In summary
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Sports
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Duration4 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationVercors Massif / Isère
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AgeFrom 18 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions31.01 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Between the Vercors and Écrins mountain ranges, this multi-day trek reveals a wild and contrasting landscape , blending rocky ridges, secluded forests, and sweeping vistas of the Alpine massifs. From the heights of the Col de Menée and Col de Jiboui, the view stretches towards the steep cliffs of the Vercors and the hills of the Dévoluy. The trail then descends towards the Diois region , passing through unspoiled hamlets , secluded waterfalls , and beech forests , where the atmosphere becomes gentler and more Mediterranean. Along the way, the scent of lavender , bustling alpine pastures , isolated sheepfolds , and iconic wildlife—chamois and vultures—accompany every step. A highlight of the trek: a night bivouacking opposite Mont Aiguille , in the secluded Chaumailloux sheepfold, for an unforgettable immersion in the heart of the mountains. This trip is for lovers of wide open spaces , in search of serenity , spectacular panoramas and an authentic adventure in the heart of the Pre-Alps.
The highlights
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Overnight stay in Chaumailloux, an iconic cabin facing Mont Aiguille, in the heart of nature
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The ridges and alpine pastures of Jiboui with spectacular views of the Vercors and the Dévoluy
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Observe chamois and birds of prey while walking among the lavender fields and wild sheepfolds of Tussac
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
- You are able to walk for about 5 hours a day, with 600 to 800 m of positive elevation gain.
- You want to experience your first journey in the heart of nature, between forests, wild plateaus and nights in guesthouses and sheepfolds.
- You don't need any experience in multi-day hiking, but you are comfortable with exertion and curious to gently test your limits.
- You will carry a light bag with your personal belongings, your midday picnic and the evening meal in the cabin, everything else is taken care of so that you can fully enjoy the adventure.
- You are ready to disconnect from everyday life, walk at the pace of the mountain and share friendly evenings at the accommodation.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Average distance/day: 12 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 738 m
- Average daily descent: 700 m
Management
French
English
I'm Christelle, a passionate explorer of the mountains and human connection! A mountain guide, anthropologist, and science and social mediator, I love moving from group to group, exchanging ideas, learning, and sharing experiences. Nothing excites me more than guiding you through majestic peaks and hidden corners of paradise. Together, we'll discover the local wildlife, flora, culture, and history with curiosity and wonder. So, are you ready for an adventure?
Program
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Day 1
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 850 m
- Negative elevation 850 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Meet at 9:30 am at the Col de Menée. After organizing our equipment, we'll set off for the heights above Jiboui. The high-altitude trails offer sweeping views of the Dévoluy and the Vercors mountains. The descent then takes us through a more wooded area, following the Sareymond stream to the Sappet waterfall. In the late afternoon, we'll pass through the hamlets of Les Nonnières and Bénevise before arriving at a welcoming gîte in the heart of the Diois region, where we'll stay for the next two nights.
Day 1 -
Day 2
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 14 km
- Positive elevation gain 800 m
- Negative elevation 800 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The day begins with a gradual climb through fragrant slopes, typical of the southern Vercors. The path leads to the Tussac sheepfolds, often frequented by chamois. From a secluded promontory, there's a breathtaking view overlooking the Cirque d'Archiane, home to vultures and the bearded vulture. The route then crosses a Vercors pass to reach the verdant Combeau valley. We return to our gîte to spend the second night.
Day 2 -
Day 3
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Negative elevation 400 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A gradual entry into France's largest nature reserve. The trail ascends a secluded valley, surrounded by cliffs and unspoiled alpine pastures. A panoramic summit offers breathtaking views of the surrounding plateaus before continuing towards Chaumailloux. The landscape becomes more rugged as you approach the sheepfold, ideally situated opposite Mont Aiguille. Settle in and spend the night in this rustic cabin for an authentic bivouac experience and a true escape from the everyday.
Day 3 -
Day 4
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 600 m
- Negative elevation 750 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
A final awakening at altitude before reaching the ridges of Tête Chevalière. The panorama opens up to the Écrins and Dévoluy mountains. The hike continues along a high-altitude ridge path, then descends gently through alpine pastures and forests. A beautiful balcony trail gradually leads back to the Col de Menée pass. The trip ends around 4 pm, enriched by magnificent landscapes and moments shared in the heart of nature.
Day 4
Accommodation
Benevise Cottage
Chaumailloux Sheepfold
Access
We'll meet at 9:30 am at the Col de Menée.
Go to the starting point
Here are the correspondences:
- Departure station > Lyon Part-Dieu station
- Lyon > Grenoble (1h23)
- Grenoble > Clelles-Mens (1h03)
It is possible to drive to the Col de Menée and leave it in a free parking lot.
Price details
The price includes
- The trip will be supervised by a qualified mountain guide.
- Accommodation: 2 nights in a gîte and one night in an isolated cabin facing Mont Aiguille
- All meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 4 (except for the picnic lunch on the first day, which should be brought separately)
- Shared equipment: loan of cooking equipment and logistics for the night in the cabin (stove, shared dishes, etc.)
The price does not include
- The round trip to the Col de Menée is not included.
- Day 1's picnic
- Any personal expenses
- Anything not mentioned under "Price includes"
Options
- Additional night before the stay : CHF59.46 / person
- Additional night after the stay : CHF59.46 / person
- 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.
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