Vercors: The Tour of the 3 Valleys and the 4 Mountains

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 that 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 date. Consider visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to take into account 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.

⚠️ For this stay, you must also bring your health insurance card and a European health insurance card.

In your bag for the day:

1. Basic package (without luggage transport) : 1 backpack (35 to 45 L) with a waist belt, which can hold your belongings for the day + your belongings for the week.
2. If you opt for luggage transport : 1 small backpack (30 to 35 L) with a waist belt, capable of holding your belongings for the day and for nights in the refuge.
3. 1 thermos or a preferably insulated water bottle (2 litres recommended).
4. Picnic essentials: 1 pocket knife, 1 fork-spoon, 1 cup, 1 Tupperware -type airtight container (for a portion of salad).
5. Race snacks (because being outdoors can make you a little hungry, don't hesitate to bring: energy bars, dried fruit or a few squares of chocolate for those with a sweet tooth).
6. 1 external battery for your mobile phone if you are using it for your hike.
7. 1 small pouch (preferably waterproof) to hold your money, ID card, health insurance card and assistance contract received upon registration if you subscribed to this insurance or that of your personal insurance.
8. 1 personal first aid kit (see complete kit suggestion below)
9. Toilet paper.
10. 1 pair of sunglasses + sunscreen.
11. 1 hat or 1 cap.
12. A scarf or a "buff" (neck warmer) provides a solution for all situations to cover the neck and head, whether it is hot or cold.
13. Optionally: a rain cover (to protect it from the rain) + 1 sturdy plastic bag (to protect the inside) + 1 headlamp or flashlight + 1 survival blanket.

Your complete luggage (list to be adapted according to the season) :

1. 1 sleeping bag liner and compact towel for the 2 nights in the refuge.
2. Several short or long sleeve t-shirts, made of breathable material (1 for 2 days of walking).
3. Loose and comfortable trekking trousers and/or shorts (opt for 2-in-1).
4. 1 fleece jacket or 1 down jacket, summers in the mountains can be cool.
5. 1 rain cape or a sleeping bag cover.
6. 1 waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex type windproof jacket with hood.
7. 1 pair of waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex type overtrousers, especially in spring or autumn.
8. Hiking socks (1 pair for 2 days of hiking). Preferably Wool or special hiking socks like terry cloth will prevent your feet from overheating prematurely. Be careful with cotton, as it can cause blisters.
9. 1 pair of hiking boots in good condition, with good ankle support and waterproofing, with Vibram-type soles. Remember to "test" new boots and those that haven't been used for a long time beforehand (check in particular if the sole glue is still holding and re-waterproof them).
10. Change of clothes for the evening: light trousers, clean t-shirt, light shoes and WARM clothes.
11. 1 swimsuit.
12. Toiletries (opt for the essentials, small sizes, samples and travel kits).
13. Earplugs or ear pads (optional).
14. If you wear glasses, remember to bring a spare pair.

Suggestions for a personal first aid kit:

1. Your usual medications.
2. Pain medication: paracetamol preferred.
3. Lozenges for sore throats.
4. Elastic adhesive strip, Elastoplast type, 8 cm wide.
5. Sets of adhesive bandages + disinfectant compresses.
6. Double skin (like Compeed or SOS blisters).
7. Vitamin C.
8. 1 pair of tweezers.
9. 1 tick remover.
10. Hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes.
11. 1 survival blanket.

Clothing, the principles:

For both your upper and lower body, opt for layering. This means wearing several layers of clothing that you can add or remove depending on the temperature and activity level. For example:

1. A long-sleeved undershirt made of breathable material (hollow fiber).
2. A warm fleece jacket.
3. A windproof, waterproof and breathable jacket of the Gore-Tex type.

When hiking in calm, sunny weather, a base layer may be sufficient. In rainy or windy conditions, simply add a waterproof jacket or rain poncho. In very cold weather or during breaks, a fleece jacket is an essential addition.

Choose clothes that dry quickly , so avoid cotton. Opt for synthetic fibers or merino wool, which will keep you dry and warm for as long as possible.

Remember to dress warmly before you get cold , but especially to remove layers before you get too hot . Sweat is a hiker's enemy, as it dampens clothing that quickly becomes icy during breaks. Therefore, it's very rare to undertake a climb wearing a fleece jacket.