Vercors Tour in 5 Days

Day 1 – To the Pas de l'Aiguille

Meeting point is at 2pm at the car park above Hôtel du Gai Soleil. For participants arriving by train, carpooling is organised from Clelles-Mens station at 1:30pm.

From the hamlet of La Richardière, the trail first crosses hay meadows before climbing through mountain forest. A gradual ascent of 650 metres elevation over 5 kilometres leads to a green sanctuary perched atop the cliffs: the Pas de l'Aiguille.

This exceptional alpine pasture houses the first refuge of the trek, a rustic but authentic accommodation. The site carries the memory of the French Resistance with its memorial, offering an opportunity to delve into the history of WWII and the Vercors maquis fighters.

The accommodation is a private unmanned refuge with dormitory, dry toilets and abundant spring water. The refuge is stocked (on foot) before the trek to avoid carrying food supplies.

• Distance: 5km
• Elevation: +650m
• Accommodation: Refuge (dormitory, dry toilets, spring water)

Day 2 – The Nordic Atmosphere of the High Plateaus

Heading southwest to discover a unique setting: the Nordic atmosphere of the Vercors High Plateaus. Mountain pines, sinkholes, rolling hills and limestone pavement create a landscape reminiscent of Lapland. After an off-trail traverse to Col du Pinson, the route joins the famous GR91 – Vercors Traverse on one of its most beautiful sections.

The gradual descent winds through a spectacular canyon opening onto the Archiane cirque. This 12-kilometre stage (+100m/-950m elevation) concludes at the foot of majestic cliffs where Bearded Vultures nest. The Archiane guesthouse marks the return to amenities: hot water, electricity and half-board meals prepared by the local team with generous, simple family cooking using local and/or organic produce.

• Distance: 12km
• Elevation: +100m / -950m
• Accommodation: Guesthouse (dormitory, hot showers, facilities)
• Sporty variant: via Pré Peyret – 18km / +300m / -1,200m

Day 3 – Balconies and Panoramas to Combeau Valley

Heading east for a gentle climb through forest leading to the forgotten hamlet of Tussac, then crossing alpine pastures offering panoramic views of Rocher de Combeau on one side and the cliffs of Cirque d'Archiane on the other.

The route continues across the High Plateaus before descending through one of the discrete passages leading to Combeau Valley. This 15-kilometre stage (+950m/-500m) reveals the full diversity of Vercors landscapes on its Mediterranean side.

• Distance: 15km
• Elevation: +950m / -500m
• Accommodation: Guesthouse (dormitory, hot shower, facilities)

Day 4 – Ridgelines and 360° Panorama from Tête Chevalière

Return towards the iconic Pas de l'Aiguille via a magnificent non-vertiginous ridgeline route. The summit of Tête Chevalière (1,951m) rewards your effort with an exceptional 360° panorama: Dévoluy, Écrins, Grenoble, Chartreuse and even Mont Blanc on clear days.

This fourth stage of 13 kilometres (+750m/-500m) combines measured physical effort with constant visual rewards. Returning to the private refuge at Pas de l'Aiguille allows you to rediscover the authentic atmosphere of the High Plateaus for one more night at the most celebrated spot in the Vercors.

• Distance: 13km
• Elevation: +750m/-500m
• Accommodation: Refuge (dormitory, dry toilets, spring water) – private unmanned refuge, stocked beforehand so you don't need to carry food

Day 5 – At the Foot of Grand Veymont

To conclude this Vercors tour in style, two options are available. The first crosses part of the High Plateaus northward via the iconic Queyrie plain before emerging onto the Grand Veymont plateau, beneath the massif's highest point. A mandatory stop near a hidden edelweiss station punctuates this route.

The second option follows the cliffs, combining Nordic atmospheres with multiple viewpoints, notably over Mont Aiguille.

Both routes offer exceptional wildlife observation opportunities: ptarmigan, black grouse, ibex, chamois, eagles, vultures, marmots and wallcreepers populate these preserved spaces. Your guide's trained eye will help you spot the fauna hidden in the landscape.

Finally, the Pas de la Selle reveals itself. The descent leads through typical mountain forest, arriving mid-afternoon at La Richardière, the same location as the starting point.

Carpooling can be organised to Clelles station around 4:30pm for those who came by train, allowing connections to Grenoble or Gap before continuing by TGV to more urban destinations.

Those wishing to enjoy an extra night in a mountain village are welcome to book additional accommodation in Chichilianne.

• Distance: 12km
• Elevation: +350m/-950m