Mont Aiguille and treasures of Diois (Vercors)

Description

This superb 6-day hike reveals the varied landscapes of the southern Vercors: the sumptuous Archiane cirque, the timeless villages of the Haut-Diois, the bucolic Combau valley, the high plateaus and their conservation area... and finally the Trièves with its spectacular Mont Aiguille! It follows wild itineraries ideal for observing flora and fauna.

As an option, you can climb Mont Aiguille with a mountain guide!

I also offer other summer packages, including a trek around Ruitor in Vanoise, a multi-activity family stay in the Vercors massif and a terroir and hiking weekend in the Diois.

Program

D1: Die - Archiane (760m).
Welcome at Die station at 11am. Transfer to the Archiane cirque at the southern end of the Vercors highlands. Picnic by the river and first hike on the trail of the vultures that have found the cliffs ideal conditions for nesting and breeding. Discover this isolated Haut-Diois village - a mecca for rock climbers - where ibex have been successfully reintroduced and which is home to a major resurgence of underground water from the karstic plateau.
3-hour walking, positive and negative altitude difference: 400 meters.
Overnight in a lodge in Archiane.

D2: Archiane - Les Nonnières (850m).
A splendid hike takes us into the Vercors highlands, which we reach via the 4 Chemins de l'Aubaise. As we gain altitude, we're sure to see vultures soaring majestically over the cliffs, while chamois and ibex caracolate on the slopes. We reach the aptly named Jardin du Roy, then leave the plateau via the bergeries de Tussac, a beautiful balcony overlooking the Diois and Dévoluy peaks. A last look at the Archiane cirque, and we begin our descent to the beautiful village of Bénevise, surrounded by walnut trees and lavender. We soon reach Les Nonnières, our overnight stop.
6 to 7 hours walking, D+: 1050m, D-: 950m.
Overnight in a 3-star hotel with swimming pool, sauna and jacuzzi.

D3: Les Nonnières - Combeau valley (1350m).
We leave Les Nonnières via a superb valley, topped by waterfalls that feed the Sareymond stream, before returning to the alpine pastures at the ruin of the Désert farm. Here, Mont Barral (1903m), our goal for the day, dominates the landscape. Soon the alpine pastures of Jiboui offer us the chance to observe pastoral life before reaching the panoramic ridges. The summit of Mont Barral offers an impressive 360° view, with the aesthetic Mont Aiguille standing out against the landscape. Descending to the Col de Menée, we follow the Grande Leirie ridge, which forms the eastern edge of the Vercors plateau, opening onto the Trièves. A final wild trail through alpine meadows and hills leads us to the wonderful Combeau valley.
6-hour walking, D+: 1050m, D-: 550m.
Overnight in a mountain lodge.

D4: Combeau valley - La Richardière (1050m).
After enjoying the charms of the bucolic Combeau valley, spotting marmots and climbing the Montagnette, we leave the plateau and enter the Trièves via the Pas de l'Essaure. Mont Aiguille catches our eye throughout the day. We're getting closer and closer! Discovery of the village of Chichilianne and end of the day's hike at the hamlet of La Richardière.
6-hour walking, D+: 600m, D-: 900m.
Overnight in a hotel** with sauna and jacuzzi.

D5: Tour of Mont Aiguille or ascent of Mont Aiguille (optional, to be booked when registering).
Today we take a tour of the emblematic mountain of the Vercors, which sometimes appears as a slender needle, sometimes as a vast dolomitic wall. It's at the Col de l'Aupet that we get the true measure of these exceptional landscapes.
For those who have chosen to climb Mont Aiguille, the itinerary is that of the normal route, with the descent via the Tubulaires followed by the Freychet abseil. It requires the use of mountaineering equipment (harness, rope, helmet, carabiners, etc.), supplied by the mountain guide. This route is not technically difficult (3+ maximum climbing ability). Accompanied by a mountain guide, it is accessible to all, even those who have never climbed before. This is an experience in a vertical environment, not recommended for people suffering from vertigo. Duration: 7 hours (ascent + descent).
7-hour walking, D+ and D-: 1150m.
Overnight in a hotel** with sauna and jacuzzi.

D6: La Richardière - Château forest house (1050m) - Die.
We enter the Vercors Highlands Conservation Area once again, via the Pas de l'Aiguille, an important resistance site. Perhaps we'll be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of chamois, ibex or even the wolf, which has made a comeback in recent years. After a fine day's crossing of the highlands, we leave the world of high altitude behind us and follow the itinerary of the transhumant sheep, via the Pas du Pison or the Pas de Chabrinel.
6 to 7 hours' walking, D+ and D-: 800m.
Transfer to Die station and departure at 5pm.

The price includes

• Supervision by the mountain leader.
• Full-board accomodation during the whole trip.
• Luggage transfert (limited to 20 kilos).
• Tranferts from/to Die train station at the beginning and at the end of the stay.

The price does not include

• Transport to and from Die, about 1 hour and 15 minutes drive from Valence and 2 hours from Grenoble.
• Drinks and personal expenses.
• Cancellation and repatration insurance.
• Visits and activities not planned in the program.
• Optional ascent of Mont Aiguille.
• Access to hotel wellness areas.
• Anything not mentioned in "The price includes".

It is customary (but not mandatory), depending on your satisfaction at the end of your stay, to tip your guide.

Accommodation

• 1 night in a gîte in a shared room.
• 1 night in a mountain lodge (small dormitories of 6 places).
• 2 nights in a ** hotel, shared room.
• 1 night in *** hotel, shared room.

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