Mont Aiguille and Treasures of Diois

A superb hike that reveals the varied landscapes of the Southern Vercors: the Haut-Diois, the Hauts Plateaux, the Nature Reserve and the Trièves! Wild itineraries ideal for observing flora and fauna. Optional: the mythical ascent of Mont Aiguille!
The program:

Day 1/ Die - Archiane (760 m)

Welcome at Die station at 11am. Transfer to the village of Menée. We follow the course of the river to gradually enter the spectacular Archiane cirque at the southern end of the Vercors high plateau. We follow the path of the vultures who have found the cliffs ideal conditions for nesting and breeding. Discover this isolated village in the Haut-Diois region - 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.
Walking time: 3 h 30 to 4 h. M: from 500 m. D: from 500 m.
Overnight in a gîte in Archiane

D2/ Archiane (761 m) - Les Nonnières (850 m)

A splendid hike takes us into the Vercors Highlands, which we reach via the 4 Aubaise paths. 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 Jardin du Roy, then leave the plateau via the bergeries de Tussac, a beautiful balcony overlooking the Diois and Dévoluy peaks. We start the descent to the beautiful village of Bénevise, between walnut trees and lavender, and soon reach Les Nonnières, our overnight stopover.
6 / 7 h walk. M: from 1050 m. D : from 950 m.
Overnight in a hotel** with swimming pool, sauna and jacuzzi.

D3/ Les Nonnières (850 m) - Vallon de Combeau (1350 m.)

We leave Les Nonnières via a superb valley, topped by cool, sparkling waterfalls that feed the Sareymond stream, before returning to the alpine pastures at the ruin of the Désert farm. Here, Mont-Barral (1903 m), 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 wild trail through alpine meadows and hills leads us to the wonderful Vallon de Combeau.
6 to 7 h walk. M: from 1050 m. D : from 550 m.
Overnight in a mountain gîte.

D4/ Vallon de Combeau - La Richardière (1050 m)

After enjoying the charms of the bucolic Vallon de Combeau, watching the marmots and climbing one of the plateau's emblematic peaks (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 the Trièves. Mont-Aiguille attracts our attention all day long. 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 h walk. M: from 600 m. D: from 900 m.
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'll be touring 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, karabiners, etc.) provided by the mountain guide. This route is not technically difficult (3+ max climbing). 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 7h (ascent + descent).
7 h walking. Difference in altitude + 1150 m /- 1150 m
Overnight in a hotel** with sauna and jacuzzi.

D6/ La Richardière - Maison forestière du Château (1050 m) - Die

Via the Pas de l'Aiguille, an important resistance site, we once again enter the Vercors Haut-Plateaux nature reserve. 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 Hauts-Plateaux, 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 h walk. M: from 800 m. D : from 800 m.

Transfer to Die station and departure at 5pm.

Additional service, the ascent of Mont-Aiguille:
Those wishing to do so can make the mythical ascent of "Mont-Aiguille", which was climbed for the 1st time in 1492 by Antoine De Ville. This ascent takes place on D5 instead of the Tour du Mont-Aiguille scheduled for that day. It must be ordered at the time of registration.


The little extras :
- an itinerary off the beaten track
- a complete tour of Mont Aiguille
- discovery of the Archiane cirque and the Vercors High Plateaux
- optional ascent of Mont Aiguille