087 m) seem almost within reach. The descent follows an easy off-trail route back to the Pas de l'Aiguille. It was here that tragic events unfolded for the Vercors Resistance. We pass by the national necropolis and the Resistance fighters' cave. We then descended back towards Chichilianne along this steep path, occasionally glancing up to try and spot some ibex balancing on the cliffs. Back to the hotel.
Day 2 -
Chichilianne > Platary > Clelles-Mens station
- Activity Hiking
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 850 m
- Negative elevation 690 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
We leave our accommodation early for the last day of our hike, heading towards the summit of Platary (1586 m). We will cross the mountain's ridge via the Plaine du Milieu. The panoramas are once again breathtaking: on one side, the now-familiar cliffs and peaks of the Vercors, and on the other, the vast agricultural plateau of the Trièves. Further on, the mountains of the Dévoluy massif and the Écrins National Park come into view. We descend via wild, forested trails back to the Clelles-Mens train station.
End of stay and departure from Clelles-Mens station in the mid-afternoon.
Day 3
Note
This program may be modified at any time by the supervising professional, particularly depending on weather conditions, terrain and participants.
Accommodation
Charming hotel in a castle.
Access
Go to the starting point
Meeting point at Clelles-Mens train station (https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/231549373) on the Grenoble-Gap TER line, accessible from Lyon, Valence, Chambéry, Geneva, Grenoble, Gap, Briançon, Sisteron, and Marseille (TER Auvergne Rhône Alpes and TER Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur SUD). Accessible by road via the D1075 (Grenoble-Serres-Sisteron road). Free parking in front of the station.
Free parking in front of Celles-Mens train station.
Price details
The price includes
- The trip will be supervised by a state-certified mid-mountain guide.
- Accommodation in a charming hotel (rooms for 2 people, possibility of single or double beds)
- Meals included in the half-board package at the hotel (dinner and breakfast)
- Homemade picnics on days 2 and 3
The price does not include
- Day 1's picnic
- Drinks, snacks and other personal expenses
- Transport to Clelles-Mens train station (meeting point for departure and arrival of the stay)
- Hiking equipment
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Each participant is required to have individual civil liability insurance (through their home insurance policy or an individual contract), as well as search and rescue and repatriation assistance coverage for this trip. It is each participant's responsibility to verify that they are adequately insured for the mandatory coverages mentioned above. Each participant is free to choose their own insurance provider.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
o Walking poles (recommended)
o A 40L backpack (or equivalent to have enough space for all your belongings) with waist and chest straps and a waterproof rain cover
/!\ Ensure that your backpack does not exceed a weight of 10kg per person
o Sunglasses
o Water bottle(s) of at least 1.5L
o Headlamp
o Snacks / energy bars / seeds
o Plastic bags to protect your belongings from moisture
Toilet paper + garbage bag
o Printed copy of your personal insurance covering mountain hiking and
its 'search and rescue' and 'repatriation' assistance (name of insurer, policy number,
(procedure and emergency contact number)
o Printed copy of the health questionnaire, if applicable (provided upon registration)
Your smile and good humor ;)
For homemade picnics:
o A lightweight airtight container (0.5L)
o Fork/spoon, knife and cup (ecocup type)
Individual pharmacy
o Your medical treatment or usual medications, if any
o Sunscreen / lip balm
Paracetamol or equivalent for headaches or muscle pain
o 'Double-skin' protective blister plasters
o Anti-chafing cream (such as Homeoplasmine)
o Elastic adhesive strip (Elastoplast type)
o Physiological saline solution and/or disinfectant micro-wipes
o Compresses and/or bandages
o Sewing needle and thread for any blisters
Your guide will also have a more complete first-aid kit for any necessary care, but will not be able to give you any medication.
Clothing to bring
In your backpack or on your person:
o Mountain boots (with lug soles)
o Hiking pants
o Spare underwear and socks (be careful with cotton as it promotes friction and therefore blisters)
o T-shirt (short or long sleeves, avoid cotton which retains moisture)
fleece-type jacket
down jacket
o Waterproof/windproof jacket (Gore-Tex type) or rain cape
o Waterproof trousers (optional)
o Neck warmer
o Head covering
o Bonnet
o Gloves
