Introduction to bivouacking in the Vercors nature reserve
In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationVercors Massif / Drome
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AgeFrom 16 - 74 years
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CO₂-Emissions12.14 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
English
In a few words
Treat yourself to a rejuvenating break in the heart of the Vercors High Plateaus , during a three-day hiking and bivouac adventure. This small group trip (6 people max) is ideal for a gentle introduction to multi-day hiking in a magnificent and unspoiled setting.
From Valence TGV station, easily reach the southern part of the massif, a wild and authentic territory, classified as the largest nature reserve in France . Accompanied by a passionate guide with extensive knowledge of the area , you will discover abundant nature: ibex, chamois, marmots, vultures , as well as remarkable alpine flora .
Each step strengthens the connection with the environment, in an intimate atmosphere conducive to conversation and listening. Bivouacking in the heart of nature offers rare moments of simplicity and contemplation , under a sky that is often clear, inspiring wonder.
This stay is an authentic, human-scale immersion experience to slow down , rediscover the essentials and reconnect deeply with nature… and with oneself .
The highlights
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All-inclusive stay with quality camping equipment provided
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An experienced guide who addresses the specifics of the environment
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A splendid route with the most beautiful viewpoints in the Vercors.
Photos
Christophe - verified review - august 2026
Christophe - verified review - august 2026
Christophe - verified review - august 2026
Christophe - verified review - august 2026
Christophe - verified review - august 2026
Christophe - verified review - august 2026
Diane - verified review - may 2026
Diane - verified review - may 2026
marie-lise - verified review - may 2026
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 5h30
- Average distance/day: 10 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 500 m
- Average daily descent: 477 m
Management
English
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.
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.
Program
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Packing bags and entering the high plateau reserve.
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 9 km
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Negative elevation 200 m
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The meeting is set for 11:30 am at the Plateau de Beurre at an altitude of 1350 m.
After a short introduction of the guide, the participants and the planned itinerary, we will check the bags before starting.
The walk leads us to the Pas des Écondus, offering a breathtaking view of the upper Diois region, and
opens the door to the Hauts-Plateaux nature reserve.
Let's visit the Pré-Peyret cabin, and take the wild valley that leads to the Queyrie plain and its
isolated tree.
Before sunset, we will set up our bivouac area: pitch the tents, prepare the evening meal together, then enjoy the superb light in the high-altitude landscape.
Day 1 -
Peyre rouge, a march towards the west
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 650 m
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The original route of the second day, with an unmarked trail, allows us to immerse ourselves in the limestone landscapes, and the exceptional fauna and flora.
A crossing to the Pas de la Selle brings us considerably closer to the atypical
Mount Aiguille to the East. Close to the ridges, we will follow the Parquet rocks to reach the Chaumailloux hut, before turning due West to reach a water source on the other side of the reserve.
Tonight we will sleep with a west-facing view, ideal for a meal bordered by the blazing lights of the sunset.
Day 2 -
Crossing the Pison
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 580 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
This morning, we are heading back towards the heart of the Hauts-Plateaux nature reserve.
With a bit of luck, we might hear the grouse that lives in this area.
After a beautiful path lined with pine trees creating a Mediterranean atmosphere, we find ourselves back at the cabin from the first day.
It's already time to think about the return trip; one last crossing will allow us to reach the parking lot and complete the loop.
A friendly snack is offered before heading back towards Valence.
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
End of stay between 3 and 4pm at the parking lot of the first day.
The carpool will drop you off at the TGV station by 5:00 PM.
Go to the starting point
Carpooling can be arranged from Valence TGV station at 10am.
If you arrive at Valence city station, there are shuttle buses that run between these two stations.
• By car:
GPS coordinates of the starting parking lot: https://goo.gl/maps/iV7eFLgWiVV2pUEL8
A7 motorway:
- Coming from the North: Exit 13 Tain l'Hermitage - direction Romans sur Isère then Grenoble. At Saint-Nazaire en Royans, take direction La Chapelle-en-Vercors.
- Coming from the South: Exit 16 Loriol, direction Die, Col du Rousset, Saint Agnan
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
They traveled with us
Sylvain
- 28 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
My first trek and bivouac, and everything went well. The organizer (***) provided all the necessary equipment (tent, sleeping mat, sleeping bag, trekking poles). Xavier, our guide, was fantastic: excellent advice and everything was well-prepared. The atmosphere in our group of nine, ranging in age from 23 to 61, was wonderful and very supportive. I'm already looking forward to the next trip!
Christophe
- 58 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 couple
Nathalie
- 61 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
