Independent Walking
T he Vercors is a magical place where gleaming rock faces meet wild and desolate plateaux. The main summits are to be found on a ridge running along its eastern edge, the centre piece being Mont Aiguille, an awesome rock tower cast off from the main cliffs. Your traverse will follow this edge from above and below in the most scenic part of the Vercors. These undiscovered mountains offer some amazing panoramic views of the alpine chain. The Vercors is also a haven for wildlife with chamois, marmots and the famous alpine Ibex roaming the upland slopes. As for the flora there are 80 protected species represented including many rare orchids. You can adapt the number of days to suit your wishes.
PANORAMIC VERCORS
Walks: day-by-day
Day 1: Arrival – Pick up from Monestier-de-Clermont train station and transfer to stunning 3 star hotel by Lake Montéynard Avignonet
Day 2: Treffart- Gresse en Vercors
Climb away from the lake to a superb viewpoint over the lake. Pass through the village of Monestier before climbing to Pas du Serpaton from where you can extend the day’ s walk by following the ridgeline to the summit of Rocher du Cleton with your first fantastic panorama. After, descend to the alpine village of Gresse en Vercors. + 1100m, 20km 7hrs
Days 3 & 4: Grand Veymont
Choice of 3 walks. Climb the highest peak in the Vercors, Grand Veymont at 2341m for fantastic 360 ° views including Mont Aiguille below you or undertake a traverse of the famous balcony trail under the immense cliffs of the eastern edge of the Vercors plateau. Up to + 1150m 16km 6hrs. Second day from Gresse is optional.
Day 5: Gresse en Vercors- Richardiere
Another superb day which passes ravines and rock towers before climbing a gorge to reach Pas de Bachassons. A small traverse of the plateau before descending to cross the gap between the cliffs and Mont Aiguille – a unique walking experience. Descend to your hotel at Richardiere. There is an easier walk available on this day. + 1050m, 22km 7 hrs
Day 6: Richardiere- Nonniers
An enjoyable valley walk under giant cliffs before climbing onto the plateau – walk across the bizarre limestone plateau, a chaotic landscape of rocks, covered in pasture with wonderful wild flowers. Amazing views throughout of the Chichilianne valley, Mont Aiguille and the Alpine chain. Descend and follow the Combeau valley before a small climb to cross the Col de Cote chevre before descending to the isolated tiny village of Nonniers. 21km, + 1000m 6hrs 30
Day 7: Cirque d’ Archiane
From your hotel you can climb back up onto the plateau to view the amazing rock ampitheatre of Archiane from above or explore the cirque itself from below by following a path below the rock walls. Up to 17km, + 800m. This day is optional.
Day 8: Nonniers- Grimone
Your final day matches the excitement of the previous walks as you climb through forest to emerge onto the Jiboui ridge. Follow this to the Col de Seysse before climbing onto another breathtaking ridge leading to the summit of Le Joucou at 2051m which dominates the surrounding hills between the Vercors plateau to the west and the rocky mountains of the Devoluy to the east. Descend to Grimone a pretty hamlet. + 1250m, 18km, 7hrs
Day 9: Departure- Transfer to station at Lus-la-Croix-Haute( on same line as Monestier).
♦ Superb panoramic views
♦ Magical landscapes where gleaming vertical cliffs meet wild and desolate plateaux
♦ The Mont Aiguille – centre piece of an area known as the French Dolomites
♦ A haven for fauna and flora
♦ A challenging trek for those looking to get away from the crowds
♦ Welcoming hotels
At a Glance
GUIDED / INDEPENDENT Price: Grade: Profile:
Dates: 1 June
See Price List
16 Oct
Independent Walking
Price P / P See Price List or Web Site for details See our web site for details of our 4-day / 5 night walk: Tour of Mont Aiguille
Walking Profile
5 or 7 day’ s self-guided walking, 4 walks between guest houses. Walking per day amounts to an average of 6- 7hrs walking( not including lunch stop) and 1,100m of ascent and descent. Maximum altitude gain in one day is 1,250m. The walks take place on paths, although they are mountainous and rocky in nature. You should have a good level of fitness and be comfortable with walking on mountainous terrain. You should also be sure-footed on mountain paths and have a good head for heights.
Accommodation
You’ ll stay in a couple of charming 3 star hotels, a couple of 2 star hotels in great settings and a rustic gite in Grimonde. Warm welcome and great local food. Full board. Example: Le Chalet, Gresse en Vercors is a charming hotel with pool in a magnificent setting.
Holiday Profile
6 or 8 nights: 5 or 7 days self-guided walking moving between guest houses( except for extra days at Gresse and Nonnières). It is possible to adapt the number of days to suit your requirements
What’ s Included
What’ s not included
6 or 8 nights full board accommodation. Meals from dinner on first evening to breakfast on last day. Transfers from local train station before and after the holiday. Detailed walking notes and walking maps, transport of baggage.
Travel to local train stations, France; drinks with evening meals, lunches on day of arrival and departure, entrance fees, travel insurance
contact @ highpointholidays. co. uk
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