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 itinerant tours like this trek around the Ruitor in Vanoise, and, further afield, family hikes in Morocco and the Great Pamir Crossing trekking in Tajikistan.

Program

Day 1: Die - Archiane (760m).
Welcome at Die station at 11am and transfer to the village of Menée.
We follow the course of the river to gradually enter the spectacular Archiane cirque located at the southern end of the Vercors High Plateaux. We follow the path of the vultures which have found ideal conditions for nesting and breeding in these cliffs. Discovery of this isolated village in Upper Diois - a hotspot for climbing - where ibexes have been successfully reintroduced and which is home to a significant resurgence of groundwater from the karst plateau.
3 and a half to 4 hours of walking, elevation gain and loss: 500 meters.
Night at Archiane’s lodge.

Day 2: 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 the hamlet of Les Nonnières, our overnight stop.
6 to 7 hours walking, elevation gain: 1,050 meters, elevation loss: 950 meters.
Night in a ** hotel.

Day 3: Les Nonnières - Combeau valley (1,350m).
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 (1,903m), 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 to 7 hours walking, elevation gain: 1,050 meters, elevation loss: 550 meters.
Night in a mountain lodge.

Day 4: Combeau valley - La Richardière (1,050m).
After enjoying the charms of the bucolic valley of Combeau, observing the marmots and climbing one of the emblematic peaks of the plateau (Montagnette, Croix du Lautaret or Tête Chevalière), we leave the plateau via the Pas de l'Essaure or the Pas de l'Aiguille. to switch to Trièves. Mont Aiguille attracts our gaze throughout the day and we get closer and closer to it! Discovery of the village of Chichilianne and end of the day's hike in the hamlet of La Richardière.
6-hour walking, elevation gain: 600 meters, elevation loss: 900 meters.
Night in a ** hotel.

Day 5: Tour 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 grade). 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, elevation gain and loss: 1,150 meters.
Night in a ** hotel.

Day 6: La Richardière - Château forest house (1,050m) - Die.
It is via the Pas de l'Aiguille, a mecca of resistance, that we once again enter the Hauts-Plateaux du Vercors nature reserve. Perhaps we will have the chance to surprise some chamois, ibexes or even the wolf who has been back for several years. After a beautiful day crossing these Hauts-Plateaux we leave the world of altitude by taking the route of the transhumant sheep, via the Pas du Pison or that of Chabrinel.
Transfer to Die station and separation at 5pm.
6 to 7 hours walking, elevation gain and loss: 800 meters.

NB: The itinerary described may be modified by your guide for reasons of weather, organization or the level of the group.... These modifications are always made in your interest, for your safety and better comfort!

The price includes

• Supervision by the mountain leader.
• Full-board accomodation during the whole trip.
• Luggage transfert (limited to 15 kilos).
• Return tranferts to Die train station at the beginning and at the end of the stay.

The price does not include

• Round-trip transportation to 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 lodge in shared room.
• 1 night in a mountain lodge (small dormitories of 6 places).
• 3 nights at the Mont Barral ** hotel, in shared room.
  Free access to swimming pool. Well-being area with jacuzzi, sauna and massages (booking required, extra cost).

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